14+ Christmas Shrimp Recipes Easy Elegant and Holiday Ready

If you ask my family what dish signals that the holidays have truly begun, it’s always something with shrimp. One year, my aunt showed up with a big platter of shrimp cocktail instead of cookies, and the way everyone hovered around that plate, you’d think she’d performed a magic trick. There’s just something about shrimp at Christmas—maybe it’s how fast it cooks when you’re juggling a dozen other recipes, or how even the plainest shrimp feels special when you serve it on a cold winter night. That’s why I always gravitate toward 14+ Christmas shrimp recipes easy, elegant, and holiday ready. When you want to impress the crowd with minimal fuss, shrimp is a secret weapon for the festive table.

1. Classic Christmas Shrimp Cocktail

Why You’ll Love It:

Shrimp cocktail is the little black dress of holiday appetizers—it always looks fancy, but the prep is quick. A chilled platter is great for easy grazing while everyone mingles, and you can assemble it all ahead. Kids love dunking shrimp, and the grown-ups get nostalgic. It fits right into any holiday menu, from casual family gatherings to more elegant affairs.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1/2 cup prepared cocktail sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges for garnish
• Crushed ice (for serving)

How to Make It:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water with lemon slices to a boil.
2. Add the shrimp and cook until just pink, about 2–3 minutes.
3. Drain shrimp and immediately transfer to an ice bath to chill.
4. Drain and pat shrimp dry.
5. Arrange shrimp over crushed ice on a platter or in a shallow bowl.
6. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with cocktail sauce and lemon wedges.

Personal Note: My younger cousins always compete to see who can dip the most shrimp in one go—this recipe is a true family tradition.

Serving Idea: Try serving in individual glasses for a plated, elegant twist.

2. Garlic Butter Christmas Shrimp Skillet

Why You’ll Love It:

This skillet shrimp is the kind of dish you can whip up after wrapping presents or just before guests arrive—ten minutes, and your house smells amazing. Serve it right from the pan with crusty bread. It’s rich, but not heavy, with garlicky, buttery goodness that’s fancy enough for Christmas Eve.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes

Total Time: 17 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Sliced bread for serving

How to Make It:

1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and chili flakes, sauté for 1 minutes.
3. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet.
4. Cook shrimp until opaque and just curling, about 2–3 minutes per side.
5. Add lemon juice and parsley, toss to coat, and serve immediately with slices of bread.

Flavor Boost: Add a splash of white wine with the lemon juice for extra depth.

Meal Prep Tip: You can prep the shrimp and mince the garlic ahead of time.

3. Shrimp and Avocado Christmas Wreath Salad

Why You’ll Love It:

This salad isn’t just a conversation starter—it doubles as a centerpiece. It’s light, colorful, and festive, with creamy avocado and citrusy shrimp arranged like a holiday wreath. It looks dazzling but comes together without any fuss.

Serving size: Serves 8

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 3 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 cups mixed baby greens
• 2 ripe avocados, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons fresh chopped dill
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Arrange baby greens in a wreath shape on a large round platter.
2. Tuck shrimp, avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, and lemon slices among the greens.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper.
4. Sprinkle with dill and pomegranate seeds.

Serving Idea: This looks beautiful as a holiday centerpiece on a buffet.

Swap This With That: Try grapefruit segments if you don’t have pomegranate seeds.

4. Elegant Shrimp Puff Pastry Bites

Why You’ll Love It:

Bite-sized and flaky, these treats are one-hand appetizers that vanish fast at parties. Puff pastry brings a touch of French bakery charm, while creamy shrimp filling keeps it easy and festive. They’re perfect for a tree-trimming snack plate or cocktail hour.

Serving size: Serves 12

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1/2 pound cooked shrimp, chopped (plus 12 whole for topping)
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut puff pastry into 12 squares and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
3. Whisk egg with a splash of water and brush over pastry.
4. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden. Cool slightly.
5. Beat cream cheese, mayo, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth; stir in chopped shrimp and chives.
6. Top each pastry with a spoonful of filling and a whole shrimp.

Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of cayenne for spice.

Best Pairings: Pair with sparkling wine or a crisp gin and tonic.

5. Crispy Coconut Shrimp with Holiday Marmalade Dip

Why You’ll Love It:

This recipe brings a playful, party feel—everyone loves the crunch, and the sweet, citrusy dip feels merry. Coconut shrimp are fun for both kids and grownups, and they’re never left on the plate.

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 shredded sweetened coconut
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup orange marmalade
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Lime wedges for serving

How to Make It:

1. Mix coconut and panko in a shallow bowl.
2. Season shrimp with salt. Dredge in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with coconut mixture.
3. Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F.
4. Fry shrimp in batches until golden, 2–3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
5. Mix marmalade and lime juice for dipping. Serve shrimp warm with sauce.

Swap This With That: Use apricot jam if you’re out of orange marmalade.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overcrowd the skillet or the shrimp won’t crisp.

6. Holiday Shrimp and Grits Cups

Why You’ll Love It:

Shrimp and grits get dressed up for a holiday gathering when served as individual mini cups. This is a comforting Southern classic with elegant party style, perfect for Christmas brunch or a cozy dinner.

Serving size: Serves 8

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup quick-cooking grits
• 1 cup shredded white cheddar
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 3 green onions, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Bring water and milk to a boil. Stir in grits; reduce heat and simmer until thick, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in cheese and butter until melted.
3. Season shrimp with paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté in a pan until pink, about 3–4 minutes; add lemon juice.
4. Layer grits into mini cups, top with shrimp, sprinkle with bacon and green onions.

Best Pairings: Serve with buttermilk biscuits and sautéed greens for brunch.

Meal Prep Tip: Grits can be made ahead and reheated gently.

7. Christmas Pesto Shrimp Skewers

Why You’ll Love It:

These skewers look like edible decorations—bright, fresh, and perfect for a buffet or as a main course. Pesto is a flavor bomb shortcut, and the green and pink combo is delightfully Christmasy.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 lemons, cut into wedges
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Bamboo skewers (soaked)

How to Make It:

1. Toss shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Thread shrimp onto soaked skewers.
3. Grill or broil shrimp 2–3 minutes per side.
4. Brush with pesto just before serving and garnish with lemon wedges.

Flavor Boost: Add a few cherry tomatoes to the skewers for color and sweetness.

Serving Idea: Stand skewers upright in a tall glass for a centerpiece.

8. Shrimp Scampi Christmas Pasta

Why You’ll Love It:

Shrimp scampi is the ultimate festive pasta—zippy, lemony, and garlicky. It’s what I make when I want comfort with a little sparkle, whether for a big family dinner or a low-key Christmas Eve.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound linguine
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• 1/3 cup chopped parsley
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Cook linguine according to package instructions; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. Sauté garlic and chili flakes in olive oil and butter until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp, season, and cook until pink, about 3 minutes.
4. Toss in lemon zest and juice.
5. Add cooked pasta and parmesan, tossing with reserved pasta water if needed.
6. Garnish with parsley and parmesan.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overcook the shrimp—they firm up within minutes.

Swap This With That: Use gluten-free pasta for guests with dietary needs.

9. Herby Sheet Pan Shrimp and Veggies

Why You’ll Love It:

Sheet pan recipes are my weeknight heroes, but with the right veggies and a splash of lemon, this one feels fancy enough for a Christmas table. Less mess and more time to relax with the family.

Serving size: Serves 5

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 33 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss shrimp and veggies with olive oil, garlic powder, thyme, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread evenly on a sheet pan.
4. Roast 15–18 minutes, stirring once, until shrimp is pink and veggies are tender.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Use frozen shrimp and whatever veggies you have on hand.

Meal Prep Tip: You can prep and toss everything in advance, then bake just before serving.

10. Creamy Shrimp Bisque for the Holidays

Why You’ll Love It:

This velvety soup makes for an elegant start to Christmas dinner. If you have shrimp shells and a little white wine, you can coax out layers of flavor with very little effort. It’s warming, familiar, and a little bit fancy.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (reserve shells)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 4 cups seafood or chicken stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives

How to Make It:

1. Sauté shrimp shells in butter with onion and garlic until fragrant.
2. Stir in flour, then wine, scraping up brown bits. Add stock and simmer 15 minutes; strain out solids.
3. Stir in cream, tomato paste, paprika, and simmer.
4. Add shrimp, cook until pink, then purée soup until smooth. Season to taste.
5. Serve with chives and extra cooked shrimp on top.

Serving Idea: Pour bisque into small teacups for a party starter.

Personal Note: I love ladling out this soup on Christmas Eve while carols play.

11. Holiday Shrimp Spring Rolls with Cranberry Dipping Sauce

Why You’ll Love It:

Cool, fresh rolls are a contrast to all the rich Christmas fare. These are fun to assemble with kids or as a pre-dinner activity, and the cranberry sauce adds a cheerful, seasonal pop.

Serving size: Serves 8

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 16 large rice paper wrappers
• 1 pound cooked shrimp, halved lengthwise
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 2 cups butter lettuce
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or from a can)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

How to Make It:

1. Soften each rice paper wrapper in warm water for 10–15 seconds.
2. Lay flat and layer with lettuce, basil, mint, carrots, and shrimp.
3. Roll tightly, tucking in ends.
4. Mix cranberry sauce with soy sauce for dipping.

Swap This With That: Use leftover turkey in place of shrimp for a different spin.

Flavor Boost: Add a touch of sriracha to the cranberry sauce.

12. Shrimp-Stuffed Mushrooms with Herb Breadcrumbs

Why You’ll Love It:

Stuffed mushrooms are a holiday classic, and this shrimp version feels just the right amount of luxurious. They’re the first thing gone from the appetizer tray, guaranteed.

Serving size: Serves 8

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 24 medium cremini mushrooms, stems removed
• 1/2 pound cooked shrimp, chopped
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon halves, for serving

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix shrimp, cream cheese, parmesan, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Spoon mixture into mushroom caps.
4. Mix panko with melted butter; sprinkle on top of mushrooms.
5. Bake for 15 minutes, until golden. Serve with lemon.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overbake or mushrooms will get watery—just watch for golden tops.

Best Pairings: Serve with a crisp salad or sparkling wine.

13. Spicy Christmas Shrimp Tacos with Slaw

Why You’ll Love It:

Tacos on Christmas? Why not—especially if your crew craves heat or wants something different than ham. These are streamlined for a crowd and look beautiful arranged on a platter.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 32 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups shredded red cabbage
• 1/2 cup shredded carrot
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 12 small corn tortillas
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (plus wedges)

How to Make It:

1. Toss shrimp with oil, chili powder, cumin, and salt.
2. Sauté shrimp in a skillet until pink, about 3 minutes per side.
3. Toss cabbage and carrot with lime juice; set aside.
4. Warm tortillas.
5. Assemble tacos with slaw, shrimp, avocado, and cilantro.

Flavor Boost: Add pickled jalapeños to the slaw.

Serving Idea: Set up a taco bar so guests can customize their own.

14. Baked Shrimp Parmesan

Why You’ll Love It:

Bubbly, cheesy, and irresistibly saucy, this shrimp Parmesan is a crowd-pleaser that takes the fuss out of holiday hosting. Everything bakes in one dish with hardly any cleanup.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped basil

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Layer marinara sauce in a baking dish, arrange shrimp on top.
4. Sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan.
5. Bake until bubbly, 20–25 minutes.
6. Garnish with basil and serve.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Use frozen shrimp or substitute half the shrimp with white fish.

Best Pairings: Garlic bread and a simple green salad work perfectly.

15. Christmas Shrimp Risotto with Peas and Lemon

Why You’ll Love It:

Risotto is a love language at our house. Shrimp, zesty lemon, and peas turn a humble rice dish into something sophisticated for the holiday table—and it all cooks in one pot.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 6 cups chicken or seafood stock, kept warm
• 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Sauté onion in olive oil until softened.
2. Add rice, stirring until translucent, then add wine and let it evaporate.
3. Add stock one ladle at a time, stirring until absorbed before the next.
4. Stir in shrimp and peas with last two ladles of stock; cook until shrimp are pink.
5. Stir in butter, parmesan, lemon zest, and juice. Season and serve.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t rush—add stock slowly for creamy risotto.

Meal Prep Tip: Ingredients can be chopped and prepped ahead of time.

16. Festive Shrimp and Fennel Salad

Why You’ll Love It:

Bright, crunchy fennel and juicy orange are an Italian Christmas classic that shine with sweet shrimp. This salad is a refreshing contrast on a wintery holiday table and takes almost no time to throw together.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 3 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 large fennel bulbs, thinly sliced
• 2 large navel oranges, segmented
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fennel fronds
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Arrange fennel, shrimp, and orange segments in a bowl.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Sprinkle with fennel fronds, salt, and pepper. Toss gently and serve.

Serving Idea: Serve on individual salad plates for a plated starter.

Flavor Boost: Add a handful of thin-sliced radishes for color and crunch.

FAQ

How do I make shrimp feel more festive for Christmas?

Try pairing shrimp with seasonal colors (greens and reds), citrus, or holiday spices. Elegant plating, herbs, and special dips can make even the simplest shrimp dish feel special.

Can I make shrimp recipes ahead for a holiday party?

Absolutely. Many shrimp recipes, like shrimp cocktail, stuffed mushrooms, and salads, can be prepped ahead. For hot dishes, have everything ready to cook just before guests arrive.

What’s the best way to keep shrimp tender?

Shrink cooking time and watch closely—they cook fast and are done as soon as they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking makes them tough, so pull them off the heat as soon as they’re done.

How do I reheat cooked shrimp?

Gently reheat shrimp in a skillet with a little olive oil or in a covered dish in the microwave for 1–2 minutes. For best texture, avoid high heat or overcooking during reheating.

Conclusion

Shrimp has a way of bringing a little elegance—and a lot of ease—to Christmas cooking. Whether you want something light for brunch, a show-off appetizer, or a comforting one-pan main, these 14+ Christmas shrimp recipes make it easy to feel festive without the hassle. The holidays are about connecting with people you love and spending less time fussing in the kitchen, so let these shrimp dishes work their simple magic. Try them, mix things up, and don’t be afraid to make the recipes your own—there’s always room for a new tradition around the table.