From shrimp cocktail, salads, spreads, cakes and more, these easy shrimp appetizers will hold over a crowd until dinner.
23 Easy Shrimp Appetizers
Updated on Aug. 15, 2024
Party Shrimp
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
1/23
2/23
Firecracker Shrimp
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These delightful firecracker shrimp are coated in a sweet and spicy glaze. The marinade comes together in moments for sizzling shrimp skewers. —Mary Tallman, Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 shrimp: 27 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 30mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
3/23
Greek Shrimp Canapes
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I grew up by the ocean and then moved to a landlocked state. I wanted to show people in my area how to easily cook seafood, and this is the recipe I came up with. I think it’s safe to say it has become a neighborhood favorite. —Amy Harris, Springville, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 canape: 68 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 139mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
4/23
Boiled Shrimp
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked shrimp: 144 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 207mg cholesterol, 235mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat.
5/23
Shrimp Tartlets
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Mini tart shells filled with a cream cheese mixture, topped with seafood sauce and shrimp make for a picture-perfect, tasty appetizer. You could also serve several as a fast, light meal. —Gina Hutchison, Smithville, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 tartlet: 61 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
6/23
Shrimp 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.
7/23
Pan-Seared Shrimp
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Garlic, parsley and wine punch up the buttery flavor of this simple shrimp recipe and give it a decadent and special feel. Party-pretty and perfect for drop-in dinner guests! Patricia Zartman - York, PA
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 262 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 238mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 3 very lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
8/23
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.
9/23
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.
10/23
Shrimp & Cucumber Rounds
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I always make these appetizers for our get-togethers. They're easy to prepare and a snappy addition to any party. —Kelly Alaniz, Eureka, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 20 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 38mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
11/23
Grilled Chipotle Shrimp
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 5 dozen (1-1/4 cups sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe for a Cinco de Mayo party, and it was a hit! It’s so easy, yet has a serious wow factor. The creamy dipping sauce mellows out the shrimp’s heat perfectly. —Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 shrimp with 1 teaspoon sauce: 27 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 47mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
12/23
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.
13/23
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.
14/23
Quick Coconut Shrimp
Total Time
20 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These coconut-fried shrimp are downright addicting. If you ask me, the bigger the shrimp, the better. That way you can pick up even more of that sweet pina colada sauce. —Debbi Barate, Seward, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 shrimp with 2 tablespoons sauce: 204 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
15/23
Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
Total Time
25 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Bacon and shrimp make a great team in this super-easy party appetizer. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 93 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 189mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
16/23
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.
17/23
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.
18/23
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chunks of cucumber, tomatoes, cilantro and avocado combined with shrimp in a tomato base sauce create this refreshing shrimp cocktail that’s bursting with flavors. You’ll even get a little heat from the Tobasco sauce. Serve it with saltine crackers to compliment the sweet tomato flavors. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 105 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 413mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
19/23
Grilled Seasoned Shrimp
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A marinade using balsamic vinegar, lemon juice and Italian dressing boosts the flavor of these tender shrimp. Diane Harrison of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania serves the delightful bites chilled.
Nutrition Facts:
3 each: 267 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 259mg cholesterol, 470mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 fat, 1/2 fruit.
20/23
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.
21/23
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.
22/23
Shrimp & Feta Cucumber Rounds
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the contrasting tastes and textures of these rounds. Each bite balances the refreshing burst and crunch of cucumber with the rich flavor and creaminess of the filling.—Donna Pochoday, Morristown, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 41 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 90mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
23/23
Shrimp Corn Cakes with Soy Mayo
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen (2/3 cup sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
Feel free to add hot sauce to the dip that accompanies these savory corn cakes. —Katty Chiong, Hoffman Estates, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 corn cake with 1 teaspoon sauce: 109 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 183mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
