13+ Shrimp Appetizers For December Easy Party Favorites

The twinkle of December lights always takes me right back to those cozy nights, when friends trickle in through the front door and I’m juggling a tray of shrimp appetizers. I think there’s something about seafood in winter—chilled with citrus or hot from the oven—that just feels right at any party. Over the years, I’ve learned that a good spread of easy shrimp bites can dial down the stress (and up the fun) for everyone, whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or a spontaneous get-together after work. If you’re searching for 13+ Shrimp Appetizers For December Easy Party Favorites, these are the dishes that always disappear first from my table.

1. Classic Shrimp Cocktail with Zesty Sauce

Why You’ll Love It:

This one never fails, especially when you want a no-cook appetizer that feels festive without much effort. Shrimp cocktail is a favorite at holiday gatherings because it’s light, always gets eaten, and makes the spread feel really classic. I love serving this chilled before things get hectic.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 3 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Squeeze in half the lemon and add salt.
2. Add shrimp, boil 2–3 minutes until pink. Drain and chill.
3. To make the sauce, mix ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire, and hot sauce in a bowl.
4. Plate chilled shrimp around the sauce, garnish with lemon and parsley.

Flavor Boost: Add a dash of smoked paprika to the sauce for depth.

2. Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers

Why You’ll Love It:

You get all the melt-in-your-mouth garlic and buttery goodness in one bite—easy to grab and keeps hands mess-free. These come together quickly and disappear even quicker from the platter. Grill pan, oven, or BBQ—they work any way.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

How to Make It:

1. Preheat grill or broiler.
2. Toss shrimp in melted butter, garlic, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
3. Thread shrimp onto skewers.
4. Grill or broil 2–4 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
5. Serve warm with lemon wedges.

Best Pairings: Grilled asparagus, Caesar salad, toasted baguette.

3. Shrimp and Avocado Toasties

Why You’ll Love It:

These bite-sized toasts are a hit if you want something a little trendy but not fussy. Creamy avocado, bright citrus, and plump shrimp—easy to assemble and perfect for mingling around the holidays.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 baguette, sliced
• 2 avocados
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 pound cooked small shrimp
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• Salt and pepper
• Microgreens (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Toast baguette slices until golden.
2. Mash avocados with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Top each toast with a smear of avocado, a shrimp, a drizzle of oil, and sprinkle with chili flakes and microgreens.

Swap This With That: Swap chili flakes for everything bagel seasoning for a twist.

4. Crispy Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Chili Dip

Why You’ll Love It:

These deliver crunch and a little bit of sweetness, which people love at parties. You can prep them ahead and they’re just as good hot or at room temperature. The sweet chili sauce brings it all together.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 3/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sweet chili sauce

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Set up three bowls for flour/salt, beaten eggs, and a coconut-panko mix.
3. Dredge shrimp in flour, dip in egg, then coat in coconut mixture.
4. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
5. Bake 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden.
6. Serve with sweet chili sauce.

Meal Prep Tip: Reheat leftover shrimp in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes to crisp them back up.

5. Chilled Shrimp Salad Lettuce Cups

Why You’ll Love It:

These are light, fresh, and really easy to pull out of the fridge as guests arrive. The crunchy lettuce wraps and tangy shrimp salad avoid the usual heaviness of holiday bites.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound small cooked shrimp
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup diced celery
• 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
• 12 small butter lettuce leaves
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Chop shrimp and combine with mayo, lemon juice, mustard, celery, and bell pepper.
2. Mix in chives, salt, and pepper.
3. Spoon mixture into lettuce leaves.

Serving Idea: Arrange the lettuce cups on a chilled tray with extra lemon wedges.

6. Spicy Sriracha Shrimp Wontons

Why You’ll Love It:

These are hands-down addictive little bites. You get crunchy, spicy, tender all at once. Perfect if you want something a bit different for a December appetizer spread.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound shrimp, finely chopped
• 2 green onions, minced
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha
• 24 square wonton wrappers
• 1 egg, beaten
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (for dip)

How to Make It:

1. Mix shrimp, green onions, soy, and 1 tbsp sriracha to form filling.
2. Place 1 teaspoon filling in the center of each wrapper, brush edges with egg.
3. Fold and press to seal.
4. Heat oil, fry wontons in batches until golden, about 2–3 minutes per side.
5. For dip: mix mayo and sriracha. Serve with wontons.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overfill the wontons or they may burst when frying.

7. Parmesan Shrimp Puff Pastry Bites

Why You’ll Love It:

These feel a little fancy but are very easy: crispy, buttery pastry and shrimp with cheesy tops. You can make them ahead and reheat for guests.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 38 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 18 large shrimp, peeled
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 egg, beaten

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Cut puff pastry into 18 squares and brush with egg wash.
3. Toss shrimp with butter, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
4. Place one shrimp on each square and top with parmesan.
5. Bake 15–18 minutes until golden.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Use precooked salad shrimp for a more affordable option.

8. Herbed Shrimp and White Bean Crostini

Why You’ll Love It:

You get a creamy, herby bean spread with bright, lemony shrimp on top—easy to make ahead, and a favorite among friends who want something a little healthier.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 baguette, sliced
• 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for brushing)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon chopped rosemary
• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Toast baguette slices brushed with olive oil.
2. Puree beans, lemon juice, 1 garlic clove, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Sauté shrimp with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper until pink.
4. Spread crostini with bean mixture, top each with a shrimp, sprinkle parsley and zest.

Flavor Boost: Drizzle with a little truffle oil before serving, if you like.

9. Shrimp-Stuffed Mini Peppers

Why You’ll Love It:

Colorful, tender sweet peppers stuffed with a creamy shrimp mixture always look beautiful and hold up well for mingling. They’re fresh, tangy, and not overly filling.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 mini sweet peppers, halved and seeded
• 3/4 pound cooked shrimp, chopped
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped dill
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons minced chives

How to Make It:

1. In a bowl, mix shrimp, cream cheese, mayo, lemon, dill, salt, and pepper.
2. Spoon or pipe mixture into pepper halves.
3. Sprinkle with chives before serving.

Meal Prep Tip: Make the filling up to a day ahead and stuff just before serving.

10. Easy Shrimp Ceviche Cups

Why You’ll Love It:

Bright and refreshing, these ceviche cups look cheery and taste vibrant. You can prep them hours ahead, and they’re gluten-free and always quick to vanish from the table.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound cooked shrimp, chopped
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/2 mango, diced
• 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, minced
• 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Combine shrimp, avocado, mango, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro in a bowl.
2. Stir in lime juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour.
4. Spoon into small cups for serving.

Serving Idea: Garnish with extra cilantro and serve with tortilla chips.

11. Mini Shrimp and Grits Bites

Why You’ll Love It:

An easy, party-ready spin on a Southern classic. Creamy grits topped with spicy shrimp—perfect if your crowd wants something cozy but fit for a fancy tray.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 cup quick-cooking grits
• 3 cups water
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 scallion, thinly sliced
• Paprika for garnish
• Salt

How to Make It:

1. Cook grits in water with a pinch of salt. Stir in butter and cheese.
2. Season shrimp with Cajun spices and sauté in oil until just pink.
3. Spoon grits into tasting spoons or small cups, top with a shrimp, garnish with scallion and paprika.

Swap This With That: Swap cheddar for goat cheese or mascarpone for a creamier take.

12. Bang Bang Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

Why You’ll Love It:

If your guests love saucy, sweet, and spicy, these are a standout. The bang bang sauce is creamy and bold, and crisp lettuce keeps every bite fresh and light.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 18 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sriracha
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 8 large butter lettuce leaves
• 2 tablespoons sliced scallions
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Toss shrimp with salt, pepper, and cornstarch.
2. Fry in oil until crispy and golden.
3. Whisk together mayo, sriracha, honey, vinegar, and garlic powder.
4. Toss shrimp in sauce, spoon into lettuce leaves, and garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.

Flavor Boost: Add a dash of lime juice to the sauce for zippier flavor.

13. Shrimp Caprese Skewers

Why You’ll Love It:

A holiday-friendly version of caprese salad with shrimp for protein. Skewers are always fun to eat, and these are extra festive thanks to red cherry tomatoes, green basil, and white mozzarella.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and cooked
• 18 cherry tomatoes
• 18 mini mozzarella balls
• 18 fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Thread shrimp, tomato, mozzarella, and basil on each skewer.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Finish with a little balsamic glaze.

Serving Idea: Stand skewers upright in a glass for easy grabbing.

14. Shrimp and Corn Fritters

Why You’ll Love It:

Nothing beats a platter of golden, crispy fritters for a cozy winter party. They’re crunchy on the outside and soft inside, and the mix of shrimp and corn is always a crowd pleaser.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 3/4 pound shrimp, chopped
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1/2 cup sour cream for dipping

How to Make It:

1. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
2. Beat in eggs and milk for a thick batter.
3. Stir in corn, shrimp, green onions, and parsley.
4. Heat oil in a skillet. Drop spoonfuls of batter, cook 2–3 minutes per side until crisp.
5. Serve with sour cream.

Personal Note: Fritters were always Dad’s favorite for late-night snacks during the holidays.

15. Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wonton Cups

Why You’ll Love It:

These poppable bites taste rich and creamy but are so easy. Using wonton wrappers as crispy little cups means they’re less messy and look great stacked on a tray.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 24 wonton wrappers
• 1/2 pound shrimp, chopped
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• Cooking spray

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Press wontons into greased mini muffin pan.
3. Bake 7 minutes until edges are golden.
4. Mix shrimp, cream cheese, mayo, lemon, chives, garlic, salt, and pepper.
5. Fill baked cups, return to oven 8 minutes to heat through.

Meal Prep Tip: Wonton cups and filling can be prepped ahead, just fill and bake to serve warm.

16. Sweet Potato Rounds with Spicy Shrimp

Why You’ll Love It:

Roasted sweet potatoes make these gluten-free, and the spicy shrimp on top gives them a bold party flavor. It’s a colorful alternative for December gatherings.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 18 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 38 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped dill
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Toss sweet potato rounds in 1 tbsp oil, salt, and pepper. Roast 18–20 minutes until soft and browned.
3. Toss shrimp in remaining oil and Cajun spice, roast 6–8 minutes until pink.
4. Mix sour cream, lemon, dill, salt.
5. Top each round with a shrimp and a small spoon of herbed sauce.

Best Pairings: Roasted brussels sprouts, sparkling wine, arugula salad.

FAQ

What kind of shrimp should I buy for appetizers?

For most of these recipes, large or medium shrimp (26–30 count per pound) are perfect and cook quickly. If using frozen, make sure they’re peeled and deveined to save time.

Can I make shrimp appetizers ahead of time?

Many shrimp appetizers—like shrimp cocktail, stuffed peppers, shrimp salad cups, or ceviche—can be prepped earlier in the day and chilled. For fried or baked items, you can assemble ahead and bake/fry just before serving.

How do I keep shrimp from getting tough?

Don’t overcook—shrimp are done as soon as they turn pink and opaque. Keep a close eye on them whether boiling, frying, or roasting.

What’s a good dipping sauce for shrimp appetizers?

Classic cocktail sauce, sweet chili sauce, creamy sriracha mayo, or herb sour cream dips work well and can be served with several different bites.

Conclusion

Bringing out a tray of shrimp appetizers in December truly feels like sharing a bit of celebration, no matter how busy life gets. Each of these party favorites comes together easily and offers a little burst of flavor and color to the table. Whether you lean classic, crave something spicy, or want to add a fresh twist, you can find a shrimp bite here that makes both you and your guests happy. Don’t stress about perfection—just enjoy mixing, matching, and putting your own spin on things. Holiday gatherings are about warmth, good food, and the moments you share. Happy cooking.