Serve these easy shrimp appetizers at your next party and watch them disappear! They taste like mini shrimp tostadas and are perfect for low carb and keto diets.
I love bite-sized food. I am happiest making a meal out of a variety of finger foods like mini quiche and keto stuffed mushrooms. Left to my own devices, I would forego large dinners in favor of a plate of appetizers.
So these Guacamole Shrimp Bites are right up my alley. They are totally poppable and bursting with fresh flavor. And they look so bright and attractive on the tray.
They might just be the perfect keto appetizer for summer parties. Ready to make a batch?
Quick and easy shrimp appetizer
Shrimp makes a perfect appetizer recipe because it’s easy to cook, and can be served hot, cold, or room temperature. It also goes with so many other flavors. Spicy shrimp and fresh guacamole are a perfect pairing.
These shrimp bites taste like little mini tacos or tostadas. I made a quick batch of easy cheddar crisps for the base, but you could also use keto crackers or pork rinds. I tried a few on the HighKey Crackers and they were delicious that way too.
Then I pan-seared the shrimp in a blend of chipotle, cumin, and garlic, adding salt and pepper after cooking. I topped each cheddar crisp with some guacamole and a cooked shrimp. And they were ready to go! So easy, fresh, and fun.
Ingredients you need
- Sliced cheddar cheese: Use the pre-sliced cheese that comes in 4 inch squares. You can cut these easily into quarters and each quarter becomes a cheddar crisp. Don’t get the thick-cut kinds as it won’t crisp up as well.
- Shrimp: Choose large shrimp that come 25 to 30 per pound. You can use frozen or fresh, and leave the tail on or take it off.
- Guacamole: You will need about one cup of guacamole. I like to make my own but the recipe is even easier with pre-made guac!
- Seasonings: For a Mexican flair, I used chipotle powder, garlic, cumin, and a little paprika, plus a little salt and pepper.
Step by Step Directions
1. Prepare the cheddar crisps: Cut each slice of cheese into quarters and arrange on the baking sheet, making sure they aren’t touching. Bake at 375ºF until browned and crisp, about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove and let cool completely.
2. Season the shrimp: In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with the spices until well mixed. (Do not add the salt and pepper yet, as it will make the shrimp release water).
3. Cook the shrimp: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the shrimp and spread out in a single layer. Cook 2 minutes, then flip all of the shrimp over and cook on the second side for 2 minutes, until bright pink. Remove from heat and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble the bites: To assemble, top each cheese crisp with a spoonful of guacamole and a shrimp. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve immediately.
Expert tips
Cook the shrimp in a skillet large enough to hold them in a single layer. I find that 12 inches is ideal. This way, each shrimp is against the hot pan and they cook and brown evenly. Shrimp cooks so quickly that you need to keep a close eye on them.
Salt draws moisture out of the shrimp and can make them stew rather than sear. So add the salt and pepper only at the very end of cooking. That way, you can also add it to taste.
The crisps and crackers tend to soften as they sit with guacamole on top. So assemble these just prior to serving. If you want to make things ahead of time, you can cook the shrimp the day before and store in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
This shrimp appetizer recipe makes about 28 bites. Assume that everyone in your party will eat about two to three appetizers.
Shrimp is an excellent choice for low carb and keto diets. It’s high in protein and has almost zero carbs per serving. And there are so many wonderful low carb ways to prepare it.
These guacamole shrimp bites have 1.6g of carbs and 0.8g of fiber per serving. That means they have only 0.8g net carbs per two bites.
More healthy shrimp recipes
Easy Baked Shrimp
This succulent Baked Shrimp has become a new family favorite! With plenty of garlic and Parmesan, it might just be the easiest keto dinner recipe ever. Ready in 15 minutes or less. How can you beat that?
Shrimp and Bacon Chowder
Hearty and rich Shrimp and Bacon Chowder, this is keto soup is pure comfort food. Full of tender shrimp and topped with crisp bacon, this is a must for chilly evenings.
Keto Honey Buffalo Shrimp
This Buffalo Shrimp recipe is sweet and spicy, and makes a wonderful appetizer or main dish. Tender shrimp cooked to perfection, then tossed in a tangy sauce with a hint of sweetness. It’s a family favorite!
Easy Shrimp Appetizer
Ingredients
- 7 slices pre-sliced cheddar cheese (about 5 ounces total)
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chipotle powder (or 1 teaspoon chili powder)
- 1 lb large raw shrimp (about 25 to 30) tails on or off
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 1 cup guacamole
- Chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375ºF and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut each slice of cheese into quarters and arrange on the baking sheet, making sure they aren't touching. Bake until browned and crisp, about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove and let cool completely.
- In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with the spices until well mixed. (Do not add the salt and pepper yet, as it will make the shrimp release water).
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the shrimp and spread out in a single layer. Cook 2 minutes, then flip all of the shrimp over and cook on the second side for 2 minutes, until bright pink.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
- To assemble, top each cheese crisp with a spoonful of guacamole and a shrimp. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve immediately.
Tracey Silver says
such a GREAT appetizer 😃
Betsy A says
Best thing to bring to potluck ever! Easy, very tasty, creative!! I made this six times last fall!
Carolyn says
Great to hear!
Patti Babij says
Not a guacamole fan. Used jalapeño flavored cream cheese as a substitute. Delish! Your recipes are the best
Carolyn says
Sounds great!
MARK HOLOWEIKO says
I made the Guacamole Shrimp Bites as directed. Very tasty! However, the directions for cheese crisps could be much improved by specifying that the sliced cheese quarters be baked in a muffin pan, rather than on a baking sheet (which lets the melted cheese run all over).
Carolyn says
I don’t know what kind of cheese you buy but mine doesn’t run all over and works perfectly as is.
MARK HOLOWEIKO says
Hi, Carolyn. I used Kraft Sharp Cheddar. The baking sheet wasn’t perfectly flat (I used the one that came with a toaster oven) so the cheese ran quite a bit. You might consider specifying a flat sheet in the recipe, as well as including advice on spacing of the cheese quarters. But if you can keep an open mind, try it with a muffin tin. Perfect every time.