25 Sumptuous Shrimp Appetizers You’ll Love

Shrimp is one of the most versatile seafood, and as such, it often gets a lot of love. It can be made into a nice dinner, served as hor d’oeurvres, and enjoyed hot or cold as sumptuous shrimp appetizers.

So, it is a no-brainer that this delightful seafood can be made into a wide range of appetizers to suit any occasion. From dips to rolls and even cocktails, the cooking possibilities are simply endless with shrimp.

So, If you’ve been racking your brain trying to figure out how to transform your beloved shrimp into a tasty appetizer, well, you're in luck because we've put together some of the best shrimp appetizers that’ll turn you and your friends into shrimp fanatics in no time.

Quick Table: Shrimp Appetizers

Recipes	Calories Per Serving	Preparation Time
Spicy Party Shrimp	95	1 Hour 5 Minutes
Cream Cheese Shrimp Rolls	73	45 Minutes
Shrimp Stuffed Poblano Peppers	692	35 Minutes
Fresh Spring Rolls	61	45 Minutes
Popcorn Shrimp	314	35 Minutes
Shrimp Bacon Sliders	349	55 Minutes
Shrimp Dip	154	5 Minutes
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp	250	30 Minutes
Cheesy Shrimp Ciabatta	158	15 Minutes
Shrimp And Grits Appetizer Cups	241	20 Minutes
Guacamole Shrimp Appetizers	61	20 Minutes
Sausage And Grilled Shrimp Kabobs	255	20 Minutes
Shrimp Martini Appetizer	100	10 Minutes
Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls	175	35 Minutes
Thai Shrimp In A Blanket	56	45 Minutes
Triple Cheese Shrimp Dip Wontons	395	35 Minutes
Shrimp Puffs	560	25 Minutes
Coconut Shrimp	326	30 Minutes
Baked Stuffed Shrimp	493	60 Minutes
Shrimp Stuffed Mushrooms	97.3	40 Minutes
Garlic Lime Roasted Shrimp	155	15 Minutes
Shrimp Cakes	265	25 Minutes
Chili Lime Baked Shrimp Cups	74	45 Minutes
Baked Shrimp Toast	320	25 Minutes
Avocado Cucumber Shrimp Appetizers	49	20 Minutes

1. Spicy Party Shrimp

There's no better way to wow your guests and get a party started than with this spicy party shrimp.

With an easy marinated mixture of shrimp, cayenne pepper, Paprika, crushed pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and olive oil, it is a super simple appetizer you can whip up without much hassle.

If you're not a fan of super spicy food, feel free to skip the crushed pepper flakes. However you decide to make it, this party shrimp is loaded with flavor and can be enjoyed hot or cold. 

Calories Per Serving: 95

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 5 Minutes

2. Cream Cheese Shrimp Rolls

An appetizer you can make ahead of time, cream cheese Shrimp rolls are the perfect tasty treat that’ll surely please your guests.

All you’ll need is a whipped mixture of cream cheese, cocktail sauce, chopped shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, and green onions neatly wrapped into flour tortillas.

To give these shrimp rolls a colorful and fun aesthetic, feel free to use flavored, colored tortillas.

Calories Per Serving: 73

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes

3. Shrimp Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Poblano peppers have a lovely sweet and spicy flavor, and when paired with shrimp, you get an amazing combo like these shrimp stuffed poblano peppers.

Baked poblanos are stuffed with a mouth-watering feeling of rice, cheese, celery, onions, and bread crumbs.

The rice is a key component of the stuffing, so to get a good flavor, be sure to use jasmine rice or basmati.

Calories Per Serving: 692

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes 

4. Fresh Spring Rolls

Transform a Vietnamese restaurant favorite into a tasty appetizer with these fresh spring rolls. 

They're healthy rolls of rice paper filled with shrimp, cucumbers, carrots, cabbages, and a mix of fresh herbs.

Served with sweet chili sauce or creamy peanut sauce, and everyone who has a bite will be begging you for the recipe.

Calories Per Serving: 61

Preparation Time: 45 minutes

5. Popcorn Shrimp

If you're looking for a savory snack to munch on or fun bite-sized appetizers to keep your guests satiated, popcorn shrimp is the perfect dish to try.

Little bites of shrimp are coated in flour and seasoning and deep fried to golden brown and crispy perfection.

To get the most enjoyment out of this popcorn shrimp, serve hot with cocktail sauce or a fresh aioli sauce.

Calories Per Serving: 314

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

RELATED: What Are Shrimp? (Fish, Seafood, Or Shellfish?)

6. Shrimp Bacon Sliders

If you're hosting an outdoor get-together or tailgating party, Shrimp bacon Sliders are the perfect appetizers to bring along for the fun.

They feature potato bread rolls loaded with sauteed onions, shrimp, crisp bacon slices, and cheese and baked to perfection.

With a wonderful mix of flavor and buttery texture, these little bites are sure to wow any crowd.

Calories Per Serving: 349

Preparation Time: 55 Minutes

7. Shrimp Dip

A classic loved and cherished by everyone, shrimp dip is an easy appetizer you can make on any occasion.

A whipped mixture of cream cheese, chili sauce, mayonnaise, onions, creamed horseradish, cooked shrimp, and chives is all that's required to make this tasty dip. 

Serve with crackers or celery sticks for a healthier snacking alternative.

Calories Per Serving: 154

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

8. Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

As some people fondly say, bacon makes everything better, and with these bacon-wrapped shrimp, that statement couldn't be more true.

Bite-sized shrimp are wrapped in bacon and coated in sweet maple butter before being baked into crispy perfection.

You'll need to use deveined shrimp for this, so be sure to properly clean and remove the intestines from your shrimp or purchase already deveined shrimp to save time.

Calories Per Serving: 250

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

9. Cheesy Shrimp Ciabatta

Cheesy shrimp ciabatta Is an addictive appetizer that will be well appreciated by true shrimp lovers.

Tender chunks of shrimp are loaded on ciabatta bread slices along with butter, cheddar, jack cheese, chives, and mayonnaise and baked into a gooey masterpiece.

For a crunchier base, feel free to use baguette slices, as they tend to get crunchier when baked.

Calories Per Serving: 158

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes 

10. Shrimp And Grits Appetizer Cups 

If you're looking for a slightly filling appetizer, then there is no better option than these shrimp and grits appetizer cups.

They're cute, easy to make, and consist of cooked shrimp layered over grits cooked in a mixture of butter, milk, and cheese.

To get the best creamy texture of grits, feel free to go heavy-handed with the butter. 

Calories Per Serving: 241

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

RELATED: 15 Delicious Shrimp Over Pasta Recipes

11. Guacamole Shrimp Appetizer

Guacamole shrimp appetizer is an easy-to-make starter that will get your guests excited for the meal to come.

Cooked shrimp are tossed in a mix of butter and sriracha and placed over creamy guacamole.

If you're pressed for time and can’t make your own guac, feel free to use store-bought guacamole 

Calories Per Serving: 61

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes 

12. Sausage And Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

If you've got a barbecue party coming up, these sausage and grilled shrimp kabobs are the way to go when it comes to appetizers.

They consist of deveined shrimp coated in olive oil and bbq seasoning and grilled with sausage slices on skewer sticks.

If you intend to use wooden skewer sticks, be sure to soak them in water before grilling to prevent them from burning while you grill.

Calories Per Serving: 255

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes 

13. Shrimp Martini Appetizer

Shrimp martini appetizer is a fancy, flavor-filled starter that's perfect to serve at festivities.

It features a chilled combination of cooked shrimp, cilantro, jalapenos, onions, tomatoes, lime juice, and a dash of hot sauce. 

Serve this martini with pita chips, tortilla chips, or even lettuce spears, and you’ve got yourself a winning combo.

Calories Per Serving: 100

Preparation Time: 10 minutes 

14. Spicy Baked Shrimp Balls

A healthy and delicious appetizer that’s fun to eat, spicy baked shrimp balls are a surefire way to elevate any gathering.

A mixture of sauteed onions, peppers, shrimp, egg whites, bread crumbs, and cilantro is molded into dainty little balls and baked till golden brown.

If you're looking to save some time, these shrimp balls can be made overnight or even frozen for up to months.

Calories Per Serving: 175

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes 

15. Thai Shrimp In A Blanket (Goong Hom Pha)

Goong Hom Pha is another Asian-inspired appetizer with a crisp exterior and tender interior that will make you want to have it forever.

Deveined Shrimp is wrapped In a blanket of spring roll wrappers and fried until brown and crispy.

Serve these Thai treats with sweet chili dipping sauce, and they’ll be hit on any occasion.

Calories Per Serving: 56

Preparation Time: 45 minutes 

RELATED: 8 Perfect Side Dishes to Serve With Coconut Shrimp

 16. Triple Cheese Shrimp Dip Wontons

Looking for a unique and equally tasty way to serve your shrimp dip? Make them in this triple cheese shrimp dip wonton version.

They are crisp on the outside and creamy on the interior and consist of a mixture of cream cheese, mayo, shrimp, onions, Worcestershire sauce, and swiss cheese, all spooned into baked wonton cups.

Calories Per Serving: 395

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes 

17. Shrimp Puffs

Shrimp puffs are a lovely, crumbly, and tasty appetizer that are o easy to make even; kids can whip them up while you work on other things. They’ll need to be supervised, of course.

With a baked combination of biscuits, shrimp, mayo, cheddar cheese, dill, and garlic, you’ll find yourself constantly reaching for these beautiful puffs.

Calories Per Serving: 395

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes 

18. Coconut Shrimp 

For a sweet and savory bite with an impressively crispy exterior, coconut is seriously an undeniable winner.

It is so easy to make and only requires jumbo shrimp coated in panko bread crumbs and coconut shavings before being baked into crispy bites of perfection.

Serve your coconut shrimp with a side of sweet chili sauce for an Asian-inspired flavor profile.

Calories Per Serving: 326

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes 

19. Baked Stuffed Shrimp

A restaurant famous dish you can make for a fraction of the price, baked stuffed shrimp is an amazing appetizer that is sure to impress any crowd.

It features an impressive baked arrangement of jumbo shrimp loaded with a mix of crabs, crushed crackers, mayonnaise, clam juice, mushrooms, bell pepper, and celery.

Calories Per Serving: 493

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 

20. Shrimp Stuffed Mushrooms

With a tasty and hearty mix of vegetables, shrimp stuffed mushrooms are the perfect low-carb, gluten-free appetizer for those on a strict diet.

Sauteed shrimp and a mix of cream cheese, mayonnaise, onions, and bread crumbs are filled into mushrooms and baked until warm and bubbly.

You can use any type of mushrooms for this appetizer, but baby bellas and portobellos are great options to choose from.

Calories Per Serving: 97.3

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes 

RELATED: Are Shrimp Tails Edible?

21. Garlic Lime Roasted Shrimp Salad

Take your regular salad to mouth-watering new heights by transforming it into this garlic lime roasted shrimp salad. 

It features a chilled mix of roasted shrimp, cucumbers, avocados, garlic, lime cilantro, and a host of other fresh herbs.

Calories Per Serving: 155

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes 

22. Shrimp Cakes

Shrimp cakes are keto appetizers with the perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness while being loaded with flavor.

They are pan-fried patties featuring a mix of mayonnaise, shrimp, eggs, mustard, oats flour, and parmesan cheese.

Be sure to serve these with an aioli sauce.

Calories Per Serving: 265

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

23. Chili Lime Baked Shrimp Cups

Chili lime-baked shrimp cups are delicious crispy bites that are perfect to serve at a party.

Crispy baked wontons are filled with sour cream, arugula, and shrimp coated in chili and lime seasoning.

Calories Per Serving: 74

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes 

24. Baked Shrimp Toast

Baked shrimp toast is a mouth-watering appetizer that’s perfect for those who love crispy bread.

It is a Vietnamese-inspired dish that features a creamy mix of shrimp, butter, and mayo layered over bread that’s baked into a crispy golden texture.

Calories Per Serving: 320

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes 

RELATED: Can You Refreeze Shrimp That Has Been Previously Thawed

25. Avocado Cucumber Shrimp Appetizers

This tasty appetizer features a trifecta of amazing deliciousness.

Sauteed cajun shrimp is layered over creamy avocado and a refreshing slice of cucumber.

If you don't intend to serve these right away, be sure to cover the mashed avocado spread and refrigerate until you’re ready.

Calories Per Serving: 49

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Can You Keep Shrimp Dip In The Fridge?

Most shrimp dips are made from ingredients such as cream cheese and mayonnaise and which shouldn’t really be frozen, so they always have to be stored in the refrigerator.

Once in the fridge, however, your shrimp dip can last for about 2-3 before it gets finicky as shrimp is highly perishable and can’t last for much longer than that.

Should You Rinse Canned Shrimp? 

Canned shrimp comes already cleaned, so it is generally not necessary to rinse it before use.

However, canned shrimp often has a strong flavor due to the preservatives added in, and this can overpower the taste of food when used in some recipes. Hence, it might be best to rinse the shrimp in those cases.

If you also want to reduce the amount of salt in a dish or have already used a lot of added salt, you would definitely need to rinse the shrimp as canned shrimp often comes quite overly salted.

What Vegetable Is Good With Shrimp?

The vegetables that pair nicely with shrimp include cucumbers, green beans, broccoli, asparagus, bell peppers, sugar snap peas, zucchini, and mushrooms.