There are appetizers that people politely nibble on, and then there are appetizers that vanish before you even set the tray down properly. These cheesy garlic shrimp fall into the second group. They come out of the oven bubbling and aromatic, and somehow the plate goes from full to empty long before you have a chance to grab one for yourself. Whenever I make these, I always prepare extra because every household has that one person who circles back for “just one more.”
Why This Shrimp Starter Became My Go-To
I’ve always been drawn to recipes that look impressive but can be made quickly without fuss. These shrimp are exactly that type of dish. The first time I served them was on a busy evening when guests were due any minute and I needed something both easy and memorable. As soon as the shrimp began to bake and the garlic mingled with the cheese, the whole kitchen smelled inviting. By the time the tray reached the table, people were already reaching for them.
What I love most is that these shrimp don’t require anything fancy. They look dressed up, but the prep is simple enough that I often make a small batch even when it’s just me wanting something tasty before dinner.
A Closer Look at the Ingredients
Over the years, I’ve learned to lean on a few simple ingredients that bring comforting flavor:
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Shrimp: I choose large, firm shrimp because they hold up well and give enough space for the topping.
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Mayonnaise: Just a thin layer adds moisture and helps the cheese cling to the shrimp.
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Garlic powder: It melts into the shrimp while baking and gives a warm, savory aroma.
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Black pepper: Freshly cracked pepper brightens the whole bite.
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Cheese: A blend that melts smoothly works best. Once baked, it forms that irresistible golden crown.
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Parsley: If I have some on hand, I sprinkle a bit for color right before serving.
It’s a short list, but the flavors come together beautifully.
How I Prep the Shrimp So They Cook Perfectly
Butterflying shrimp is one of those steps that makes them look fancy without being difficult. I pat the shrimp dry first so they roast instead of steaming. Then I make a careful cut down the center and open them slightly. It creates a perfect surface for the topping and helps them cook evenly.
Shrimp cook fast, so I always keep an eye on the oven. They’re ready as soon as the cheese melts and the edges curl slightly.
Building the Flavor Step by Step
Once the shrimp are laid out, I brush a small amount of mayo on each one. I learned quickly that a little goes a long way. The garlic powder and pepper settle nicely on the mayo and help create a gentle crust under the cheese.
Then comes the best part — topping them with a generous pinch of cheese. As they bake, the cheese melts into the shrimp and forms that inviting golden layer everyone loves.
They only need about ten minutes in the oven. Any longer and shrimp become firm instead of tender.
Serving Tips From My Own Kitchen
These shrimp taste great right out of the oven, but I’ve found they hold their flavor even at room temperature. That makes them perfect for gatherings where people graze at their own pace.
I often arrange them on a simple platter with lemon wedges or herbs on the side. They’re easy to pick up and even easier to enjoy.
If I’m hosting a small get-together, I’ll sometimes mix things up with a second variation — a sprinkle of chili flakes, a bit of paprika, or a dash of lemon zest. This recipe adapts well to whatever mood strikes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. I thaw them completely, pat them dry, and proceed as usual.
Can I use freshly minced garlic instead of garlic powder?
You can, but keep it very light so it doesn’t burn during baking.
What cheese melts best for this recipe?
A blend that melts smoothly works beautifully. The slight stretch and golden edges are exactly what you want.
Do these shrimp need dipping sauce?
They’re flavorful on their own, but a simple lemon wedge on the side is a nice touch.
Can I prepare them ahead of time?
You can butterfly the shrimp and season them earlier, but I add the cheese just before baking to keep everything fresh.
Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Appetizer
This cheesy baked shrimp is the kind of appetizer that disappears faster than you expect.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp (20–25 count), peeled and deveined
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- Garlic powder to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4 oz shredded Mexican blend cheese
- Fresh parsley finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Set your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet so the shrimp won’t stick. Pat the shrimp very dry, then butterfly each one by carefully slicing halfway through the inner curve and opening it like a book. Arrange them cut-side up on the baking sheet.
- Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise over each shrimp, using the back of a spoon or a small brush. Sprinkle lightly with garlic powder and black pepper.
- Top each shrimp with a small mound of shredded cheese, dividing it evenly so every piece gets a good cheesy crust. Bake for 10–12 minutes, depending on the size of your shrimp. Check one at the 10-minute mark—shrimp cook fast and are best when just opaque and tender.
- Transfer to a serving platter and finish with a bit of chopped parsley if you like. Serve warm and watch them disappear.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 168Total Fat 8gSaturated Fat 4gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 179mgSodium 843mgCarbohydrates 2gSugar 0gProtein 21g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thought
This cheesy garlic shrimp appetizer has become one of those recipes I trust completely. It’s quick, it always tastes good, and people never get tired of grabbing another piece. There’s something satisfying about watching a simple tray of shrimp turn into the star of the gathering. Whether you’re cooking for a party or just adding a small treat to your evening, these shrimp bring a warm, savory comfort with almost no effort — and that’s the kind of cooking that never fails to make the kitchen feel like the best place to be.
