Cajun Shrimp & Mirliton Dressing
If you’ve ever spent the holidays in Louisiana, you know a good mirliton dressing is a must-have on the table. This Cajun Shrimp & Mirliton Dressing takes all the best Southern flavors, buttery shrimp, sautéed vegetables, herbs, and classic stuffing mix, and bakes them together into one rich, savory casserole. The mirliton (also known as chayote squash) gives the dish a soft, creamy texture, while Cajun seasoning and garlic bring just the right amount of spice.
It’s a family-style side that tastes like home, simple, hearty, and perfect alongside roasted meats, turkey, or even on its own with a slice of French bread.
What You Need to Make Cajun Shrimp & Mirliton Dressing
Main Ingredients
- Mirlitons (chayote squash)
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Herb stuffing mix
- Frozen seasoning blend (onion, celery, red and green peppers)
- Butter
- Garlic
- Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper
For the Topping
- Italian breadcrumbs
- Grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make Cajun Shrimp & Mirliton Dressing
1
Boil the mirlitons
Place mirlitons in a large pot and boil for 45–60 minutes, until tender. Drain and let cool. Cut in half, remove seeds, scoop out the pulp, mash, and press out excess water.
2
Cook the seasoning blend
In the same pot, melt butter and add the frozen seasoning mix. Sauté for about 5 minutes until fragrant.
3
Build the base
Stir in the mashed mirliton pulp, herb stuffing mix, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and let cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4
Add shrimp and garlic
Stir in minced garlic and shrimp. Cook just until the shrimp turn pink, about 3–5 minutes.
5
Assemble and bake
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×11-inch baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly, then sprinkle with breadcrumbs and Parmesan.
6
Bake to perfection
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until golden and slightly crisp on top.
Cajun Shrimp & Mirliton Dressing
Ingredients
- 6 mirlitons
- 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined (I like using fresh small shrimp)
- 6 oz herb stuffing mix
- 20 oz frozen seasoning blend onion, celery, red and green peppers
- ½ stick butter
- 3 tablespoons garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Boil mirlitons for 45–60 minutes until tender. Drain, cool, cut in half, remove seeds, scoop pulp, mash, and press out excess water.
- In the same pot, cook the seasoning blend with butter for 5 minutes.
- Add mirliton pulp, stuffing mix, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in garlic and shrimp. Cook until shrimp turn pink. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×11 pan. Spread mixture in the pan, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and Parmesan, and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until golden.
