A Bite-Sized Burst of Holiday Cheer!

Remember those perfect holiday gatherings? The twinkling lights, the joyful laughter, and the scent of something utterly delicious wafting from the kitchen? This year, prepare to add a new star to your festive spread that will have everyone reaching for more: our incredible Shrimp Sliders with Festive Cranberry Mayo. Forget the fuss of traditional holiday appetizers; these little beauties are here to deliver a big flavor punch in a delightful, easy-to-manage bite. They’re the perfect way to infuse a touch of elegance and playful cheer into any seasonal celebration, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

Why Make This Recipe

These sliders look elegant but are simple to prepare. This makes them good for both experienced cooks and beginners. The juicy, perfectly cooked shrimp, the sweet and tangy cranberry mayo, and the soft slider buns create a great mix of tastes and textures. The bright colors and festive flavors make them a standout addition to any holiday appetizer spread, potluck, or party. You can easily change them for different diets, and guests of all ages will love them. They are a fresh and exciting appetizer that is different from the usual dips.

How to Make Shrimp Sliders with Festive Cranberry Mayo

Making these festive sliders involves three main steps: preparing the cranberry mayo, cooking the shrimp, and then assembling the sliders. Each step is straightforward and helps create a delicious holiday treat.

Ingredients of : Shrimp Sliders with Festive Cranberry Mayo

For the Shrimp Sliders

Shrimp: Large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or frozen, thawed)
Olive oil
Garlic powder
Smoked paprika
Salt
Black pepper
Buns: Hawaiian sweet slider buns or brioche slider buns
Fresh Accents: Arugula or butter lettuce
Fresh chives or dill, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)

For the Festive Cranberry Mayo

Mayo Base: Good quality mayonnaise (full-fat recommended for best flavor)
Cranberry Elements: Canned whole-berry cranberry sauce (not jellied)
Orange zest (from one small orange)
A splash of orange juice (optional, for thinning)
Flavor Boosters: Dijon mustard
Maple syrup or honey (to taste)
Pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg (optional, for extra festivity)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions of : Shrimp Sliders with Festive Cranberry Mayo

Step 1: Prepare the Festive Cranberry Mayo

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, whole-berry cranberry sauce, orange zest, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup (or honey).
Stir until all ingredients are well combined and the mayo is a beautiful pinkish-red color.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and an extra pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg if you like. If the mayo is too thick, add a tiny splash of orange juice.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend. You can make this the day before.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp very dry with paper towels. This helps them cook better.
In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Heat a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned shrimp in one layer. Do not crowd the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink, opaque, and cooked through. Do not overcook, as shrimp can become tough.
Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders

Slice the slider buns in half horizontally. You can lightly toast them in the oven or a warm skillet if you want extra crunch.
Spread a good amount of the Festive Cranberry Mayo on the bottom half of each slider bun.
Add a few fresh arugula or lettuce leaves on top of the mayo.
Place 1-2 cooked shrimp (depending on size) onto the lettuce.
Spread a little more Festive Cranberry Mayo on the top half of the bun and place it on top of the shrimp.
Arrange the assembled Shrimp Sliders with Festive Cranberry Mayo on a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh chives or dill, if you use them.

How to Serve Shrimp Sliders with Festive Cranberry Mayo

Serve these sliders as part of a festive appetizer spread. You can put them next to a charcuterie board and mini quiches. They also make a lovely addition to a holiday brunch. For a light lunch, pair them with a simple green salad. These sliders go well with a crisp dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. You can also serve them with sparkling cranberry water.

How to Store Shrimp Sliders with Festive Cranberry Mayo

It is best to store any leftover cooked shrimp and cranberry mayo separately. Put them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reassemble the sliders just before you eat them. You can also enjoy the shrimp and mayo on salads or crackers.

Tips to Make Shrimp Sliders with Festive Cranberry Mayo

Do not overcook the shrimp. This is very important for tender, juicy shrimp. As soon as they turn pink and not clear, they are done. Make the mayo ahead of time. This lets the flavors get stronger. Pat the shrimp dry. Removing extra water from the shrimp helps them cook better and taste better. Assemble the sliders just before serving. This stops the buns from getting soggy.

Variation

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a little sriracha to the cranberry mayo. Try fresh cilantro or parsley in the mayo for a different flavor. For a smokier taste, grill the shrimp instead of pan-frying. For a fancier look, use mini croissants instead of slider buns.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for these Shrimp Sliders with Festive Cranberry Mayo?

A1: Yes, you can. Just make sure they are fully thawed and patted very dry before cooking. This gives the best results.

Q2: How far in advance can I make the Festive Cranberry Mayo?

A2: You can make the Festive Cranberry Mayo up to 2-3 days ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This often makes the flavors better.

Q3: What if I can’t find specific slider buns?

A3: Any small, soft dinner roll or even small pieces of baguette will work. The main thing is to have soft, bite-sized bread that goes well with the Shrimp Sliders with Festive Cranberry Mayo.