When it comes to easy Christmas party food, I’ve got the perfect recipe that will have your guests raving! These baked shrimp are not only simple to whip up, but they’re also bursting with flavor and elegance. I remember hosting my first holiday gathering, feeling stressed about what to serve, and then I stumbled upon this delightful dish. It was a total game-changer! The aroma of garlic and paprika wafting through the kitchen set the mood, and everyone loved them. Trust me, these shrimp are a crowd-pleaser that will make your holiday festivities even more unforgettable. So, if you’re looking for something quick and delicious to serve, this is the recipe for you!
Ingredients for Easy Christmas Party Food
For this delightful baked shrimp recipe, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Fresh parsley for garnish
These ingredients come together effortlessly, making this dish not just easy but also a joy to prepare. You’ll love how the fresh parsley and zesty lemon elevate the shrimp to a whole new level!
How to Prepare Easy Christmas Party Food
Getting these baked shrimp ready is super simple! Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious appetizer in no time. Trust me, your guests will be impressed!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first—let’s get that oven preheating to 400°F (200°C). This is essential for achieving that perfect, juicy shrimp with a little bit of crispiness. While it’s heating up, you can prepare the shrimp. It’s like multitasking magic!
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
In a large bowl, toss your peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure every shrimp is coated evenly! I usually spend about 3–5 minutes on this part. The vibrant colors and aromas will get you excited for what’s to come!
Step 3: Bake the Shrimp
Now, spread the shrimp out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Arrange those lovely lemon slices on top to infuse even more flavor as they cook. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and are cooked through—so pretty!
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once they’re out of the oven, it’s time to garnish! Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Serve these beauties with a side of cocktail sauce for dipping, and watch your guests dig in. They won’t be able to resist!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 22 minutes!
- Flavorful experience with zesty lemon and aromatic spices
- Great for gatherings—always a hit at Christmas parties
- Elegant presentation that impresses without the fuss
- Gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs
- Easy to make in advance and reheat for convenience
With all these fantastic benefits, this baked shrimp recipe is sure to become a staple in your holiday entertaining repertoire!
Tips for Success with Easy Christmas Party Food
To make sure your baked shrimp turn out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, feel free to adjust the spices to match your taste—love a little heat? Add some cayenne pepper! If you’re prepping ahead of time, you can marinate the shrimp in olive oil and spices for up to 2 hours in the fridge. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavors. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before baking for even cooking. Lastly, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; giving each shrimp a little space helps them cook evenly and get that delicious crispy edge. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information for Easy Christmas Party Food
When you’re enjoying these delightful baked shrimp, it’s nice to know what you’re savoring! Each serving (about 4 shrimp) contains approximately 150 calories, with 5g of fat, 25g of protein, and just 2g of carbohydrates. Plus, they’re gluten-free! Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of the delicious goodness you’re indulging in during your holiday gatherings!
FAQ about Easy Christmas Party Food
Got questions about making this easy Christmas party food? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered with some common queries!
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating to avoid excess moisture.
What if I don’t have paprika?
No problem! You can substitute it with chili powder for a bit of heat or even smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.
Can I prepare the shrimp a day in advance?
Yes, you can marinate the shrimp the day before and keep them in the fridge. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
They’re done when they turn pink and opaque. Keep an eye on them in the oven—overcooking can lead to rubbery shrimp!
What can I serve with the baked shrimp?
These shrimp pair wonderfully with cocktail sauce, but you can also serve them with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers of these delectable baked shrimp (which is rare, trust me!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing them up. When it’s time to enjoy them again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5–7 minutes until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overheat them, or they might turn rubbery. Enjoy every bite again!
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Easy Christmas Party Food: 5 Irresistible Shrimp Recipes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Easy Christmas party food for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Spread shrimp on a baking sheet and arrange lemon slices on top.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Serve with cocktail sauce for dipping.
- Can be made in advance and reheated.
- Adjust spices to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 shrimp
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: easy christmas party food
