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A close-up shot of a serving platter with cheesy baked shrimp, fresh out of the oven. The melted cheese is slightly golden, and finely chopped parsley is sprinkled on top for garnish.

Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Appetizer Recipe

This cheesy garlic shrimp appetizer is a quick and easy appetizer, packed with creamy mayo, garlic, and melty cheese. It’s juicy, flavorful, and perfect for any seafood lover!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 170 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Rimmed baking sheet
  • Silpat liner or parchment paper
  • Paper towels
  • Sharp paring knife
  • Butter knife or basting brush

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb 20-25 count large shrimp peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
  • 1/4 to 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • Garlic powder to taste
  • Black pepper freshly ground, to taste
  • 4 oz Mexican blend shredded cheese
  • Fresh parsley finely chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F and line a rimmed baking sheet.
  • Pat shrimp dry and butterfly them by slicing halfway through the inside curve.
    A close-up shot of shrimp being butterflied on a wooden cutting board. A sharp knife slices halfway through the inside curve of each shrimp, preparing them for stuffing.
  • Lay shrimp cut-side up on the baking sheet.
    An overhead view of a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper, with butterflied shrimp arranged cut-side up, ready to be seasoned.
  • Spread a small amount of mayonnaise on each shrimp.
    A close-up shot of a small spoon spreading a thin layer of creamy mayonnaise onto each butterflied shrimp. The shrimp glisten under soft kitchen lighting.
  • Season with garlic powder and black pepper.
    A close-up shot of shrimp being sprinkled with garlic powder and freshly ground black pepper. The seasonings create a flavorful contrast against the pale pink shrimp.
  • Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the shrimp.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes, checking for doneness at 10 minutes.
    A close-up shot of shredded Mexican blend cheese being evenly sprinkled over the seasoned shrimp on a baking sheet. The cheese covers each shrimp generously.
  • Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with parsley, and enjoy!
    A close-up shot of a serving platter with cheesy baked shrimp, fresh out of the oven. The melted cheese is slightly golden, and finely chopped parsley is sprinkled on top for garnish.