Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of tender shrimp and a well-seasoned stuffing creates a mouthwatering bite.
- Perfect for Entertaining: These bite-sized appetizers are great for parties and gatherings.
- Versatile Recipe: You can modify the stuffing ingredients to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Shrimp:
- Jumbo shrimp (16-20 count), peeled, deveined, and butterflied
- Olive oil
- Smoked paprika
- Old Bay seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Italian seasoning
- Black pepper
For the Filling:
- Lump crab meat
- Cooked baby spinach, strained and chopped
- Chopped artichoke hearts
- Mayonnaise
- Italian breadcrumbs
- Shredded mozzarella and pepper jack cheese
- Minced garlic
- Dijon mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
- Fresh lemon juice and zest
- Dried herbs (such as dill)
For the Garlic Butter Dill Sauce:
- Unsalted butter
- Minced garlic
- Fresh dill, chopped
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Shrimp: Toss the butterflied shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper until well coated.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine lump crab meat, chopped spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, mayonnaise, breadcrumbs, shredded mozzarella and pepper jack cheese, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice and zest, and dried herbs. Mix well.
- Stuff the Shrimp: Place the seasoned shrimp on a baking sheet. Spoon the filling onto each shrimp, pressing gently to secure.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and the stuffing is golden brown.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the shrimp bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in fresh dill.
- Serve: Drizzle the garlic butter dill sauce over the baked stuffed shrimp. Serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 6 servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Keto-Friendly: Omit breadcrumbs to make the recipe low-carb.
- Cheese Substitute: Use cream cheese instead of mayonnaise for a richer filling.
- Spicy Version: Add Cajun seasoning or chopped jalapeños for a kick.
- Grilled Option: Grill the stuffed shrimp instead of baking for a smoky flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery shrimp.
FAQs
Can I make stuffed shrimp ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What size shrimp should I use?
Use large shrimp (16-20 count per pound) for easy stuffing.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
No, raw shrimp is best as pre-cooked shrimp may become tough when baked.
What can I use instead of crab meat?
Chopped cooked shrimp, scallops, or a seafood mix can be substituted.
How do I make this dish spicier?
Add hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños to the filling.
Can I freeze stuffed shrimp?
It’s not recommended to freeze assembled stuffed shrimp, as the texture may change.
Can I use a different sauce?
Yes! Lemon aioli, remoulade, or cocktail sauce pair well with stuffed shrimp.
Do I have to use breadcrumbs?
No, you can replace them with almond flour for a low-carb version.
Can I bake these in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, checking for doneness.
What side dishes go well with stuffed shrimp?
Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or a light salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Stuffed Shrimp is an elegant and delicious appetizer that’s easy to prepare yet packed with flavor. Whether for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Try out different variations and make it your own!
Stuffed Shrimp
This Stuffed Shrimp recipe features jumbo shrimp filled with a rich, cheesy crab and spinach mixture, baked to perfection, and drizzled with a savory garlic butter dill sauce. Perfect for holidays, date nights, or any special occasion!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 2 lbs large shrimp (16–20 count), peeled, deveined, and butterflied
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Filling:
- 8 oz lump or claw crab meat
- 1 cup cooked spinach, strained and chopped
- 6 oz artichoke hearts, strained and chopped
- 1 cup mayonnaise (or substitute with sour cream or cream cheese)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 8 oz shredded cheese (mozzarella and pepper jack recommended)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Zest of one lemon
For the Garlic Butter Dill Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped