Why Make These Holiday Shrimp Pizza Bites
These Holiday Shrimp Pizza Bites are easy to make. They look fancy but are simple to put together. Everyone will like them. You spend less time cooking and more time with your guests. You can change them to fit your needs. They have great flavors, perfect for holidays.
How to Make Holiday Shrimp Pizza Bites
Making Holiday Shrimp Pizza Bites is simple. First, you get your crust ready. Then, you mix the creamy shrimp topping. Next, you put the topping on the crusts. Finally, you bake them until they are golden and bubbly.
Ingredients of: Holiday Shrimp Pizza Bites
- For the Crust:
- Mini pizza bases, puff pastry sheets, or crescent roll dough
- Olive oil
- For the Topping:
- Cooked shrimp (fresh or frozen, thawed and patted dry)
- Cream cheese, softened
- Mayonnaise
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried dill
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Lemon juice
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh chives or parsley, for garnish
Directions of: Holiday Shrimp Pizza Bites
- Step 1: Prep Your Base:
- Unroll your chosen crust. If using puff pastry, cut small squares or circles.
- Brush lightly with olive oil.
- Bake according to package directions until light golden. This stops them from being soggy.
- Step 2: The Creamy Shrimp Mixture:
- In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until smooth.
- Gently add the cooked shrimp and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Step 3: Assemble Your Bites:
- Spread a little shrimp mixture on each pre-baked crust.
- Sprinkle a lot of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection:
- Bake in a hot oven until the cheese melts and bubbles and the crusts are golden brown.
- Step 5: Garnish and Serve:
- Take them out of the oven. Put fresh chives or parsley on top for color and taste.
- Serve them warm.
How to Serve Holiday Shrimp Pizza Bites
Serve these bites on a nice plate with extra lemon slices. You can also have them with a simple green salad. They go well with other snacks like bruschetta. These are great finger foods for parties.
How to Store Holiday Shrimp Pizza Bites
Store any leftover Holiday Shrimp Pizza Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Tips to Make Holiday Shrimp Pizza Bites
Make sure your shrimp is cooked and cool. Pat it dry to avoid extra wetness. Do not put too much topping on each bite. You can make the shrimp mixture a day before and keep it in the fridge. Assemble and bake right before you serve them. Use good quality ingredients. Let cream cheese soften well. Heat your oven properly. Watch them closely when baking.
Variation
- Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce to the shrimp mix.
- Herbaceous Delight: Try other fresh herbs like fresh basil or oregano.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free mini pizza crusts.
- Cheese Please: Use a mix of white cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese instead of mozzarella.
- Smoked Salmon Twist: Use finely cut smoked salmon instead of shrimp for a rich taste.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for these Holiday Shrimp Pizza Bites?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them completely and pat them very dry before mixing.
Q2: How far in advance can I prepare the Holiday Shrimp Pizza Bites?
You can make the creamy shrimp mixture up to 24 hours before. Keep it in a sealed container in the fridge. Assemble and bake the bites right before you serve them.
Q3: How do I reheat leftover Holiday Shrimp Pizza Bites?
Reheat any leftovers in a warm oven or toaster oven at about 275-300°F (135-150°C) until warm and the cheese melts again. This keeps the crust crispy.
Classic Holiday Shrimp Pizza Bites
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Medium Bowl
- Oven
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- Mini pizza bases OR puff pastry sheets OR crescent roll dough whichever you prefer
- enough for brushing Olive oil
For the Topping:
- 8 oz cooked shrimp fresh or frozen, thawed and patted dry, finely chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried dill
- Pinch red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh chives or parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions
Prep Your Base
- Unroll your chosen crust, cut puff pastry into 2-inch squares or circles, and lightly brush each piece with olive oil.
- Bake the crust pieces according to package directions until light golden brown to prevent sogginess.
The Creamy Shrimp Mixture
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and optional red pepper flakes, mixing until smooth.
- Gently fold in the finely chopped cooked shrimp and fresh lemon juice into the mixture.
Assemble Your Bites
- Spread about 1-2 teaspoons of the creamy shrimp mixture onto each pre-baked crust base.
Bake to Golden Perfection
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the shrimp mixture.
- Place assembled bites on a baking sheet and bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 8-12 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and crusts are golden brown.
Garnish and Serve
- Remove from oven, garnish immediately with fresh chopped chives or parsley, and serve warm.