Holiday Shrimp Puff Pastry Bites: The 2-Minute Prep

The Magic of Holiday Gatherings and Flavorful Bites

A Time for Connection and Culinary Delights

Holiday gatherings bring so much warmth and joy. The air fills with the smell of seasonal spices, and everyone looks forward to delicious food. I remember one holiday appetizer, a cheesy dip, that brought my whole family together around the table. Everyone shared stories and laughed while enjoying it. We want to help you create effortless but impressive dishes that people will remember.

Your New Go-To Holiday Appetizer

Effortless Elegance for Stress-Free Hosting

These Holiday Shrimp Puff Pastry Bites are your new favorite. They look fancy, but they are easy to make. They will impress everyone at your party without causing you stress.

Irresistible Flavor in Every Bite

Each bite offers amazing flavor. You get flaky pastry, juicy shrimp, and savory spices. The textures and tastes balance perfectly.

Versatile & Customizable

You can change this recipe to fit different needs. It is easy to adapt.

How to Make Holiday Shrimp Puff Pastry Bites

Ingredients of: Holiday Shrimp Puff Pastry Bites

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (small to medium size)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped (or parsley)
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of salt
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Optional for garnish: fresh dill, paprika

Directions of: Holiday Shrimp Puff Pastry Bites

1. Thaw the puff pastry sheet according to package instructions. This usually takes about 30-40 minutes at room temperature.
2. Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp very dry with paper towels.
3. Heat the olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the shrimp to the pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and cook through. Do not overcook. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Once cool enough to handle, chop the cooked shrimp into small pieces.
6. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped chives (or parsley), onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
7. Add the chopped shrimp to the cream cheese mixture and mix gently until everything combines.
8. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
9. Gently unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out slightly to about a 10×10 inch square.
10. Cut the puff pastry into 16 equal squares (4 cuts across and 4 cuts down).
11. Place a small spoonful of the shrimp mixture in the center of each puff pastry square.
12. Bring two opposite corners of each square together over the filling and pinch them firmly to seal. You can also fold them into triangles or create small parcels.
13. Arrange the assembled bites on the prepared baking sheet.
14. Brush the tops of the pastry bites with the beaten egg wash.
15. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed.
16. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve Holiday Shrimp Puff Pastry Bites

Serve these bites warm. You can garnish them with fresh dill or a sprinkle of paprika. They pair well with a sweet chili dipping sauce, a garlic aioli, or a lemon dill sauce. Sparkling water or a festive punch makes a great drink pairing.

How to Store Holiday Shrimp Puff Pastry Bites

Store any leftover Holiday Shrimp Puff Pastry Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crisp.

Tips to Make Holiday Shrimp Puff Pastry Bites

• Handle puff pastry gently to prevent tearing. Work quickly as it gets sticky when warm.
• Do not overcook the shrimp in the pan. They will cook more in the oven. Overcooked shrimp are rubbery.
• For easier handling, you can chill the assembled bites in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before baking.
• Check the bites for doneness by ensuring the pastry is deeply golden brown on top and bottom.

Variation

You can try different cheeses like shredded cheddar or mozzarella for other tastes. Add finely diced bell peppers or spinach to the filling for extra vegetables. Experiment with different spice blends like a touch of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne for a little heat.

FAQs

How far in advance can I prepare Holiday Shrimp Puff Pastry Bites?

You can prepare the shrimp filling up to one day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the bites and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Bake them fresh for the best texture.

What kind of shrimp is best for Holiday Shrimp Puff Pastry Bites?

Small to medium-sized raw shrimp work best for this recipe. They cook quickly and chop easily. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen (thawed completely) shrimp are fine.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when making Holiday Shrimp Puff Pastry Bites?

Do not overcook the shrimp initially; they will become tough. Avoid tearing the puff pastry by handling it gently and keeping it cool. Do not overfill the pastry squares, as the filling can spill out. Ensure your oven is fully preheated for proper puffing.

Festive Garlic-Herb Shrimp Puff Pastry Bites

These delightful Festive Garlic-Herb Shrimp Puff Pastry Bites are a perfect appetizer for any gathering. Flaky puff pastry is filled with a savory mixture of succulent garlic-herb shrimp and creamy cheese, then baked to golden perfection.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings 16 bites

Calories 180 kcal

Equipment

• small pan
• Paper towels
• Medium bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Knife

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
• 1 pound raw shrimp peeled and deveined (small to medium size)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 cup cream cheese softened
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch salt
• 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
• fresh dill Optional for garnish
• paprika Optional for garnish

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Thaw the puff pastry sheet as per package directions, typically 30-40 minutes at room temperature.
• Pat the shrimp thoroughly dry using paper towels.
• In a small pan, heat olive oil over medium heat, then add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add shrimp to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes until pink and cooked through; avoid overcooking and let cool slightly.
• Once cooled, chop the cooked shrimp into small pieces.
• In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, chopped parsley, onion powder, black pepper, and salt; mix thoroughly.
• Gently fold the chopped shrimp into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• On a lightly floured surface, gently unfold and roll the thawed puff pastry into a 10x10 inch square.
• Cut the puff pastry into 16 equal squares.
• Spoon a small amount of the shrimp mixture onto the center of each puff pastry square.
• Bring opposite corners of each square together over the filling and pinch them firmly to seal.
• Place the assembled bites on the prepared baking sheet.
• Brush the tops of the pastry bites with the beaten egg.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown and puffed.
• Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Ensure shrimp are patted very dry before cooking to prevent sogginess. Do not overcook the shrimp, as they will cook further in the oven. For best results, make sure to firmly pinch the puff pastry corners to seal them well and prevent filling from leaking.