How Long to Cook Baked Stuffed Shrimp at 400 Degrees for Perfectly Juicy and Flavorful Results

Baked stuffed shrimp is one of my absolute favorite appetizers to serve when I’m hosting a dinner party or having friends over for a casual get-together. The combination of tender shrimp enveloping cheese, breadcrumbs, herbs and vegetables is simply irresistible. However, I used to always struggle with figuring out exactly how long to cook the shrimp at 400 degrees Fahrenheit to achieve that perfect texture – not rubbery and overdone, but cooked through and juicy.

Through trial and error in my kitchen I’ve finally cracked the code on how long you should bake stuffed shrimp at 400°F. In this article I’ll share my tips and experiences so you can avoid the guesswork and cook up the best baked stuffed shrimp every time. From how long it takes to cook, to tips on prepping the shrimp and making the stuffing, you’ll find everything you need to know here.

How Long Should Stuffed Shrimp Cook at 400°F?

So let’s jump right into answering the question I know you’re wondering – how long should you bake stuffed shrimp at 400 degrees Fahrenheit? The ideal baking time I’ve found for getting perfectly cooked stuffed shrimp when baking at 400°F is

• 12-15 minutes

This timing ensures the shrimp cooks through without becoming rubbery or dried out. Shrimp cooks very fast, so any longer and they are likely to toughen up and get overdone.

I recommend checking on the shrimp at around the 12 minute mark by opening the oven and seeing if they look opaque and cooked through. If not, continue cooking for a couple more minutes and check again.

All ovens do vary slightly in how hot they run, so keep an eye on them and use your judgment. But in most cases, staying within that 12-15 minute window is ideal.

Below I’ll go into more detail on how to prep and bake stuffed shrimp. But first, let’s go over some common questions I often get about cooking this tasty appetizer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Stuffed Shrimp

Here are answers to some of the most common questions I’ve been asked over the years about making baked stuffed shrimp:

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp works fine for stuffing. Just make sure to thaw them completely first and pat dry before stuffing. Cold, damp shrimp will lead to soggy results.

Should I butterfly the shrimp before stuffing?

Butterflying shrimp (slicing almost all the way through along the back and opening up like a book) does allow for more filling room. I suggest doing this for larger shrimp, but it’s not necessary for smaller shrimp.

What temperature options work besides 400°F?

You can absolutely adjust the baking temperature if you prefer. However, higher temps will shorten cooking time, so keep a close watch to avoid overcooking. Lower oven temps will lengthen cooking time.

How can I prevent stuffed shrimp from drying out?

Covering the baking dish with foil for the first 5-7 minutes of cooking will steam the shrimp and keep them moist. Then uncover and bake until done.

Can I stuff shrimp with something other than a crab/breadcrumb mixture?

Absolutely! Get creative with fillings like cheese, mashed potatoes, spinach and feta, etc. Just adjust fillings as needed for the oven time.

Can I prep stuffed shrimp ahead of time?

You can prepare the shrimp up to the stuffing stage then refrigerate until ready to bake. Just be sure to bake them right before serving for the best taste and texture.

Okay, now let’s get into the fun part – how to actually make these delicious stuffed shrimp step-by-step!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Stuffed Shrimp

Follow these simple steps for shrimp that come out perfectly cooked with a flavorful stuffing every time you bake them.

Prep the Shrimp

First up, prep and devein the shrimp:

• Buy shrimp: Pick up 1 pound of extra jumbo (16-20 count) or jumbo (21-25 count) shrimp. Either size works well for stuffing. Make sure they are raw and shell-on.

• Peel shrimp: Leaving the tails intact, peel off the shells. Refrigerate the peeled shrimp.

• Devein shrimp: Use a paring knife to slice along the back of each shrimp. Remove and discard the vein.

• Butterfly (optional): For more filling room, you can butterfly the shrimp by slicing almost but not all the way through along the back then opening it up.

• Pat shrimp dry: Blot with paper towels before stuffing so they don’t get soggy.

Make the Filling

Next, stir up your stuffing mixture. Traditional shrimp filling is made up of breadcrumbs, crab meat, cheese, herbs and seasonings. But you can get creative and customize it.

Some stuffing ideas:

• Breadcrumbs, crab/imitation crab, green onions, garlic, parsley
• Feta, spinach, lemon zest, panko breadcrumbs
• Shredded cheese, bacon, green onion, panko
• Mashed potatoes, green onion, Parmesan, panko

Mix up whatever flavors you like, leaving the texture quite moist but not wet. Spoon filling onto each prepped shrimp, about 1 tablespoon per shrimp. Press lightly so it adheres.

Bake Stuffed Shrimp

Now simply transfer the stuffed shrimp to a baking sheet and pop it in the 400°F oven.

• Place shrimp in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment or foil.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes until shrimp are opaque and filling is lightly browned.
• Serve shrimp warm with any drippings from the pan spooned over the top. Enjoy!

More Tips and Tricks for Baked Stuffed Shrimp

Here are some additional pointers to take your stuffed shrimp recipe from great to outstanding:

• Size matters: Go for large shrimp – extra jumbo or jumbo size. More surface area to stuff and bake.

• Brush with butter or oil: Lightly coating the shrimp with melted butter or olive oil before baking helps them brown up nicely.

• Get creative with fillings: Stuff with mashed potatoes, cheese, spinach, sausage, etc. Change up flavors.

• Flavor boosters: Add lemon zest, hot sauce, herbs, garlic, spices to amp up the stuffing taste.

• Pre-cook stuffing: If using raw meats, eggs or seafood in the stuffing, it’s best to pre-cook it before stuffing.

• Use a thermometer: An instant read thermometer should register 145°F for safely cooked shrimp.

• Foil time: Covering with foil initially creates steam to keep shrimp tender. Uncover halfway through baking.

• Save those drippings: Spoon any pan juices from baking over the shrimp after serving for added deliciousness.

• Shop smart: For quality and value, purchase shell-on frozen shrimp and peel/devein yourself.

• Double dip: Offer a fun dipping sauce on the side like cocktail sauce, aioli garlic sauce or chimichurri.

Now that you’re armed with all the tools you need for baking stuffed shrimp perfectly, it’s time to head to the kitchen! Impress your family or guests at your next gathering with these tasty appetizers hot out of the oven.