25 Best Shrimp Appetizers That Are Packed With Flavor
Serve them at your next party!
Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Here’s a little known fact about Ree Drummond: She’s actually a really big fan of shrimp! She’s dreamed up plenty of shrimp recipes over the years, like her foil-packet shrimp pasta and her lemon-garlic shrimp and grits. But shrimp isn’t just for a main course, it’s also a great way to kick things off at your next party. Whether you’re planning an elegant Christmas dinner or a casual get-together with friends, you’ll definitely want to check out these easy shrimp appetizers! Not only are they quick to cook and incredibly versatile, but the light bites ahead are all worthy of a celebration (or should we say shell-ebration).
Ahead, you'll find classic shrimp appetizers, like shrimp cocktail and creamy shrimp dip, along with fun new favorites, like Tex-Mex shrimp bites and buffalo shrimp. Of course, there are also ideas for New Year's Eve appetizers or even a Valentine’s Day dinner for you and your loved one. Take it from Ree—her cattle-herding hubby Ladd will dig into a plate of shrimp when they're wrapped in bacon. Luckily, we've got Ree's bacon-shrimp skewer recipe and so much more!
Shrimp Dip
When making this creamy shrimp dip, we like to opt for fresh shrimp instead of canned. Add lots of fresh herbs and a generous layer of cocktail sauce on top!
Get the Shrimp Dip recipe.
Garlic Shrimp
Inspired by Spanish tapas (small plates), this shrimp dish is perfect for getting a party started. Put out small bowls of the garlicky shrimp and let guests dig right in. Or, serve with crusty garlic bread.
Get the Garlic Shrimp recipe.
Coconut Shrimp
A crunchy shredded coconut crust brings a pop of tropical flavor to your holiday appetizers. This finger food is even better when dunked in the Thai sweet chili sauce.
Get the Coconut Shrimp recipe.
Shrimp Cocktail
This version of the classic shrimp cocktail first starts with a pot of simmering water filled with lemon, onion, garlic, Old Bay, and bay leaf. It brings so much more flavor to the simple poached shrimp.
Get Ree's Shrimp Cocktail recipe.
Bacon-Shrimp Skewers
The combination of sweet pineapple, salty bacon, shrimp, and barbecue sauce is unlike anything else. Serve them up on skewers and watch them disappear!
Get the Bacon-Shrimp Skewers recipe.
Ginger Shrimp Salad
A simple leafy green salad becomes instantly addictive when topped with ginger-soy marinated shrimp. The lime-jalapeño dressing makes it all the more tasty.
Get Ree's Ginger Shrimp Salad recipe.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
A quick 15-minute marinade is all you need for these grilled shrimp skewers. Add lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, black pepper and crushed red pepper to really make the shrimp shine.
Get the Grilled Shrimp Skewers recipe.
Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
Whether it's taco Tuesday or a backyard bash, these shrimp tacos are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. You can even let your guests build their own for a DIY taco bar.
Get Ree's Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa recipe.
Grilled Shrimp Ceviche
Between the bold habanero spice marinade and the char from the grill, this ceviche is full of flavor. Scoop it up with tortilla chips like you would any other party dip.
Get the Grilled Shrimp Ceviche recipe.
Shrimp and Veggie Quesadillas
We can't think of anything more fun to share with friends than a cheesy quesadilla, especially when it's loaded with shrimp, spinach, peppers, and salsa verde.
Get Ree's Shrimp and Veggie Quesadillas recipe.
Shrimp Guacamole Bites
Bold seasonings, creamy guacamole, and crunchy corn tortilla chips make this shrimp appetizer the perfect bite! You can also add crumbled feta cheese or queso fresco on top if you'd like.
Get the Shrimp Guacamole Bites recipe at Well Plated by Erin.
Shrimp Bisque
A homemade shrimp stock takes this seafood bisque to the next level. It's creamy, comforting and will be sure to warm you right up.
Chili-Lime Shrimp with Avocado Crema
You can let these shrimp marinade (with chili powder, garlic, and lime juice) for just about 30 minutes or skip that step and just cook them up in minutes! Either way, the creamy avocado sauce is great for dipping.
Get the Chili-Lime Shrimp with Avocado Crema recipe at Joyous Apron.
Shrimp Dumplings
Store-bought dumpling wrappers make this appetizer easier than ever! Each bite is filled with juicy shrimp, cabbage, mushrooms, ginger, and garlic.
Popcorn Shrimp
Crunchy, deep-fried shrimp is a treat for anyone who tries it! You can either use a deep fryer or cast iron skillet, but just be sure to serve them up with marinara for dipping. Once you start popping, you won't be able to stop!
Tex-Mex Shrimp Bites
You can find wonton wrappers in most supermarkets these days. They're perfect for making crispy cups to hold pico de gallo, guacamole, and seasoned shrimp.
Get the Tex-Mex Shrimp Bites recipe at Julie's Eats and Treats.
Buffalo Shrimp
For a lighter twist on game day eats, this recipe combines the flavors of buffalo chicken with a quick and easy recipe for fried shrimp. Serve it up with blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Avocado Shrimp Salsa
After a quick boil, the shrimp are ready to be chopped and added to the salsa made with avocado, tomatoes, jalapeños, and salsa verde. Now, pass the tortilla chips!
Baked Garlic Shrimp
Marinaded in lemon, garlic, and parsley, then lightly rolled in breadcrumbs for added crunch—these shrimp are simple, yet full of flavor.
Air Fryer Shrimp
Even if you're not able to find fresh shrimp where you live, frozen shrimp will work just fine. They're seasoned with a few pantry ingredients, like paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, before a quick cook in the air fryer.
3-Ingredient Buffalo Chicken Dip
10 Pretzel Recipes That Go Way Beyond Snack Time
15 Eggplant Recipes That Are Anything But Boring
11 Easy Recipes Using Canned or Frozen Peaches
