Festive Christmas Delight Stuffed Shrimp Recipe for Holiday Magic

Christmas delight stuffed shrimp promises a culinary adventure that sparkles with festive flavors and elegant simplicity.

Seafood enthusiasts will appreciate the sophisticated combination of succulent shellfish and rich, complementary ingredients.

Imagine a dish that captures holiday excitement on a single plate, inviting warmth and celebration to your dining experience.

Delicate textures blend seamlessly with robust seasonings, creating a memorable centerpiece for special gatherings.

The recipe balances traditional techniques with contemporary cooking approaches, ensuring impressive results for both novice and experienced cooks.

Seasonal ingredients shine through, making each bite a testament to festive creativity and culinary craftsmanship.

Explore this delectable preparation that will surely become a cherished addition to your holiday menu.

Sides to Serve with Christmas Shrimp Delight

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the rich, buttery shrimp with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, cutting through the creamy texture and enhancing the seafood's delicate flavors.
• Match with Zesty Citrus Cocktail: Create a refreshing lemon martini or citrus spritzer that mirrors the recipe's lemon garnish, providing a bright, tangy counterpoint to the savory crab stuffing.
• Serve Alongside Herb-Roasted Vegetables: Prepare roasted asparagus or green beans with similar herbs like parsley, creating a harmonious side dish that echoes the stuffed shrimp's fresh, seasoned profile.
• Add Crusty Sourdough Bread: Offer warm, crispy sourdough slices to soak up the delicious butter and juices from the stuffed shrimp, adding a satisfying textural contrast.

Holiday Shrimp Variations to Try

• Spicy Seafood Fusion: Replace Old Bay seasoning with cayenne pepper and add diced jalapeños to the crab filling for a fiery kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Swap Ritz crackers with panko breadcrumbs and incorporate fresh dill, oregano, and crumbled feta cheese into the stuffing mixture.
• Cajun Creole Celebration: Mix andouille sausage bits into the crab filling and dust the shrimp with Cajun seasoning before baking for a New Orleans-style experience.
• Asian Sesame Sensation: Blend sesame oil, ginger, and green onions into the crab mixture, then top with toasted sesame seeds after baking for an elevated flavor profile.

FAQs on Christmas Delight Stuffed Shrimp

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just completely thaw and pat them dry before butterflying and stuffing. Fresh shrimp works best for optimal flavor and texture.

• How can I tell if the shrimp are fully cooked?

The shrimp will turn opaque and pink, and the internal temperature should reach 145°F. They should look firm and slightly curled.

• What if I don't have Old Bay seasoning?

You can substitute with a mix of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to create a similar flavor profile.

• Can I prepare these stuffed shrimp ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shrimp up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving for the best results.

Why Christmas Delight Stuffed Shrimp Is Festive and Tasty

• Packed with rich crab meat, zesty Old Bay seasoning, and a hint of Dijon mustard, these stuffed shrimp deliver an incredible taste that dances across your palate.
• The recipe combines gourmet ingredients with straightforward preparation, making it perfect for both novice and experienced home cooks who want to impress without complicated techniques.
• Stunning presentation with golden-brown filling and pristine shrimp makes this dish ideal for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or when you want to elevate a weeknight dinner into something extraordinary.
• From prep to plate, this recipe takes just about 30 minutes, allowing you to create a restaurant-quality appetizer or main course without spending hours in the kitchen.

What You’ll Need for Christmas Delight Stuffed Shrimp

• Shrimp: Large, fresh seafood that serves as the base for this elegant dish. Wild-caught or large Gulf shrimp recommended for best flavor.
• Crab Meat: Delicate seafood filling that adds richness and marine sweetness. Fresh or high-quality canned crab meat works well.

• Old Bay Seasoning: Classic seafood spice blend that provides signature Maryland coastal taste.
• Dijon Mustard: Sharp condiment that adds tangy depth to the stuffing mixture.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Complex sauce that brings umami and subtle background flavor.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning the shrimp and filling with balanced taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds color and fresh herb notes to the dish.

• Ritz Crackers: Buttery crackers that help bind the crab filling and provide crispy texture.
• Butter: Melted fat that enriches the crab mixture and adds luxurious moisture.
• Lemon Wedges: Citrus garnish that provides optional bright, acidic fresh finish.

Stuffed Shrimp Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Succulent Seafood

Gently peel the shrimp, keeping the elegant tail intact. Carefully butterfly each shrimp, removing the dark vein with precision. Set the prepped shrimp aside on a clean plate.

Step 2: Warm the Cooking Chamber

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C), creating the perfect environment for culinary magic.

Step 3: Craft the Luxurious Filling

• Fresh crab meat
• Silky melted butter
• Crushed Ritz crackers
• Zesty Old Bay seasoning
• Tangy Dijon mustard
• Rich Worcestershire sauce
• Vibrant chopped parsley
• Kosher salt

Blend these treasures until they dance together harmoniously.

Step 4: Lovingly Stuff the Seafood

Sprinkle the remaining salt over the prepared shrimp. Generously tuck about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the crab mixture into each shrimp, ensuring a perfect, snug fit.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Carefully nestle the stuffed shrimp in the preheated oven. Bake for 13-15 minutes, watching for a golden-brown transformation and ensuring the shrimp are completely cooked through.

Step 6: Present and Celebrate

Immediately transfer the sizzling stuffed shrimp to a stunning serving platter. Sprinkle with additional fresh parsley and arrange bright lemon wedges around the dish.

Tips to Nail Christmas Stuffed Shrimp

• Butterfly with Precision: Use a sharp knife to carefully slice shrimp along the back without cutting through, creating a perfect pocket for stuffing.
• Season Strategically: Distribute salt evenly across shrimp before filling to enhance overall flavor and ensure balanced seasoning throughout the dish.
• Pack Filling Gently: When stuffing shrimp, press crab mixture lightly to prevent overflow while maintaining a generous, consistent portion in each shrimp.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Watch shrimp closely during baking; they're perfectly cooked when turning opaque and golden brown, typically between 13-15 minutes.
• Serve Immediately Hot: Transfer stuffed shrimp directly from oven to serving plate to maintain optimal temperature and preserve the crispy, golden exterior.

How to Store and Reheat Stuffed Holiday Shrimp

• Refrigerate: Place cooled stuffed shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a preheated oven at 275°F for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery texture and maintain crispy stuffing.
• Freeze: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Christmas Delight Stuffed Shrimp Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Festive holiday magic comes alive with Christmas Delight Stuffed Shrimp, a coastal culinary masterpiece that whispers elegance and celebration. Golden prawns nestled with rich, herbed stuffing create an irresistible centerpiece for seasonal gatherings you’ll savor with pure joy.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (0.45 kilogram) large shrimp (jumbo or colossal)
• 8 ounces (226 grams) lump crab meat (checked for shells)

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

• 10 Ritz crackers, finely crushed (just under ½ cup crumbs)
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) melted unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (split)
• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Garnish and Serving:

• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (extra for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Carefully separate the shrimp shells while preserving the tail, then delicately butterfly each one and extract the dark digestive tract, preparing them for a luxurious seafood experience.
2. Calibrate the oven temperature to a precise 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal thermal environment for baking.
3. In a spacious mixing vessel, amalgamate succulent crab meat with liquefied butter, pulverized Ritz crackers, aromatic Old Bay seasoning, tangy Dijon mustard, robust Worcestershire sauce, freshly chopped parsley, and a measured portion of kosher salt, blending until a harmonious filling emerges.
4. Enhance the shrimp with a subtle salt seasoning, then meticulously nestle approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons of the crab mixture into each seafood vessel, ensuring the filling remains securely positioned.
5. Position the elegantly stuffed shrimp within the preheated oven, allowing them to transform for 13-15 minutes until the topping achieves a golden-brown complexion and the shrimp reach perfect culinary doneness.
6. Immediately present the gourmet creation, adorning the plate with additional verdant parsley sprigs and vibrant lemon wedges, inviting an explosion of maritime flavors.

Notes

• Prep like a pro by keeping shrimp tails intact for an elegant presentation that impresses guests.
• Choose fresh, high-quality crab meat and jumbo shrimp to elevate the dish’s flavor and texture.
• Crush Ritz crackers finely to create a uniform, delicate stuffing that binds perfectly with the crab mixture.
• Avoid overcooking shrimp by watching carefully during the 13-15 minute baking time to prevent rubbery texture.
• Serve immediately after baking to maintain the crispy golden-brown stuffing and succulent shrimp.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 1-2 days for best taste and food safety.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 150mg