This recipe for Mexican shrimp bites is seared shrimp and guacamole layered onto individual potato chips. A super easy appetizer that’s perfect for entertaining!
Looking for a quick and easy party snack? Try sweet and sour meatballs, bacon deviled eggs, or these festive shrimp bites.
I cannot believe that summer is almost here! I’m definitely looking forward to the warmer weather and spending time at the pool and the beach. We have the perfect yard for entertaining and in the summer we often host parties for our family and friends.
As much as I like to cook, when I have people over I try to minimize my time in the kitchen – I’d much rather be spending time with my guests! When I’m looking for quick and easy entertaining solutions I turn to simple yet flavor packed appetizers like these Mexican shrimp bites. This recipe hack is a dressed up version of the more traditional guacamole and chips snack that can be put together in minutes.
How do you make Mexican shrimp bites?
I love being able to take a few simple ingredients and turn them into something incredibly delicious. These shrimp bites are simply seared shrimp and guacamole layered on top of Lay’s Classic potato chips. It’s such a great combination of flavors and textures, and the potato chips are the perfect base to hold the toppings. These shrimp bites look fancy because they’re served canape style, but they take just minutes to put together.
The first component of this recipe is the shrimp – you’ll want a small to medium sized shrimp that will fit on top of the potato chips. The shrimp are seared with a bit of olive oil and chili powder for added flavor. Next up is the guacamole – I typically buy a high quality guacamole at the grocery store, but you could also make your own if you like. I chose Lay’s Classic potato chips to hold the shrimp and guacamole because they’re my favorite – the chips are well seasoned and have a satisfying crunch. You can really use any type of Lay’s potato chip that you like, Wavy Lay’s potato chips would also be a good choice.
After you’ve layered the shrimp and guacamole onto the chips, add a bit of cilantro if you like, put them on a tray and watch them disappear! This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a large crowd. To me these Mexican shrimp bites scream summer, there’s nothing like sitting outside enjoying the weather with some chips and guacamole – this is a slightly different take on the classic that your guests will love.
More great shrimp recipes
Mexican Shrimp Bites Video
Mexican Shrimp Bites
Ingredients
- 18 small to medium sized shrimp
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 3/4 cup guacamole store bought or homemade
- 18 Lay's Classic potato chips
- Optional garnish: chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over high heat. Sprinkle the chili powder over the shrimp.
- Place the shrimp in the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes or until shrimp are pink and opaque,
- Place 18 potato chips on a platter. Spoon approximately 2 teaspoons of guacamole onto each one and place a shrimp on top of each chip.
- Serve, garnished with cilantro if desired.
Nutrition
This post has been sponsored by Frito-Lay. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Dinner at the Zoo possible!
beth says
December 18, 2017 at 8:51 pmThese look amazing and I just stocked up on avocados. Could the shrimp be made a day ahead, refrigerated and then assembled for a room temp app the next day?
Sara says
December 18, 2017 at 9:36 pmYes that would definitely work!
Pam says
May 20, 2017 at 8:00 amThese little appies look amazing! One concern though.. if they don’t disappear within minutes of assembling, wouldn’t the potato (or tortilla) chip get soggy before too long? Thanks 🙂
Sara says
May 20, 2017 at 10:51 pmI have never had an issue with them getting soggy, but you’re right, they never tend to last that long so I haven’t done any testing on that!
Pam says
May 21, 2017 at 5:37 amThanks for replying so promptly!
I guess the speed at which they will disappear depends on how many other appies I’m serving at the same time! ????
In any case I will try these at my next
get-together and let you know how they turn out ..,
Pam 🙂
Amber Netto says
March 24, 2017 at 7:07 amDo the chips get soggy?
Sara says
March 24, 2017 at 10:49 amI haven’t experienced an issue like that, you could always try something sturdier like a tortilla chip too!
Tonia says
March 28, 2017 at 7:09 amI am looking for a make ahead appetizer…..could this be on a crostini—-the day before?
Sara says
March 29, 2017 at 9:37 amI think the avocado would turn brown if you made it the day before, so this likely wouldn’t be a good candidate for a make ahead appetizer.
Liz says
March 22, 2017 at 11:27 pmThese look Great! I’m thinking of trying them with scoop-type tortilla chips.
Sara says
March 23, 2017 at 10:17 amThat would definitely work!
mandy says
October 12, 2016 at 1:45 pmI made these last night for a party and they were a hit! I tried half with the lays and half on a tortilla chip. Both disappeared!
Jenn says
June 25, 2016 at 9:20 amCan you bake the shrimp?
Sara says
June 26, 2016 at 8:48 pmYes, that would work!
Jenn says
June 27, 2016 at 1:11 pmThank you! I can not wait to try them.
Robyn @ Simply Fresh Dinners says
May 10, 2016 at 6:41 amThere can never be too much shrimp and I love this spicy version, Sara. Perfect and easy for entertaining!
Rahul @samosastreet.com says
May 9, 2016 at 4:45 pmThose bites look ridiculously good and your photos are stunning, makes me really hungry and craving. I could eat as a meal every day for the rest of my life.
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
May 9, 2016 at 4:26 pmOh now I would love these! What a perfect bite that would please everybody. You are so creative and the photos are gorgeous!
sam says
May 9, 2016 at 3:01 pmThese are some good looking appetizers that would be great with a frosty mug of beer!
Debbie says
May 9, 2016 at 2:17 pmLay’s chips, guacomole and shrimp… what could be more yummy!
Greg says
May 9, 2016 at 12:35 pmWhat a great easy recipe for impromptu gatherings. They look delicious.
Chris Scheuer says
May 9, 2016 at 10:18 amBeautiful and they sound incredibly delicious! I love that you’re taking advantage of pre-made guacamole – it makes this doable and easy enough for throwing together at the last minute!
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
May 9, 2016 at 8:16 amOh Sara these are so creative, I would just sit there and pop these into my mouth non-stop! Pinning and sharing 🙂
Beatrice says
May 9, 2016 at 8:05 amWhat a great easy idea for chips that I always seem to have on hand!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
May 9, 2016 at 4:10 amWhat a brilliant idea and I bet they are just loaded with flavour! Perfect for summer entertaining 🙂