Name: Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 31 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound raw large shrimp; 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup prepared guacamole; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro, plus additional for garnish; Bite-sized round corn tortilla chips (1 per shrimp); Crumbled feta cheese or queso fresco, for serving

Imagine the bright pop of fresh guacamole, the gentle heat from smoky spices, and tender shrimp all in one bite. This Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe is a little party in your mouth, and it’s seriously addictive. Perfect for snacks or entertaining, it’s simple yet impressive.

Small round white crackers form the base layer, topped with a thick layer of bright green guacamole. On top of the guacamole sits a cooked shrimp with an orange-brown color, showing slight charring and seasoning. White crumbled cheese is sprinkled over the shrimp and some green herbs add extra color. The shrimp appetizers are arranged on a light wooden surface with some green herb leaves and lime slices scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m always on the lookout for snacks that feel fancy but are easy to throw together. These spicy shrimp guacamole bites? They hit that sweet spot. Juicy shrimp with just a hint of smoky heat, plus creamy guacamole and a crunchy chip – every texture shines.

Quick & Simple: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute guests or weekday treats.
Fresh & Flavorful: The seasoning blend on the shrimp brings warmth and smokiness without overpowering the guacamole.
Customizable: You can easily tweak the spice level or swap in different cheeses or chips to suit your preferences.
Party-Ready Presentation: Bite-sized and beautiful, these are sure to disappear fast at any gathering.

This image shows small round snacks arranged on a wooden board. Each snack has three layers: the bottom layer is a pale beige round base, the middle layer is a bright green spread with a smooth texture, topped with a single cooked shrimp that is orange with hints of char and a curved shape. The shrimp is sprinkled with small white crumb-like pieces and finely chopped green herbs. Around the snacks, there are scattered green herb leaves and a wedge of lime with light green flesh. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe combines simple, fresh ingredients that balance each other perfectly. The spices highlight the shrimp’s natural sweetness, while the lime juice brightens the guacamole, keeping each bite vibrant. When shopping, look for fresh shrimp and ripe avocados for the best flavor.

Flat lay of raw large shrimp with their natural pink and gray tones, a small white bowl of extra-virgin olive oil, a small white bowl of vibrant green prepared guacamole, a small white bowl of fresh lime juice, bright green chopped fresh cilantro sprigs, a pile of round corn tortilla chips with golden texture, a small white bowl of crumbled white feta cheese or queso fresco, and small piles of deep red chili powder, earthy brown cumin, smoky red paprika, and coarse kosher salt crystals placed symmetrically, all arranged on simple white ceramic bowls and plates, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Shrimp: Use large, raw shrimp so you can season and roast them freshly for tender, juicy bites.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Helps the spices stick and adds a subtle fruitiness during roasting.
Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika: This trio adds warmth, smokiness, and a mild kick without overwhelming heat.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
Prepared Guacamole: Makes this recipe quick—choose a good-quality one or homemade if you have time.
Lime Juice: Adds a zesty brightness that awakens the guacamole’s flavor.
Fresh Cilantro: Adds herbal freshness—plus, it looks lovely as a garnish.
Bite-Sized Corn Tortilla Chips: Pick sturdy ones to hold the toppings without breaking.
Crumbled Feta or Queso Fresco: The creamy, salty cheese pairs wonderfully with the spicy shrimp.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love swapping out the cheese depending on what I have on hand—feta is my go-to for a tangy punch, but queso fresco is a great mild option. And if you like things hotter, adding a few dashes of hot sauce on top elevates the heat perfectly.

Variation: Sometimes I toss in a pinch of cayenne when seasoning the shrimp for extra kick, especially if I’m serving folks who love spicy food.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe

Step 1: Seasoning the Shrimp

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet. In a bowl, toss the raw shrimp with olive oil, then sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and kosher salt over them. Mix well so every shrimp gets a flavorful coating. This step is crucial for locking in those smoky, spicy notes.

Step 2: Roasting with Care

Spread the shrimp out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for just 4 to 6 minutes—you want them pink and opaque but not rubbery. Keep an eye on them, because overcooked shrimp get tough and chewy, which I know we all want to avoid!

Step 3: Preparing the Guacamole Mix

While the shrimp roast, mix your guacamole with fresh lime juice and a tablespoon of chopped cilantro. This fresh lime juice lifts the guacamole, keeping it bright and vibrant, and the cilantro adds that fresh herbal note.

Step 4: Assembling the Bites

Now the fun part—spoon guacamole onto each tortilla chip, top with a roasted shrimp, then sprinkle crumbled cheese and extra cilantro for a fresh finish. These bite-sized treats are perfect for gatherings or a fun snack any time.

Top Tip

Having made these more times than I can count, I’ve picked up a few handy tips to keep your Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Bites tasting perfect every time.

Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Give your shrimp enough space so they roast evenly—crowding leads to steaming instead of roasting.
Precision on Cooking Time: I set a kitchen timer for 4 minutes and start checking—shrimp cook quickly, and it's easier to add 1-2 minutes than to fix overcooking.
Use Fresh Lime Juice: Bottled lime juice doesn’t have the same brightness, so fresh makes the guacamole pop.
Choose Sturdy Tortilla Chips: Thin or delicate chips can break under the toppings; sturdy, round chips work best for a good bite.

How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe

Spicy Shrimp Guacamole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually top these bites with a little extra chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of crumbled feta or queso fresco. Sometimes I add a tiny drizzle of chipotle mayo or a few dots of hot sauce for an added zing. Fresh lime wedges on the side are great for those who love an extra citrus burst.

Side Dishes

They’re great alongside a fresh, crunchy slaw or simple black bean salad for a fuller spread. I’ve also served them with grilled corn on the cob and a chilled Mexican-style street corn salad during summer parties—it’s a perfect match.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive occasion, I sometimes arrange these on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves or a large platter garnished with lime wedges and whole cilantro sprigs. Another fun trick is to stack a couple of bites in a small glass or cup for grab-and-go appetizers at casual get-togethers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I recommend storing leftover roasted shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Guacamole tastes best fresh, so if you have leftovers, keep it separate. Assemble bites just before serving to keep chips crispy.

Freezing

While shrimp can be frozen, I don’t suggest freezing these bites assembled because the chips get soggy. You could freeze cooked shrimp separately for up to a month and add them to fresh guacamole and chips when ready.

Reheating

Reheat leftover shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat or the microwave for about 30 seconds just until warm. Avoid overheating to keep them tender. Serve immediately with fresh guacamole and fresh chips.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Bites ahead of time?

You can prepare the shrimp and guacamole separately ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the bites just before serving to keep the tortilla chips crispy and fresh-tasting.

What’s the best way to prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery?

Cooking shrimp for too long causes them to become rubbery. Roast at 400°F for 4 to 6 minutes, keeping a close eye, and remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely, pat them dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture, then proceed with seasoning and roasting as directed.

What if I don’t like spicy food?

You can reduce or omit the chili powder and smoked paprika to make it milder. The shrimp will still be delicious with just cumin and a pinch of salt for flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe feels like such a treat and somehow manages to be both fancy and fuss-free. It’s a recipe I keep coming back to when I want to impress guests without hours in the kitchen. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—once you try it, these little bites might just become your new go-to appetizer!