Crispy Shrimp Poppers

Total Time Prep: 40 min. Cook: 5 min./batch
Yield 20 appetizers
Test Kitchen Approved
Hometown cook Jacquelynne Stine entered this terrific appetizer in our Las Vegas, Nevada competition. A crisp, golden coating surrounds her butterflied shrimp stuffed with bacon and cream cheese. You'll want to make a meal of these!

Ingredients

  • 20 uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 10 bacon strips
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 cups panko bread crumbs
  • Oil for deep-fat frying

Directions

  1. Butterfly the shrimp along the outside curves. Spread about 1 teaspoon cream cheese inside each shrimp. Cut bacon strips in half lengthwise; wrap a piece around each shrimp and secure with toothpicks.
  2. In three separate shallow bowls, place the flour, eggs and bread crumbs. Coat the shrimp with flour; dip into eggs, then coat with bread crumbs.
  3. In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375°. Fry shrimp, a few at a time, for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Discard toothpicks before serving.
Hometown cook Jacquelynne Stine entered this terrific appetizer in our Las Vegas, Nevada competition. A crisp, golden coating surrounds her butterflied shrimp stuffed with bacon and cream cheese. You'll want to make a meal of these!
Recipe Creator

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