Mmmm a butterflied garlic shrimp appetizer with a crown of melty cheese. These are a shrimp lover’s dream! They look fancy, but they’re one of the easiest shrimp appetizers you can make, and they taste great too.
These go quickly, so if you’re cooking for a lot of people, make two batches! This cheesy shrimp appetizer tastes great even after the shrimp have cooled down. It’s great 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.
Shrimp and cheese is a classic flavor combination that just seems to work. The sweet brininess of shrimp paired with the creamy saltiness of cheese makes for a simple yet delightful culinary match. But with the wide variety of cheeses available, it can be tricky to narrow down the best options to serve alongside juicy, garlicky shrimp.
In this article, we’ll break down the science behind pairing shrimp and cheese You’ll learn how to select cheeses that perfectly complement the natural flavors of shrimp We’ll also share some mouthwatering recipe ideas to inspire your cooking. Let’s dive in!
Why Shrimp and Cheese Work So Well Together
There are a few reasons that shrimp and cheese pair beautifully:
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Flavor profiles. The sweetness of shrimp balances out the saltiness of cheese. The briny seafood flavor contrasts nicely with the rich creaminess of cheese.
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Textures The tender, delicate texture of shrimp is enhanced by the smooth creaminess or crumbly crunch of cheese
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Versatility. Shrimp and cheese lend themselves to all kinds of dishes from appetizers to main courses. The combination adapts well across cuisines.
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Satisfaction Nutritionally, shrimp provides protein while cheese offers calcium and fat. Together they deliver a satisfying mouthfeel.
No matter if you’re making shrimp scampi, cheesy shrimp dip, or creamy shrimp alfredo, the components just seem to work harmoniously together.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Cheese for Shrimp
With hundreds of cheese varieties available, how do you narrow down the best options for pairing with shrimp? Here are a few factors to consider:
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Strength of cheese flavor. Choose milder cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Havarti if you want the sweet shrimp flavor to sing. Go for more pungent cheeses like Parmesan, pecorino, or gouda to stand up to spicy shrimp.
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Cheese texture. Soft, creamy cheeses like brie pair nicely with tender shrimp in pastas or dips. Harder grating cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano give a nice crunch. Crumbly feta or goat cheese works well in salads with shrimp.
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Saltiness. Highly salty cheeses like feta or Parmesan complement the natural sweetness of shrimp. Low-sodium cheeses keep the flavors more delicate.
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Acidity. Sharp, tangy cheeses contrast with rich shrimp in pasta dishes, while mild cheeses allow subtle shrimp flavor to shine through.
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Melting ability. When topping shrimp dishes with cheese or making dips/spreads, choose cheeses that melt smoothly like cheddar, Monterey Jack, Brie, or cream cheese.
Best Cheeses to Pair With Shrimp
Taking all those factors into account, here are some of the top cheeses for serving with shrimp:
Creamy, Mild Cheeses
- Mozzarella
- Brie
- Mascarpone
- Ricotta
- Burrata
- Monterey Jack
- Havarti
The smooth, creamy texture and mild flavors of these cheeses go well with tender shrimp in pastas, risottos, spreads, and bakes. The cheese provides a subtle background that lets the shrimp flavor come through.
Sharp, Hard Cheeses
- Parmesan
- Pecorino Romano
- Aged Cheddar
- Gruyère
- Manchego
- Asiago
- Romano
The sharp tang and firm texture of these cheeses can hold their own with robustly flavored shrimp. Grate or shave them over saucy shrimp dishes or pasta. The cheese flavor comes through but doesn’t overpower the shrimp.
Soft, Tangy Cheeses
- Feta
- Goat Cheese
- Blue Cheese
- Gorgonzola
Crumble these assertive cheeses over shrimp salads, pizzas, pasta, or appetizers. Their punchy flavor and creamy-crumbly texture provides a nice contrast to tender shrimp. A little goes a long way.
Melty, Stretchy Cheeses
- American
- Cheddar
- Pepper Jack
- Provolone
- Swiss
These cheeses melt smooth, giving dips, sandwiches, and baked shrimp dishes a nice gooey quality. They’re flavored mildly so as not to compete with the shrimp.
Classic Shrimp and Cheese Dishes to Try
Now that you know how to select the right cheese for shrimp, here are some classic recipes that put the pairing to delicious use:
- Shrimp scampi with parsley and lemon sauce topped with grated Parmesan
- Cheesy shrimp and grits with cheddar and pepper jack
- Shrimp baked ziti with mozzarella and ricotta cheese
- Shrimp quesadillas with Monterey jack or pepper jack
- Garlic shrimp and brie pasta in white wine sauce
- Shrimp alfredo made creamy with Parmesan and mascarpone
- Shrimp pesto pizza with burrata cheese
- Goat cheese and shrimp flatbreads with arugula
- Feta, shrimp, and orzo Greek salad
- Pepper jack shrimp tacos with avocado
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheese and shrimp combinations. Just keep the basic principles of flavor, texture, and meltability in mind. Match mellow cheeses with mild shrimp dishes and bold cheeses with spicy shrimp flavors.
Whatever cheese and shrimp recipe you land on, this classic pairing is sure to satisfy. The sweet brininess of shrimp coupled with the creamy saltiness of cheese is a match made in culinary heaven.
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 the shrimp in half along the curved center on the inside. Then, spread the shrimp out and place it on a baking sheet cut side up. 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. Place the shrimp on a baking sheet lined with cheese. Bake at 350˺F for 10 to 12 minutes, depending on the size of the shrimp. Remember that butterflied shrimp cook quickly, and if you cook them too long, they will get tough. After 10 minutes, take out one shrimp and check to see if it’s done.
Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy!
Serve these cheesy shrimp with these insanely yummy mashed potatoes!
Ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Appetizer:
1-2 pounds (20-25 count) of large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off); 1/4 to 1/3 cup of mayonnaise; garlic powder, to taste; freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 4 ounces of Mexican blend shredded cheese; finely chopped fresh parsley (for decoration).