Classic Holiday Shrimp Pizza Bites
These Classic Holiday Shrimp Pizza Bites are the perfect appetizer for any festive gathering. Featuring a crispy crust topped with a creamy, savory shrimp mixture and melted mozzarella, they are easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
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.
Notes
For best results, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth mixture. If using frozen shrimp, thaw it completely and pat it very dry to avoid excess moisture. These bites are best served warm, shortly after baking, but can be reheated gently in an oven or toaster oven if needed.