This shrimp appetizer with seasoned crackers, cream cheese, and pepper jelly takes your typical snack up a notch. It’s an indulgent bite-sized treat that combines heat, sweetness, and a little tang, making it perfect for any gathering or holiday celebration. With a crispy, flavorful cracker base, creamy cheese, and tender shrimp dressed in a zesty lemony-herb mix, this dish will surely become a crowd favorite.

Shrimp on Seasoned Crackers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings together all my favorite flavors in one bite. The seasoned crackers are perfectly crispy with just the right amount of spice, and they’re a great contrast to the creamy cream cheese and the sweetness of the pepper jelly. The shrimp add a little decadence and are super flavorful thanks to the lemon, herbs, and a quick pan-fry. Plus, it’s a recipe that looks fancy but is actually quite easy to prepare. It’s great for entertaining, and it can be made ahead of time, so when guests arrive, all that’s left is assembly.

Ingredients

Seasoned Crackers

1 sleeve saltine crackers (about 35)
¼ cup olive oil
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Shrimp

24 jumbo peeled, deveined raw shrimp (about 1 lb.)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus more for garnish
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives, plus more for garnish
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, plus more for garnish

Additional Ingredients

½ cup cream cheese, at room temperature
¼ cup red pepper jelly, at room temperature

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Seasoned Crackers:
Stack crackers upright (as they are packaged in the sleeve) in an airtight container in a single layer. In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, onion powder, crushed red pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Pour the mixture evenly over the crackers. Close the container and let it sit for 10 minutes, then flip the container and let it sit for another 10 minutes. Repeat this process until the oil and seasonings are fully absorbed into the crackers, about an additional 10 minutes.
Prepare the Shrimp:
Stir together the shrimp, kosher salt, and black pepper in a bowl until the shrimp are evenly coated. Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer inside the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp just turn pink and firm. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a large bowl and let them cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Add the chopped parsley, lemon juice, chives, and dill, and stir to combine until the shrimp are evenly coated.
Assemble the Appetizer:
Arrange 24 seasoned crackers on a platter. Spread 1 teaspoon of cream cheese on each cracker. Top each cracker with 1 shrimp and spoon ½ teaspoon of pepper jelly onto each shrimp. Garnish with additional herbs. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8
Active Time: 20 minutes
Stand Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

Spice Level: You can adjust the heat in the crackers by increasing or decreasing the crushed red pepper and cayenne pepper.
Cheese Options: For a different twist, try using goat cheese or mascarpone instead of cream cheese for a more unique flavor.
Jelly Options: If you’re not a fan of pepper jelly, you can swap it for other fruit-based jellies, like apricot or mango, for a sweet and tangy alternative.
Shrimp Alternatives: If shrimp isn’t your thing, you could use scallops, crab, or even a grilled chicken breast slice as a topping.

Storage/Reheating

To store leftover seasoned crackers, simply place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 2-3 days. For the shrimp, it’s best to consume them immediately for the freshest flavor, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 1 day. If needed, gently reheat shrimp in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes. The assembled crackers should be served fresh for the best texture, but you can prepare the crackers and shrimp separately ahead of time and assemble right before serving.

FAQs

How can I make this recipe ahead of time?

I recommend preparing the seasoned crackers and shrimp in advance. You can store both separately in airtight containers and assemble the dish just before serving.

Can I make this recipe without shrimp?

Absolutely! You can swap the shrimp for other toppings like crab meat, scallops, or even a sliced grilled chicken breast for a different protein.

What type of crackers should I use?

Saltine crackers work best for this recipe because of their crispiness and subtle flavor. However, if you want a different texture, you can use water crackers or even tortilla chips.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes! If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce or omit the cayenne and crushed red pepper in the crackers. You can also adjust the pepper jelly to your desired sweetness or spice level.

How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?

Shrimp cook quickly! They should be pink and firm to the touch. If you overcook them, they can become rubbery, so be sure to watch them closely.

Conclusion

Shrimp on seasoned crackers with pepper jelly and cream cheese is a deliciously fancy snack that doesn’t require much time to make. I love how it combines simple ingredients in a way that looks and tastes impressive. Whether for a holiday gathering or a casual get-together, this appetizer is sure to be a hit. It’s flavorful, easy to prepare, and fun to eat!