20 Easy Cajun Appetizers That Have a Kick (2024)

On the lookout for some starters with a kick? These Cajun appetizers will be the talk of the town at your next BBQ.

I know that I just offered a whole slew of amazing Cajun recipes, but I had so many left to share!

And no, it’s not just adding Cajun seasoning to some chicken dip! These are tried-and-true, classically southern appetizers that will knock your socks off.

I can’t wait anymore. Let’s just dive right into this of 20 crazy-good Cajun appetizers so you can get right into the kitchen!

1. Easy Cajun Shrimp Toast Appetizers

How often do you see a platter of scrumptious shrimp toast appetizers? It’s such a simple dish, but you know it’ll impress.

Anyone can make bruschetta or throw some chips into a bowl. Luckily, this recipe might look impressive, but it’s a cinch to make.

2. Boudin Balls

I can’t overstate just how tasty these little sausage-filled, crunchy balls are.

What started as an economical way to bulk out sausage meat has turned into a beloved dish throughout the south.

If you can’t find boudin sausages, Andouille sausages will work just as well.

I actually enjoy the texture of adding some well-seasoned rice and even some grated cheese to mine, but you can leave it out. They’ll be delicious either way.

3. Baked Blooming Onion

You might not believe me, but I think this baked blooming onion is just as good as the deep-fried kind.

It’s just as crunchy and flavorful, and the Cajun spices are just what it needs!

My only note would be to spend some time pulling the layers apart to ensure you get plenty of the crumb in all the crevices.

4. Baked Cajun Chicken Nuggets

Most of us can admit that chicken nuggets are delicious. They might be on the kid’s menu, but you know you sneak a few when nobody’s looking!

This recipe takes that classic, crunchy, juicy chicken nugget and gives it a little heat – or a lot if you add enough! Just be sure to keep the kid’s nuggets separate 🙂

5. Easy Mardi Gras Hot Muffuletta Dip

There’s one ingredient on this list that you might not be familiar with. Giardiniera, pronounced “jar-din-air-ah,” is an Italian relish full of pickled veggies.

If you can’t find it in the store, try making your own. It’s so good; you’re going to want it on hand at all times!

6. French Quarter Praline Cheese Ball

When you glance over the ingredient list, you might think there are two very different recipes mixed up here.

Cream cheese, cajun seasoning, Worcestershire, garlic, butter, dijon mustard… brown sugar, and pecans?

Trust the process!

This unbelievable cheese dip is salty and sweet and impossible to resist.

The spicy cream cheese filling is pretty tasty as is, but when you pour over the savory-sweet topping and crunchy pecans, it’s taken to another level.

7. Cracker Barrel Fried Okra

Okra is one of those things that you either love or hate. I get it; the texture can be a lot at first.

But this fried recipe is so good; it will convert any okra-hater.

There’s not an ounce of that sticky goo in this dish. Instead, it’s a crispy, umami-rich dish that is only enhanced further by a creamy Cajun dip.

8. Cajun Shrimp and Corn Cakes

Aside from the shrimp, this dish contains corn kernels, creamed corn, and cornmeal, so you know it will be sweet, crispy, and gorgeous!

I like mine with a mix of chunky shrimp and more finely chopped, but if you pulse it a few times in a food processor, it will be just right.

9. Cajun Hush Puppies

Another southern classic, hush puppies are soft on the inside with a lovely crunchy outer coating.

The beauty of this recipe is that you’ll just need to mix everything together and then drop spoonfuls into hot oil until golden.

It’s rustic and pairs well with just about anything.

10. Southern Corn Dip

I love corn for many reasons and will happily serve it in all shapes and sizes as a side dish. But my favorite thing might just be the color.

This dip is sweet, cheesy, and just as spicy as you like it. Between the corn, tomatoes, and chilis, it will be the most vibrant dish on the table.

11. Cajun Caviar Dip

If the name has you scrolling away, hold on! There are no fish eggs in this dish! It gets the name from the jelly consistency of the top layer.

The main layer is quite similar to the cream cheese ball from above. But it’s the red-pepper jelly that will have you coming back for more.

12. King Cake Cheese Ball

King cake is quintessential New Orleans, and there’s nothing better than seeing those stunning colors.

If you don’t have the time to make a real king cake, this sweet, cream cheese, and brown sugar dip is the next best thing!

13. Savory Spiced Pecans

Pecans have a wonderfully mild and nutty flavor, and we all know they shine when mixed into a sweet pie.

But I have to admit that these savory spiced nuts might just be harder to resist than a bag of salty chips.

14. Cajun-Style Fried Deviled Eggs

My issue with deviled eggs is often the texture. I always feel that it’s missing something.

15. Cajun Guacamole

If you aren’t a fan of chunky guacamole, this is not the recipe for you.

But if you prefer your guac with a bit of a bite, then I can’t recommend this enough.

It has peppers, cherry tomatoes, scallions, and celery, making it crunchy and filling.

16. Andouille Sausage Puffs

These are, more or less, Cajun-style sausage rolls.

And if you’ve ever had a real, authentic sausage roll, you know that the combo of salty sausage meat with buttery, flaky pastry is the stuff of dreams.

I love that these are little bites, meaning you can have more than one or two (or three!).

17. Cheesy Chicken and Shrimp Jambalaya Hot Dip Recipe

Jambalaya is an insanely delicious mix of tender spiced rice with tomatoes, shrimp, chicken, and sausage.

It’s spicy and super filling, and it’s easier to make at home than you think.

And then this genius little dip takes all that amazing flavor and mixes it with some cheese to make one helluva of a hot dip.

18. Cajun Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Shrimp are meaty but still light enough that they work as an appetizer and a main.

These beautiful skewers are zesty and spicy with a hint of sweetness.

They will make fantastic little starters or pair them with some dirty rice for the main course.

19. Cajun Shrimp Dip

Between the chopped, chunky shrimp, diced bell peppers, garlic, Cajun spices, cream cheese, and a thick layer of cheese on top, this is more than just a shrimp dip.

You’ll want to make extra here because it won’t last long.

20. Cajun Cauliflower Bites

I made these as a vegetarian option over the holidays, and I’m pretty sure they were all gone well before anything else.

Not only is the cauliflower roasted to perfection, but it then gets tossed in a spicy hot sauce mix and broiled for good measure.

Serve with something cool like ranch, or amp up the heat even further with some Cajun dip.

20 Easy Cajun Appetizers That Have a Kick

Ingredients

• Easy Cajun Shrimp Toast Appetizers

• Boudin Balls

• Baked Blooming Onion

• Baked Cajun Chicken Nuggets

• Easy Mardi Gras Hot Muffuletta Dip

• French Quarter Praline Cheese Ball

• Cracker Barrel Fried Okra

• Cajun Shrimp and Corn Cakes

• Cajun Hush Puppies

• Southern Corn Dip

• Cajun Caviar Dip

• King Cake Cheese Ball

• Savory Spiced Pecans

• Cajun-Style Fried Deviled Eggs

• Cajun Guacamole

• Andouille Sausage Puffs

• Cheesy Chicken and Shrimp Jambalaya Hot Dip Recipe

• Cajun Grilled Shrimp Skewers

• Cajun Shrimp Dip

• Cajun Cauliflower Bites

Instructions

• Select your favorite recipe.
• Organize all the required ingredients.
• Prep a Cajun starter in 30 minutes or less!