One taste of these fresh seafood appetizers—and you'll be hooked!
40 Seafood Appetizers That Steal the Spotlight
Baked Crab Dip
We enjoyed this exquisite dip at my grandson’s wedding reception. It looks fancy but is easy to make. You can even make this crab dip recipe ahead of time by filling the bread bowl early in the day and chilling it until serving. Just remove it from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. —Marie Shelley, Exeter, Missouri
1/40
2/40
Popcorn Shrimp
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll really taste the herby, garlicky seasoning in the breading of these popcorn shrimps. Pair it with your favorite dipping sauce and a side of fries or salad for a complete meal. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
about 11 shrimp: 302 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 165mg cholesterol, 364mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
3/40
Hot Creole Shrimp Dip
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I came across a recipe for crawfish dip, and it sounded delicious, but we don't have a lot of crawfish available in my area. I'm a big fan of shrimp, so I used that instead. The dish has become a family favorite. —Jill Burwell, Renton, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 136 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 217mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
4/40
Shrimp Quesadilla
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Quick and simple enough for any weekday, this dish boasts a refreshing flavor special enough for guests. Serve with salsa on the side and a frosty smoothie, if you'd like. —Tiffany Bryson-San Antonio, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 quesadilla: 523 calories, 27g fat (8g saturated fat), 163mg cholesterol, 707mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein.
5/40
Crawfish Beignets with Cajun Dipping Sauce
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 2 dozen (3/4 cup sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
Get a taste of the Deep South with these slightly spicy beignets. You won't be able to eat just one! —Donna Lanclos, Lafayette, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 beignet with 1-1/2 teaspoons sauce: 101 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 171mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
6/40
Salmon Dip with Cream Cheese
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This salmon dip is a delightful hors d’oeuvre that’s excellent for any occasion. The combination of salmon, cream cheese and spices gives it terrific flavor. —Raymonde Hebert Bernier, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 103 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 233mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
7/40
Shrimp Cocktail
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 6 dozen (1-1/4 cups sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
During the '60s, shrimp cocktail was one of the most popular party foods around. And it is still a crowd favorite. It's the one appetizer that I serve for every special occasion as well as for munchie meals. —Peggy Allen, Pasadena, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 ounce cooked shrimp with about 2 teaspoons sauce: 59 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 555mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 9g protein.
8/40
Smoked Salmon Bites with Shallot Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
25 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
Tangy mayonnaise-Dijon sauce adds zip to flaky pastry and layers of crisp arugula, thinly sliced smoked salmon and nutty-flavored Asiago cheese. —Jamie Brown-Miller, Napa, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 89 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 105mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
9/40
Seafood Dip
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Bake this hot seafood spread in a hollowed-out pumpernickel or white round bread loaf. Serve it with bread cubes, pita bread or assorted raw veggies. —Linda Doll, St. Albert, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 168 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 304mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
10/40
Shrimp Eggroll Cabbage Wraps
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the flavors of shrimp egg rolls but wanted to try to make them a little healthier. The napa cabbage leaves have a nice crunch to them and they keep it very healthy. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 237 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 568mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
11/40
Parsnip Latkes with Lox and Horseradish Creme
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A horseradish-flavored creme fraiche brings zip to these crispy homemade latkes, which get a touch of sweetness from the parsnips. Add fresh dill sprigs for a garnish. —Todd Schmeling, Gurnee, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 71 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 110mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
12/40
Salmon Croquettes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These golden brown salmon croquettes have a nice crunch from red and green peppers. They're crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 croquette: 97 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 241mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
13/40
Hot Crab Dip
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
about 5 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I have a large family, work full time, and coach soccer and football, so I appreciate recipes that are easy to assemble. This rich, creamy dip is a fun appetizer to whip up for any gathering. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 148 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 274mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
14/40
Shrimp Lover Squares
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
At our house, these delicious shrimp squares are a must during family movie and game nights. —Ardyce Piehl, Poynette, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 square: 109 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 190mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
15/40
Shrimp Appetizer Spread
Total Time
20 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There's no secret to this creamy seafood appetizer—it's simply delicious! I originally tasted it at a friend's house, and I liked it so much that I requested the recipe. It's since become a family favorite. —Brenda Buhler, Abbotsford, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 136 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 372mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
16/40
Tortellini & Shrimp Skewers with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
Total Time
45 min
Servings
32 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
These fresh skewers and tasty sauce will have guests nibbling all night! —Cacie Biddle, Bridgeport, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer with 1 tablespoon sauce: 88 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 112mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
17/40
Crab Crescent Triangles
Total Time
40 min
Servings
40 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
When friends who love crab were planning a party, I created this recipe just for them. These comforting baked bundles wrap up a cheesy seafood filling in convenient crescent roll dough. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 77 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 165mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
18/40
Easy Smoked Salmon
Total Time
45 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A magazine featured this recipe years ago, and it’s still my favorite salmon. Just add crackers for a super simple yet elegant appetizer. —Norma Fell, Boyne City, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 ounces cooked salmon: 95 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 324mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 10g protein.
19/40
Bacon-Wrapped Blue Cheese Shrimp
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
Blue cheese, bacon and basil pack big flavor into a couple of bites. To save time, you can assemble the skewers the night before and then serve them hot from the broiler on the day. —Vivi Taylor, Middleburg, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 88 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 230mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
20/40
Hot Crab Pinwheels
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I got the recipe for these crabmeat bites from a friend. What amazed me most is that my husband, who hates seafood, couldn't stop eating them. —Kitti Boesel, Woodbridge, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 pinwheel: 44 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 98mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
21/40
Shrimp Salad Appetizers
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This refreshing hors d’oeuvre has gained a big following since a friend shared her family recipe with me. My son says it best: The celery and shrimp are so good together. —Solie Kimble, Kanata, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 31 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 115mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
22/40
Crab Wonton Cups
Total Time
30 min
Servings
32 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
These tasty little crab tarts make excellent appetizers served warm and crispy from the oven. You can add them to your list of holiday finger food as well. They're true crowd-pleasers. —Connie McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1 wonton cup: 77 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 153mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
23/40
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Pineapple Quinoa
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the first recipe I developed using quinoa as an ingredient. My husband thoroughly enjoyed helping me test this recipe. This is a special dish that can be easily prepared in under 30 minutes.—Laura Greenberg, Lake Balboa, California
Nutrition Facts:
4 scallops with 3/4 cup quinoa: 455 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 1717mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 41g protein.
24/40
Seafood Cakes with Herb Sauce
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
40 appetizers (1/2 cup sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
I live near the ocean and have a wide variety of seafood available to experiment with in recipes. This one uses salmon and scallops, but shrimp, crab, lobster or any firm whitefish (such as halibut or even cod) would work equally as well. — Elizabeth Truesdell, Petaluma, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 seafood cake with about 1/2 teaspoon sauce (calculated without garnishes): 88 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 86mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
25/40
Tuna Teriyaki Kabobs
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 kabobs
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to barbecue but don't always want a heavy dinner. These are perfect in the spring, and you'll have room for dessert! —Holly Battiste, Barrington, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 tuna kabob and 1 vegetable kabob: 389 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 444mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 45g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
26/40
Oysters Rockefeller
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I are oyster farmers, and this classic Oysters Rockefeller dish always delights our guests. It's deliciously simple! —Beth Walton, Eastham, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 oyster: 79 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 133mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
27/40
Party Shrimp
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The marinade for this dish makes the shrimp so flavorful, you won't even need a dipping sauce. Even those who claim they don’t like shellfish really dig this appetizer. —Kendra Doss, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 shrimp: 14 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 18mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
28/40
Barbecued Shrimp & Peach Kabobs
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Shrimp grilled with peaches and green onions really sets off fireworks! The spicy seasonings even helped me win a ribbon at a county fair. —Jen Smallwood, Portsmouth, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 170 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 289mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 3g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fruit.
29/40
Crab Egg Foo Yong
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Enjoy a classic Chinese takeout without leaving your home. This makes a quick dinner and is as delicious as what you would get in any restaurant. —Beverly Preston, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces : 297 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 269mg cholesterol, 1159mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
30/40
Crab-Stuffed Avocado
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These boats are wonderful with tortilla chips, beans or rice. You can also cover them, pack them on ice, and take them to a picnic or potluck. Straight from the oven or cold, they're always delicious. —Frances Benthin, Scio, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 filled avocado half: 325 calories, 28g fat (6g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 427mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 6g fiber), 13g protein.
31/40
Tzatziki Shrimp Cucumber Rounds
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe with what I had on hand one night, and now it’s one of my husband’s favorites! The bacon-wrapped shrimp, garlicky sauce and burst of cool cuke flavor make this a crowd pleaser. —Shannon Rose Trelease, East Hampton, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 30 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 64mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
32/40
Ginger-Tuna Kabobs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 kabobs
From the Recipe Creator:
I find myself making this recipe again and again. It's a hit at parties and potlucks. —Mary Beth Harris-Murphree, Tyler, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob with 1-1/2 teaspoons mayonnaise: 100 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 186mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
33/40
Baked Coconut Shrimp & Apricot Sauce
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Panko crumbs give this spicy baked coconut shrimp its crunch. It’s great for an appetizer or for your main meal. — Debi Mitchell, Flower Mound, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
6 shrimp with 2 tablespoons sauce: 367 calories, 9g fat (7g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 290mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein.
34/40
Baked Crab Rangoon
Total Time
45 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When I'm dining out, crab rangoons are one of my go-to dishes. I decided to create a better-for-you version at home. —Emily Higgins, Wingdale, New York
35/40
Smoked Salmon New Potatoes
Total Time
50 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Give twice-baked potatoes a rest this year and try these stuffed spuds. Smoked salmon and cream cheese blended with lemon juice and dill are simply piped into small red potatoes. Leftovers are even good with eggs for breakfast. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 35 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 67mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
36/40
Spicy Shrimp Salsa
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Radishes add a wonderful crunch to this colorful salsa that is also superb over grilled fish. There's just enough jalapeno to give flavor without much of the heat. —Mary Beth Relyea, Canastota, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 38 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 119mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 lean meat.
37/40
Crab & Artichoke Dip
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
3-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Nearly every time my girlfriends and I get together, we dip into this rich and creamy snack and our favorite bottle of wine. It’s so convenient to use the slow cooker to make this recipe—it’s a perfect fit for our relaxed friends nights. —Connie McKinney, Marshall, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup (calculated without crackers): 158 calories, 12g fat (8g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 279mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 9g protein.
38/40
Salmon Mousse
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s so easy to top crunchy cucumber slices with a smooth and creamy salmon filling. Guests rave about the fun presentation, contrasting textures and refreshing flavor. —Barb Templin, Norwood, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 canape: 42 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 72mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
39/40
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings (3/4 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
It's up to you how to enjoy this cocktail—eat it with a spoon as a chilled soup, or use tortilla chips or crackers for scooping. —Erin Moreno, Arcadia, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 142 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 826mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
40/40
Baked Oysters with Tasso Cream
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
1 dozen (1-1/2 cups sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
I love nothing more than a cold beer and a shucked oyster, so when my partners and I opened Saw’s Juke Joint in Birmingham, Alabama, we wanted to add them to the menu. We love making them, we love serving them and our guests love eating them. —Taylor Hicks, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 oyster with 2 tablespoons sauce: 236 calories, 22g fat (13g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 229mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
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