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)

Imagine the perfect party bite that’s bursting with flavor and packs just the right amount of heat — that’s exactly what the Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe brings to your table. Light, zesty, and satisfying, these little bites are a celebration of creamy guacamole paired with smoky, spicy roasted shrimp atop crisp tortilla chips.

The dish shows small round white bases topped with a thick green layer of creamy avocado spread. On top of each avocado layer, there is one large cooked shrimp with an orange-brown color and some small bits of chopped green herbs sprinkled over it. White crumbled cheese is scattered on the shrimp and around the bases. All are on a light wooden surface, with some fresh green cilantro leaves and lime slices visible in the blurred background. 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

I have made these Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Bites countless times and honestly, they're always the first dish to disappear at any gathering. They’re simple but feel a little fancy—great for impressing guests or just treating yourself to something delicious without fuss.

Flavors that pop: The chili powder and smoked paprika add a smoky heat that complements the sweetness of the shrimp perfectly.
Easy assembly: With just a few ingredients and no complicated steps, these bites come together fast even last minute.
Perfect party appetizer: Bite-sized and easy to serve, they’re ideal for mingling and snacking.
Fresh and customizable: The guacamole topping is easy to jazz up to suit your mood or what you have on hand.

The image shows small round snacks arranged on a light wooden board with a white marbled background. Each snack has three layers: the bottom is a light brown round cracker, the middle is a thick, bright green layer of mashed avocado, and the top has one orange-brown cooked shrimp curled on each snack. White small bits of cheese are sprinkled on top of the shrimp and around the snacks. There are small green leaves of cilantro scattered on the board and a wedge of light green lime placed near the upper right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe are straightforward, but they each play an important role in creating a balanced, delicious bite. Each element brings its own texture and flavor, working beautifully together.

Flat lay of raw large shrimp with pink and white hues, a small white bowl of extra-virgin olive oil, a small white bowl containing chili powder in rich red tone, a small white bowl with ground cumin in warm brown color, a small white bowl filled with smoked paprika in deep reddish-orange, a small white bowl of coarse kosher salt crystals, a small white bowl of prepared guacamole with vibrant green avocado, a small white bowl of fresh lime juice pale yellow-green, a small white bowl with chopped fresh cilantro bright green, a stack of round corn tortilla chips golden yellow with a crisp texture, a small white bowl of crumbled feta cheese white and crumbly texture, placed 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

Raw large shrimp: The star protein; when roasted just right, shrimp stays tender and juicy with a slight snap.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Helps seasonings stick and adds subtle fruity richness.
Chili powder: Provides a mild smoky heat that wakes up the palate without overpowering.
Cumin: Adds earthiness and depth, complementing the shrimp’s sweetness.
Smoked paprika: Brings a gentle smokiness that enhances the spicy character.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
Prepared guacamole: The creamy base for topping, bringing freshness and richness.
Fresh lime juice: Adds brightness and a tangy zing to balance the creaminess.
Chopped fresh cilantro: Infuses a fresh herby element, with additional sprigs for garnish.
Bite-sized round corn tortilla chips: The crisp vehicle that provides needed crunch and holds everything together.
Crumbled feta cheese or queso fresco: Optional but highly recommended for a salty, creamy finish.

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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

One of the things I love about this Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily tweak the heat level or swap ingredients to better fit your taste or dietary needs. I often play around with it depending on the season or occasion.

Add extra heat: I sometimes add a dash of cayenne or a minced jalapeño to the shrimp seasoning for a punchier bite.
Make it vegetarian: Substitute the shrimp with grilled mushrooms or roasted chickpeas for a plant-based version that’s still delicious.
Seasonal twist: In summer, I like to add diced mango to the guacamole for a sweet contrast that brightens the dish.

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

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Shrimp

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet. Toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and kosher salt in a bowl. Make sure every shrimp is nicely coated — this is where the flavor builds, so don’t skip the step! Spread them out in a single layer so they roast evenly.

Step 2: Roast the Shrimp Just Right

Roast the shrimp for 4 to 6 minutes, watching closely. The moment they turn opaque and curl in slightly, they’re done. Overcooking shrinks them and makes them tough — and no one wants chewy shrimp in their guac bites!

Step 3: Mix the Guacamole Topping

In a small bowl, stir the lime juice and a tablespoon of fresh cilantro into the prepared guacamole. This simple step amps up the freshness and prevents the guacamole from browning while you assemble the bites.

Step 4: Assemble Your Bites

Spoon a generous dollop of the guacamole mixture onto each tortilla chip, then top with one roasted shrimp. Finish with a sprinkle of crumbled feta or queso fresco and extra cilantro. Serve immediately or at room temperature to keep the chips crispy.

Top Tip

After making these Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe many times, I’ve learned a few top tricks that will make your bites shine like mine. These tips help keep shrimp juicy and chips crisp — which is everything when serving finger foods.

Don’t overcook shrimp: Shrimp cook fast — keep a close eye, and remove from heat the moment they turn opaque to avoid rubbery texture.
Use sturdy tortilla chips: Thin chips break easily; opt for thick, round corn chips that hold up to the toppings without sogginess.
Fresh guacamole mix: Adding lime juice and cilantro just before serving lifts the flavor and helps prevent browning.
Assemble last-minute: Build your bites right before guests arrive to keep the chips crunchy and shrimp warm.

How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe

Spicy Shrimp Guacamole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

My go-to garnishes are fresh cilantro leaves and crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese for a touch of saltiness. If I’m feeling festive, a thin slice of pickled jalapeño on top adds a pleasant kick and beautiful color contrast.

Side Dishes

These bites pair wonderfully with a refreshing mango salsa or a bright cucumber salad to keep things light and vibrant. For parties, I like serving alongside a chilled margarita or sparkling water with lime to complement the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’m hosting a special event, I spread out the Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Bites on a slate board with small bowls of extra guacamole and cheese for guests to customize. You can also skewer shrimp and chips with a toothpick for a neat handheld option that’s easy to grab.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover roasted shrimp are best stored separately from the guacamole and chips in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps everything fresh and prevents the chips from getting soggy. Refrigerate the shrimp for up to two days.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing these bites assembled since the chips will lose their crunch and guacamole texture changes. However, you can freeze the seasoned, cooked shrimp in a single layer and reheat carefully when needed.

Reheating

To reheat leftover shrimp, I gently warm them in a hot skillet with a drizzle of olive oil for a few minutes. Avoid the microwave if you can, since that can make shrimp rubbery. Assemble your bites right before serving for best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and roasting. This helps avoid excess moisture and ensures the shrimp roast properly rather than steam.

How spicy are the Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Bites?

They have a gentle kick from chili powder and smoked paprika, which creates a smoky warmth rather than intense heat. You can always adjust the spices or add fresh jalapeños if you want them hotter.

Can I make the guacamole from scratch?

Definitely! Homemade guacamole with ripe avocados, lime, cilantro, onion, and a pinch of salt makes these bites even better. The store-bought kind works too for convenience.

What’s the best way to keep the chips from getting soggy?

Assembling the bites just before serving is key. Keep the guacamole and shrimp separate until the last moment, then top each chip quickly to keep them crisp and crunchy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about the combination of creamy guacamole and spicy shrimp, all balanced on a crispy chip. The Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe is one of those dishes I reach for when I want a quick, impressive appetizer that’s full of flavor without requiring hours in the kitchen. I know you’ll enjoy making and sharing these as much as I do — they’re truly a party winner every single time!