Jolly Christmas Stuffed Shrimp Recipe for Holiday Magic
Nothing says festive celebration quite like our irresistible Christmas delight stuffed shrimp that promises to dazzle every palate at your holiday table.
Succulent shrimp become the perfect canvas for a rich, flavorful filling that bursts with seasonal warmth.
Each delicate morsel combines tender seafood with a luxurious blend of herbs and spices.
The crisp exterior gives way to a mouthwatering interior that melts in your mouth.
Elegant yet surprisingly simple, this dish brings gourmet restaurant quality directly to your home kitchen.
Impress your guests with this showstopping appetizer that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience.
Dive into this recipe and watch as your holiday gathering becomes an unforgettable feast of flavors.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories: 302 kcal
Servings: 5
Christmas Stuffed Shrimp Ingredient Breakdown
For Seafood Base:
Shrimp: Fresh, large shrimp ensure a succulent and elegant centerpiece with tender meat perfect for stuffing.
Crab Meat: Delicate, sweet protein that adds luxurious texture and maritime richness to the stuffing mixture.
For Stuffing Ingredients:
Ritz Crackers: Provide delightful crunch and subtle buttery flavor for binding the filling.
Butter: Creates smooth, rich consistency and enhances overall taste profile of the stuffing.
Old Bay Seasoning: Classic coastal spice blend that delivers vibrant, zesty maritime flavor.
Dijon Mustard: Adds tangy, sharp undertone that complements seafood beautifully.
Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces deep, complex umami notes to elevate the stuffing's taste.
Parsley: Fresh herb that brings bright, clean aromatics and visual appeal to the dish.
For Seasoning and Finishing:
Kosher Salt: Enhances and balances the complex flavors of seafood and stuffing.
Lemon Wedges: Provides fresh, citrusy brightness to cut through rich flavors.
Holiday Tools for Stuffed Shrimp Prep
Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining and mixing the crab meat filling ingredients thoroughly.
Baking Sheet: Perfect for arranging and baking the stuffed shrimp evenly.
Sharp Knife: Crucial for butterflying and deveining the shrimp with precision.
Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure seasoning and filling amounts.
Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing shrimp and chopping parsley.
Pastry Brush (optional): Useful for evenly spreading melted butter if desired.
How to Cook Christmas Shrimp with Ease
Festive Ocean Treasures
Shrimp Preparation Fresh shrimp transformed into elegant seafood delights. Carefully peel and butterfly, preserving delicate tails and removing inner veins.
Flavor Foundation Craft a luxurious crab mixture blending rich ingredients. Combine delicate crab meat with buttery crackers, zesty seasonings, and aromatic herbs for a mouthwatering filling.
Elegant Stuffing Gently nestle crab mixture into each shrimp's tender opening. Ensure filling is generously packed yet beautifully contained within delicate seafood curves.
Oven Transformation Slide maritime masterpieces into a warmly heated oven. Allow golden transformation to occur, watching filling turn crispy and shrimp become perfectly opaque.
Coastal Presentation Retrieve golden-brown ocean jewels from oven's embrace. Garnish with bright parsley sprigs and sunny lemon wedges, creating a stunning culinary landscape ready to delight dinner guests.
Tips for Festive Flavors in Every Bite
Seafood Swap Magic: Replace crab meat with chopped lobster or scallops for a luxurious twist that elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.
Spice Lover's Delight: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the filling for an extra kick that transforms the mild seafood into a zesty sensation.
Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Assemble the stuffed shrimp up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking and perfect texture.
Crispy Cracker Coating: Sprinkle additional crushed Ritz crackers on top of the shrimp before baking to create a golden, crunchy exterior that adds irresistible texture to each bite.
Dipping Sauce Duo: Prepare a quick cocktail sauce or garlic aioli on the side to complement the rich, buttery stuffed shrimp and enhance the overall dining experience.
Serving Holiday Shrimp That Wows Guests
Festive Seafood Centerpiece: Arrange the stuffed shrimp on a large decorative platter, creating a stunning display that showcases the golden-brown filling and elegant shrimp.
Zesty Accompaniment Pairing: Serve with a bright citrus-herb aioli or tangy cocktail sauce to complement the rich, buttery flavors of the stuffed shrimp.
Wine and Dine Combo: Match with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the richness and enhances the delicate seafood notes.
Holiday Appetizer Spread: Create a beautiful appetizer board with these stuffed shrimp alongside other small bites like olive tapenade, cheese selections, and fresh vegetable crudités for a complete holiday starter experience.
Storing Stuffed Shrimp for Another Celebration
Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftover stuffed shrimp in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 2 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
Quick Cooling Technique: Allow baked shrimp to cool completely before refrigerating to prevent moisture buildup and maintain crispy texture.
Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap individual stuffed shrimp tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags for convenient storage up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Recommendations: Warm leftover stuffed shrimp gently in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness and prevent overcooking. Avoid microwave heating to maintain delicate texture and prevent rubbery shrimp.
Succulent christmas delight stuffed shrimp blend Mediterranean flavors with coastal elegance. Guests savor delicate seafood complemented by rich herbal notes and delightful textures you’ll want to share.
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound (0.45 kilograms) large shrimp (jumbo or colossal)
8 oz (226 grams) lump crab meat (checked for shells)
10 Ritz crackers, finely crushed (just under ½ cup crumbs)
2 tbsps (30 milliliters) melted unsalted butter
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp kosher salt (split)
½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp chopped parsley (extra for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Preparation: Remove shrimp shells while keeping tails intact, butterfly each shrimp, and carefully extract the dark digestive tract to ensure pristine seafood quality.
Oven Setup: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), establishing the optimal thermal conditions for baking the delicate seafood dish.
Filling Creation: Combine crab meat, melted butter, crushed Ritz crackers, Old Bay seasoning, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chopped parsley, and kosher salt in a mixing bowl. Blend ingredients thoroughly until a cohesive, flavorful stuffing forms.
Shrimp Assembly: Lightly season shrimp with salt, then generously stuff each shrimp with the prepared crab mixture, ensuring the filling is securely positioned and evenly distributed.
Baking Process: Transfer stuffed shrimp to the preheated oven and bake for 13-15 minutes. Monitor until the topping turns golden brown and the shrimp are cooked to perfection, showcasing a delectable maritime masterpiece.
Serving Presentation: Plate the hot stuffed shrimp immediately, garnishing with fresh parsley sprigs and vibrant lemon wedges to enhance the visual appeal and provide a zesty flavor accent.
Notes
Prep Precision: Always butterfly shrimp carefully to maintain structural integrity and ensure even cooking.
Seasoning Strategy: Salt shrimp lightly before stuffing to enhance natural seafood flavor without overpowering the delicate crab mixture.
Filling Firmness: Pack crab mixture gently but firmly to prevent separation during baking and maintain a cohesive texture.
Doneness Detection: Watch for golden-brown topping and opaque shrimp color as key indicators of perfect cooking, avoiding overcooking which can make seafood tough.
Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography, Seasonal and Local Ingredients, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Culinary Education
Education
Portland Community College
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles
Oregon Culinary Institute
Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.
Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking.
Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes.
Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.
Jessica Martin
Recipe Developer & Food Writer
Expertise
Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography, Seasonal and Local Ingredients, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Culinary Education
Education
Portland Community College
Oregon Culinary Institute
Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking.
Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes.
Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.