This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy. These FLY OFF THE PLATE so if you’re making them for a crowd, go ahead and make a double batch! This cheesy shrimp appetizer is great even when the shrimp have cooled to room temperature – perfect for a party!! The original idea for these cheesy shrimp bites came from my friend Natasha of Mom’s Dish. Natasha is an amazing cook and sweet friend who I met through blogging.

Ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Appetizer:

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)

How to Make this Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Appetizer:

Preheat Oven to 350˚F. Line a rimmed baking sheet (I used this silpat liner).

  1. Pat dry peeled and deveined shrimp with paper towels then butterfly shrimp with a sharp paring knife. Cut about halfway into the shrimp along the inside curved center of the shrimp then fan the shrimp open and lay it cut-side-up on a baking sheet. Note: If you’re leaving the tails on, they should be pointing upward. If you’re removing the tails, you can butterfly by slicing along the outside curve of the shrimp. 

  2. Use a butter knife or basting brush to spread about 1/4 to 1/2 tsp of mayo onto each shrimp. I like it with 1/4 tsp but adding more will give you a little more flavor.

  3. Season the shrimp with garlic powder and black pepper.

  4. Divide the cheese evenly over the shrimp and bake at 350˚F for 10-12 minutes, depending on size of shrimp. Remember butterflied shrimp cook quickly and if you overcook shrimp, they will toughen so remove 1 shrimp and test for doneness at 10 minutes.

Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy!

Serve these cheesy shrimp with these insanely yummy mashed potatoes!

Major cravings looking at these pictures… this calls for another batch! I hope you love this shrimp appetizer. Make it today (then promptly invite me over)! 😉 P.S. You can explore all of our favorite shrimp recipes here.

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