15 Top-Rated Shrimp Appetizers for Your Summer Parties

city ceviche
Photo: Aja

It sure seems like shrimp are purpose-built for party food. They're exactly the right size for easy eating and their sweet, clean flavor plays well with all kinds of ingredients and preparations. And they always seem just a little more special than your average appetizer. Small wonder shrimp are always the first bites to disappear at any get-together. Here are 15 favorite shrimp appetizers you'll want to put on your summer party circuit.

01 of 16

Chef John's Grilled Garlic and Herb Shrimp

chef john's grilled garlic and herb shrimp
Chef John

"This was one of the best grilled shrimp recipes I've ever made! My family loved it and said it was restaurant quality." —tcasa

02 of 16

Bacon-Wrapped Barbeque Shrimp

bacon wrapped barbeque shrimp
mommyluvs2cook

"These are spicy and wonderful! As close as I can get to a restaurant version that I am addicted to. It serves two as an entree or four as an appetizer." —Jan

03 of 16

Mexican-Style Shrimp Cocktail

mexican style shrimp cocktail
Chef John

"You can pretty much get Mexican food like tacos and burritos anywhere in the country these days. However, Mexican Shrimp Cocktails don't seem to have caught on elsewhere as they have in the Bay Area. Here's my version!" —Chef John

  • Video: How to Make Shrimp Cocktail
04 of 16

City Ceviche

city ceviche
Aja

"Very good! The best ceviche recipe I've found (and I've tried over 10). The only thing I added was hot sauce, as we like spicy." —messy.muse

05 of 16

Vietnamese Fresh Shrimp Rolls

vietnamese fresh shrimp rolls
AllrecipesPhoto

"These are so good! There are so many ways to be creative with this recipe — but it's perfect as is." —Beth

06 of 16

Baked Coconut Shrimp

baked coconut shrimp
abapplez

"This crunchy coconut shrimp is baked instead of fried, and so easy! Great for dinner or as an appetizer. I serve with orange marmalade for dipping." —girlbob

07 of 16

Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp

copycat bang bang shrimp
charliefick

My favorite shrimp recipe! I've made it several times since I discovered this recipe. It's so simple and so good." —Dawn P.

08 of 16

Shrimp and Jalapeno Nachos

shrimp and jalapeno nachoes
Allrecipes Magazine

"What better way to 'fiesta' than with this beautiful plate of alternative nachos? This will make a very delicious change of pace to the traditional version." —Chef John

09 of 16

Grilled Shrimp with Lemon Aioli

grilled shrimp with lemon aioli
Chef John

"This is a very simple and amazing recipe, especially if you make extra aioli and brush it on as soon as you take them off the grill. The smoked paprika gives a nice little smoky flavor." —rckymtn

10 of 16

Layered Shrimp Dip

layered shrimp dip
Baking Nana

"Olives not only make this creamy layered shrimp dip look pretty, but they add a nice flavor twist to an otherwise straight forward party favorite. Crab can be substituted for shrimp!" —DEBOKC

11 of 16

Shrimp Scampi Cheesecake

shrimp scampi cheesecake appetizer
Deb C

"Rich cheesecake with a seafood surprise. Decadent and smooth for adult tastes." —Betty L. Ince

12 of 16

Hooley's Devil Stuffed Shrimp

hooley's devil stuffed shrimp
BIG BOY

"This tasty crab and shrimp appetizer is simple to prepare and sinfully delicious!" —Monkibonz

13 of 16

Grilled Shrimp and Apple Skewers

grilled shrimp and apple skewers
Jennifer Aleman

"Shrimp and apples are marinated in a sweet and spicy sauce, then skewered and grilled. Serve over white rice, noodles, or a mixed green salad." —MOONROZE

  • Related: 15 Ways the World Does Grilled Kabobs and Skewers
14 of 16

Chef John's Indoor BBQ Shrimp

Chef John's Indoor BBQ Shrimp
Chef John

"I made this last night for my father-in-law's birthday, and it not only perfectly fit the bill, but went above and beyond. This shrimp was meant as a complement to the chicken main course and ended up stealing the show!" —Faval

15 of 16

Honey Walnut Shrimp

honey walnut shrimp
Rhianna

"This is hands down the best thing I have ever done with shrimp! Maybe even better than PF Chang's version." —Alaskabetty

Updated by
Emily Boyette
Emily Boyette

Emily Boyette is a highly qualified editor within the food media industry with eight-plus years of experience. From galleries and listicles to recipe manuscripts and articles, her knowledge of cooking goes beyond text. Emily is a writer for Allrecipes.

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