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)

There's nothing quite like the burst of heat and zest you get from perfectly spiced shrimp paired with creamy guacamole. This Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe is one of those effortless appetizers that bring a fiesta right to your kitchen, whether you're hosting friends or just craving a playful snack.

This image shows several small snacks arranged on a wooden board with a white marbled background. Each snack has three layers: the bottom layer is a pale, round base similar to a small tortilla or cracker, the middle layer is a thick spread of green guacamole with some texture and herbs visible, and the top layer is a single cooked shrimp with an orange color and light grill marks. White crumbles, likely cheese, are sprinkled on top of the shrimp and around the snacks. Small green herb leaves scatter over the board, adding color contrast. 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

This recipe has quickly become a go-to when I want something that wows without fuss. The combination of smoky, spicy shrimp and cooling, tangy guacamole is a flavor win every time, and the bite-size format makes it super approachable at any gathering.

Easy Prep: Minimal ingredients and quick roasting mean you’ll have this appetizer ready in under 30 minutes.
Bold Flavors: The chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika create a smoky-spicy shrimp that perfectly complements creamy guacamole.
Perfect for Entertaining: These bites look gorgeous on a platter and are effortless for guests to grab and enjoy.
Customizable: You can tweak the heat level, swap cheeses, or add your own garnishes to suit your crowd’s taste.

The image shows small round snacks arranged on a wooden board, each made of three layers: the bottom layer is a light beige crispy base, the middle layer is green mashed avocado, and the top layer is a large cooked shrimp with a light reddish-orange color. The shrimp are sprinkled with small white crumbles and finely chopped green herbs. Around the snacks, there are scattered green herb leaves and a lime wedge at the top right corner. The wooden surface contrasts with the colorful food and adds warmth to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a key role to balance robust flavors with creamy textures and crunchy bites. Pay attention to freshness—especially the shrimp and cilantro—to get that bright, lively taste that really makes this recipe shine.

Flat lay of raw large shrimp with natural pink and white hues, a small white bowl of extra-virgin olive oil, a small white bowl containing chili powder in deep red, a small white bowl of ground cumin in warm beige, a small white bowl of smoked paprika in rusty orange, a small white bowl of kosher salt with fine white crystals, a small white bowl filled with creamy green prepared guacamole, a small white bowl of fresh lime juice with pale yellow-green liquid, fresh bright green chopped cilantro sprigs arranged neatly, a stack of round bite-sized corn tortilla chips with golden yellow texture, and crumbled white feta cheese scattered gently, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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: Choose large raw shrimp for the best texture and flavor; fresh or thawed works perfectly.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Helps the spices cling to the shrimp and keeps them juicy when roasted.
Chili powder: Adds warmth and a gentle kick without overpowering the other spices.
Cumin: Provides an earthy, slightly nutty flavor that complements the chili powder beautifully.
Smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smoky depth that pairs exceptionally with roasted shrimp.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the spices perfectly.
Prepared guacamole: Creamy and rich, it cools the spice and adds velvety texture to the bites.
Fresh lime juice: Brightens the guacamole with citrusy tang and wakes up all the flavors.
Fresh cilantro: Adds herbal freshness—both inside the guacamole and as a garnish.
Bite-sized round corn tortilla chips: Sturdy enough to hold the toppings but light enough to let the flavors shine.
Crumbled feta or queso fresco: Offers a salty, creamy finish that contrasts the spicy shrimp and guacamole.

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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 playing with the spice level here—sometimes I sneak in a pinch of cayenne if I’m feeling adventurous. Feel free to swap out cheeses or even use a dollop of sour cream for a creamy twist. Don’t hesitate to add chopped jalapeños if you want it fiery hot!

Variation: Once, I tried adding a dash of smoked chipotle powder for an extra smoky punch which was fantastic. You might want to start small and adjust to your heat preference.
Make it vegan: Swap shrimp for grilled or roasted cauliflower florets and use a dairy-free cheese of your choice.
Seasonal swap: Around summer, add a handful of diced fresh mango to the guacamole for a sweet contrast that dazzles the palate.

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

Step 1: Spice Up and Roast the Shrimp

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet. Toss your shrimp in olive oil and then shower them generously with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and kosher salt. Spread them out so each shrimp sits snugly but not overcrowded. Roast for 4 to 6 minutes — keep an eye on them because overcooking makes shrimp rubbery. They’re done once they’re pink and opaque.

Step 2: Brighten the Guacamole

In a small bowl, mix your prepared guacamole with fresh lime juice and a tablespoon of chopped cilantro. This little boost of lime juice lifts the guacamole, making it vibrant and fresh — it’s such a game changer.

Step 3: Assemble Your Bites

Grab those sturdy, bite-sized tortilla chips and spoon a generous dollop of guacamole on each. Top with one roasted shrimp. Finish with a sprinkle of cilantro and crumbled feta or queso fresco. The salty cheese is that perfect finishing touch that brings everything together.

Top Tip

Having made this Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe numerous times, I’ve learned a few key tricks that really elevate this appetizer.

Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: This ensures that shrimp roast evenly and get a nice sear instead of steaming.
Use Fresh Lime Juice: Bottled lime juice just doesn’t have the same zing — fresh makes the guacamole pop.
Choose Firm Tortilla Chips: Thinner chips tend to sag under the weight of toppings, so go for ones that hold up well.
Serve at Room Temperature: The shrimp tastes best warm but not hot, and room temp chips keep crunch intact.

How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe

Spicy Shrimp Guacamole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m all about using extra fresh cilantro and a little sprinkle of crumbled feta for that salty contrast. Sometimes, I add thinly sliced red chili for color and an extra kick. A tiny squeeze of lime just before serving never hurts, either — it perks everything up beautifully.

Side Dishes

These bites pair wonderfully with simple sides like a fresh corn salad or black bean salsa. A crisp, citrusy margarita or a light beer balances the spice perfectly, turning your snack into a full-on party starter.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like plating the bites on a large wooden board with small bowls of extra guacamole, lime wedges, and a variety of salsas. Serving with edible flowers or microgreens adds an extra pop of color and wow factor that guests always appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers (and sometimes I hope you do!), store the roasted shrimp separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep guacamole chilled tightly covered to avoid browning, and store chips in an airtight bag to maintain their crunch.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing these bites assembled because the chips will get soggy. However, you can freeze seasoned, cooked shrimp in a sealed bag for up to 2 months, then thaw and assemble fresh bites.

Reheating

Gently reheat shrimp in a skillet over medium heat just until warmed through to keep them tender. Avoid the microwave if you can—you risk overcooking quickly. Assemble with fresh guacamole and chips right before serving to ensure perfect texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare shrimp and guacamole ahead but assemble just before serving to keep chips crunchy. Store shrimp in the fridge and guacamole covered with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface to minimize browning.

What if I don’t like spicy food?

You can reduce or omit chili powder and smoked paprika for a milder bite, or swap with a sweet paprika for smoky flavor without heat. Adjust seasoning to match your taste preferences easily.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw your shrimp completely, pat them dry to avoid sogginess, and follow the roasting instructions. Quality frozen shrimp works wonderfully here.

What are good alternatives to feta cheese?

Queso fresco is a great mild, crumbly alternative. For a dairy-free option, try a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced avocado for extra creaminess without cheese.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s a crowd-pleaser that never feels complicated. The ease and flavor punch make it perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back celebrations. You’ll definitely want to have the ingredients on hand for whenever that craving hits—trust me, once you try these, they’ll become one of your favorite go-to appetizers too!