If you’re looking for a fresh and flavorful appetizer that dazzles guests with minimal effort, this Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Combining perfectly seasoned, oven-roasted shrimp with creamy, zesty guacamole atop crispy scoops chips, these bites bring together the best of sea and garden in each crunchy, satisfying mouthful. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a fun snack, this dish is as vibrant in taste as it is easy to assemble.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, fresh ingredients come together in harmony to deliver a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each element plays its part—spicy shrimp adds warmth, guacamole lends creamy coolness, and the chips provide a lively crunch and a sturdy base.
- Scoops or dipper chips: The sturdy, scoop-shaped chips are essential for holding generous amounts of guacamole and shrimp without breaking.
- 12 ounces raw cleaned shrimp: Fresh shrimp cooks quickly and offers a tender yet slightly firm bite that pairs beautifully with avocado.
- 2 teaspoons taco seasoning: A blend of spices triples the flavor on the shrimp, adding that familiar southwestern zing.
- 16 ounces guacamole: Creamy, smooth, and rich with hints of lime and cilantro, guacamole is the star that cools down the spices.
How to Make Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, get your oven ready by preheating it to 350º F. Lightly grease a sheet pan to prevent the shrimp from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze. A prepared oven ensures that you’ll get that perfect cook on your shrimp every single time.
Step 2: Season and Roast the Shrimp
Place the peeled and cleaned shrimp in a bowl and toss them with 2 teaspoons of taco seasoning. This step coats the shrimp with a bold, smoky flavor that’s the heart of this recipe. Spread the shrimp out evenly on your greased sheet pan and roast them for about 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn opaque and curl slightly—the hallmark signs of perfectly cooked shrimp.
Step 3: Assemble the Guacamole Base
While the shrimp is roasting, arrange your scoops chips on a serving platter. Use a spoon to dollop a generous scoop of guacamole onto each chip, creating a luscious, creamy bed that will hold the shrimp and keep the flavor front and center.
Step 4: Top and Serve with Flair
Once the shrimp are cooked just right, carefully place one shrimp on top of each guacamole-laden chip. The warmth of the shrimp with the cool creaminess of the guacamole creates a sublime contrast that’s impossible to resist. For an optional finishing touch, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves or a quick squeeze of lime juice to brighten every bite.
How to Serve Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like chopped cilantro, finely diced red onions, or a light drizzle of hot sauce not only enhances visual appeal but also adds exciting pops of flavor. Fresh lime wedges on the side encourage guests to add a zesty tang that complements the seasoned shrimp perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair these bites with a refreshing salsa, a chilled corn salad, or a glass of crisp white wine for a complete and delightful snack experience. Their light yet satisfying character means these bites are great for a party spread or a casual get-together.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving these in individual mini taco holders or on a large wooden board with a variety of dips and toppings for guests to customize their bites. Adding colorful edible flowers or vibrant vegetable slices around the platter can turn an everyday appetizer into a festive centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the shrimp and chips separately in airtight containers to maintain their textures. Guacamole is best kept in a small container with plastic wrap pressed on top to prevent browning and refrigerated.
Freezing
Freezing this dish isn’t recommended because the chips will lose their crunch and the guacamole may turn watery. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a day or two of preparation to savor all the wonderful textures.
Reheating
Reheat the cooked shrimp gently in a microwave or warm oven just until heated through. Avoid reheating the assembled bites; instead, assemble fresh before serving to keep the chips crisp and guacamole fresh.
FAQs
Can I use cooked shrimp instead of raw shrimp?
Absolutely! If you have pre-cooked shrimp on hand, just toss it with taco seasoning and warm it briefly to infuse the flavors, then top the guacamole chips. It’s a great shortcut for busy days.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you choose gluten-free scoops chips and taco seasoning, this recipe naturally fits into a gluten-free diet without any modifications.
Can I make my own guacamole for this recipe?
Definitely! Making guacamole from fresh avocados, lime juice, salt, and a bit of diced onion or tomato adds a homemade touch and allows you to customize the flavor exactly how you like it.
How spicy is this Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe?
The spice level depends on the taco seasoning used. You can adjust it to be mild or bold based on your preference. Adding a sprinkle of fresh jalapeño or hot sauce can also turn up the heat.
What’s the best way to ensure the shrimp doesn’t dry out?
Roast the shrimp at 350º F and watch the cooking time closely. Shrimp cook quickly and become rubbery if overdone. Pull them out as soon as they are opaque and curled just slightly for juicy, tender bites.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sharing a tray of these colorful, flavorful Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe at your next gathering. They’re vibrant, easy to make, and pack a punch of taste that everyone will love. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy each bite as much as I do—they truly make snacking an unforgettable celebration!
Print
Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Shrimp Guacamole Bites are a quick and delicious appetizer featuring seasoned, oven-baked shrimp atop scoops of crispy chips filled with creamy guacamole. Perfect for parties or a light snack, these bites combine savory, zesty flavors and a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Chips
- 1 bag scoops or dipper chips
Shrimp
- 12 ounces raw cleaned shrimp
- 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
Guacamole
- 16 ounces guacamole
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350º F (175º C) and lightly grease a sheet pan to prevent shrimp from sticking during baking.
- Season and cook shrimp: In a bowl, toss the raw cleaned shrimp with 2 teaspoons of taco seasoning until they are evenly coated. Spread the shrimp out on the prepared sheet pan and bake in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink and is fully cooked through.
- Prepare the chips and guacamole: While the shrimp is cooking, arrange your scoop or dipper chips on a serving platter. Spoon a generous amount of guacamole into each chip’s scoop to create a creamy base.
- Assemble the bites: Once the shrimp are cooked and slightly cooled, carefully place one shrimp on top of each guacamole-filled chip. For an extra burst of freshness, garnish optionally with chopped cilantro or a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving.
Notes
- You can use pre-made guacamole or make your own fresh guacamole for best flavor.
- Ensure shrimp are fully cooked and opaque before assembling to avoid any food safety concerns.
- These bites are best served immediately to maintain the chips’ crispiness.
- For an added kick, sprinkle a little chili powder or cayenne on the guacamole before placing the shrimp.
- Customize with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish to enhance flavor and presentation.
