Cajun Shrimp Cheesecake
If you’re looking for a simple but impressive appetizer that doesn’t involve a lot of fuss, this Cajun Shrimp Cheesecake is a solid choice. It’s savory, creamy, and offers just the right amount of spice. Whether you serve it with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or fresh vegetables, it works well as a starter for brunch, a dinner party, or even a casual get-together.
This version comes together quickly, and since it’s a no-bake recipe, it’s especially useful when you want something chilled and make-ahead friendly.
Why You’ll Like This Cajun Shrimp Cheesecake
- No baking required
- Quick to assemble
- Balanced flavors—rich, tangy, and a little spicy
- Perfect for making ahead
- Easily customizable
Whether you’re hosting friends or prepping a weekend snack board, this chilled cheesecake holds its shape well and spreads beautifully onto crackers, bread, or sliced cucumber.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the base:
- Crackers – choose something buttery or salty for flavor (e.g., saltines, Ritz).
- Arugula and spinach – a small handful adds a peppery, green touch.
- Olive oil or melted butter – binds everything together and gives structure.
For the filling:
- Cream cheese – softened to make it easier to mix.
- Cooked shrimp – chopped, peeled, and deveined. Medium-sized shrimp work best.
- Cucumber – adds freshness and texture.
- Shallot & chives – for a subtle onion-like flavor.
- Lemon zest and juice – brightens the whole dish.
- Cajun spice mix – adds warmth and a hint of heat.
Optional garnishes:
- Fresh dill
- Whole cooked shrimp
- Chive blossoms
Step-by-Step Instructions
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1. Make the base
In a food processor, combine the crackers, arugula, spinach, and olive oil (or melted butter). Pulse until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into a 6-inch ring mold or springform pan to create the crust.
2. Mix the filling
In a medium bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, chopped shrimp, cucumber, shallot, chives, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Cajun seasoning. Mix until smooth and well combined.
3. Assemble
Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust. Use a spatula to smooth out the top.
4. Chill
Place the cheesecake in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to firm up. You can also prepare it a few hours ahead if needed.
5. Garnish & Serve
Carefully remove the mold. Garnish with fresh dill, a few whole shrimp, and chive blossoms, if available. Add a light dusting of Cajun seasoning for color and kick.
Serve with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or vegetable rounds.
Tips & Variations
- Not a fan of Cajun spice? Try lemon pepper or Old Bay instead.
- Add more heat with a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce.
- Don’t skip the chill time -this helps everything hold together when serving.
- Make ahead: You can prep this several hours ahead and chill until ready to serve.
- Texture: If you want a looser texture, add a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the filling.
Cajun Shrimp Cheesecake
Ingredients
- 2 oz crackers (saltines, butter crackers, etc.)
- A handful of arugula and spinach
- 1 tsp olive oil or 1 tbsp melted butter
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup cooked shrimp peeled, deveined, roughly chopped
- 1 small cucumber finely chopped
- ½ shallot minced
- 1 tbsp chives chopped
- Zest and juice of ½ small lemon
- ½ tsp Cajun spice mix
- Garnish: fresh dill, whole cooked shrimp, chive blossoms (optional)
Instructions
- In a food processor, blend crackers, arugula, spinach, and olive oil (or butter) into fine crumbs. Press into a 6-inch mold.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, chopped shrimp, cucumber, shallot, chives, lemon zest/juice, and Cajun seasoning until smooth.
- Spread the mixture over the crust and smooth the top.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes.
- Remove mold and garnish with dill, shrimp, and chive blossoms.
- Serve with toasted baguette or crackers.
Video
Notes
• Add more heat with a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce.
• Don’t skip the chill time -this helps everything hold together when serving.
• Make ahead: You can prep this several hours ahead and chill until ready to serve.
• Texture: If you want a looser texture, add a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the filling.
