26 Easy Shrimp Appetizer Recipes for Parties

Succulent shrimp are delicious, easy to prepare and perhaps a bit fancy. Shrimp can be cooked so many different ways from fried to grilled, broiled to baked and can be served hot or cold. Try out these 26 Shrimp Appetizers for Parties and find just the recipe that will complement your main dish and wow your guests.

Shrimp is a versatile little crustacean. They are light and succulent and pair well with so many different flavors. It's easy to prep shrimp appetizers in advance and they cook in just a few minutes. Your time commitment is minimal but the WOW factor is high. I always keep a bag of shrimp in my freezer as I never know when I might have company.  Frozen shrimp allows me to be prepared to whip up the best shrimp appetizers. Get my helpful guidelines on defrosting frozen shrimp.

Shrimp can be expensive and serving shrimp appetizers is a way to enjoy them without breaking the bank. The good thing is that since the portion size can be smaller, you can use larger shrimp and still make these recipes to feed a crowd. An easy recipe makes an easy appetizer. You can pair these easy shrimp appetizers with other appetizers or serve before the main course. Either way, your guests will be delighted.

All these delicious shrimp appetizer recipes are fairly simple and have an ingredient list that can be purchased at your local grocery store. Make them as Thanksgiving shrimp appetizers or include them on your Christmas or Easter menu. The best part is that they can be fancy but require very little work to make.

Check out my recipes:

1. Greek Shrimp Skewers

This light appetizer combines shrimp with your favorite Greek flavors like olives, cucumbers, tomatoes and feta cheese. These shrimp skewers are then marinated in a flavorful lemon juice and olive oil dressing. You'll want to serve these savory appetizers at your next party. 

2. Ten Minute Sweet and Spicy Shrimp

Flavorful shrimp are sauteed then tossed with a sweet and spicy sauce made with honey and sriracha hot sauce. This hot shrimp appetizer is ready in just 10 minutes.

3. Old Bay Cocktail Shrimp

The classic flavor of Old Bay seasoning comes together with beer to make a tasty appetizer that's spicy and bold. Make in advance and serve this spiced shrimp with cocktail sauce. Or you can serve with salsa and a squeeze of lime juice to make it a Mexican shrimp cocktail. 

4. Air Fryer BBQ Shrimp

Season shrimp with a barbecue seasoning and then air fry in minutes before brushing with your favorite BBQ sauce. This sticky, sweet shrimp is delicious served hot or cold.

5. Spicy Shrimp Tacos

Combine seasoned grilled shrimp with creamy avocado and homemade cabbage slaw to make light, refreshing tacos that won't weigh you down. Serve mini tacos as an appetizer or add beans and rice to make it a meal.

6. Easy Low Country Shrimp Boil

A shrimp boil is perfect for serving a crowd. The tender shrimp are flavored with a cajun seasoning and cooked along with corn, potatoes and sausage. All the flavors come together for a dish that's perfect for entertaining. Serve with homemade tartar sauce and cocktail sauce for an extra special treat. You can serve in small portions for an appetizer or make this the main event.  

7. Champagne Marinated Shrimp

A sweet and slightly spicy champagne dressing is used to marinate shrimp and winter fruit salad for an unexpected combination of flavors. Citrusy and refreshing, this unique appetizer is perfect for a holiday gathering or dinner party and will tantalize your guests taste buds. I like to use jumbo shrimp and serve this great appetizer on New Year's Eve. 

8. Greek Shrimp with Tzatziki Sauce

Tangy and refreshing Greek Shrimp with Tzatziki Sauce is full of flavor but light enough to serve as an appetizer. Prep in advance and serve cold or toss them on the grill for a few minutes just before serving. Either way, this shrimp recipe will be delicious.

9. Lemon Garlic Shrimp

This 3-minute garlic butter shrimp is bright and lemony. Similar to shrimp scampi, these succulent bites are garlicky and delicious. Serve as an appetizer with some crusty bread or serve over pasta for a full meal.

10. Greek Shrimp and Artichoke Salad

This perfect summer salad is light and flavorful and loaded with shrimp. It comes together quickly and is loaded with bold Greek flavors. The best way to serve this shrimp salad for a party is in small clear glasses or parfait dishes. 

More Delicious Shrimp Appetizers

• Shrimp Nachos with Mexican Flair
• Mojito Grilled Shrimp
• Crispy Baked Coconut Shrimp with Spicy Orange Dipping Sauce
• Grilled Shrimp Creole
• Easy Garlic Baked Shrimp
• Tequila Shrimp with a Splash of Lime
• Smoked Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
• Easy Shrimp Po Boy
• Spicy Garlic Shrimp
• Shrimp Tempura Boats with Sweet Chili Sauce
• Grilled Peel and Eat Shrimp
• Restaurant-Style Fried Shrimp
• Shrimp Cocktail
• Moroccan Shrimp with Pomegranate Sauce
• Blackened Shrimp
• Shrimp Cocktail with a Twist

Tips for Serving Shrimp Appetizers

• Make sure to keep shrimp chilled or hot until ready to serve. This is not the type of appetizer that you want sitting out for too long. 
• Use deveined shrimp in all recipes. You can buy uncooked shrimp that have already been fully cleaned or devein and clean them yourself.
• Serve 3 jumbo shrimp per person or 4 to 6 smaller size shrimp.
• Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container. Use within a day or so. 
• Instead of having a main course, serve 4 to 5 shrimp appetizers along with a big salad and charcuterie board. During the Christmas holiday season, I love the presentation of this Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board.
• Enjoy your amazing shrimp appetizers!   

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