Name: Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 31 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound raw large shrimp; 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup prepared guacamole; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (plus additional for garnish); Bite-sized round corn tortilla chips (1 per shrimp); Crumbled feta cheese or queso fresco (for serving)

Nothing excites me quite like the burst of fresh flavors in this Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe. These little bites pack all the creamy, zesty, and spicy goodness into one perfect crunchy chip—trust me, they’re a total crowd-pleaser and way easier to make than you’d think!

The image shows several small round snacks arranged on a wooden board, each with three layers: a light beige round base, a middle thick layer of creamy bright green avocado spread with a smooth texture, and a top layer featuring a single large cooked shrimp that is orange with light browning and garnished with small white cheese crumbles and tiny green herb flakes. Fresh green cilantro leaves and white cheese crumbles are scattered around the snacks on the wooden board, and in the background, there are slices of lime with bright yellow and green colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe is honestly one of my go-to appetizers whenever I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s the perfect marriage of smoky spices on succulent shrimp paired with creamy guacamole—all perched on a sturdy, crunchy chip. Every bite offers just the right amount of heat balanced by freshness.

Simple and Quick: You can whip up these bites in about 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute gatherings.
Flavor Explosion: The blend of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika gives the shrimp a smoky, spicy kick that pairs beautifully with lime-fresh guac.
Easy to Customize: Whether you want it extra spicy or a little milder, you can tweak the seasoning to suit your taste.
Perfect Party Pleaser: These bites are the kind of finger food everyone reaches for again and again at any party or casual get-together.

Ingredients & Why They Work

What’s great about this recipe is the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. The fresh shrimp and well-seasoned guacamole come together with a handful of spices that bring out depth and warmth. Plus, those crunchy tortilla chips aren’t just a vehicle—they add a salty, crispy contrast that makes every bite so satisfying.

Flat lay of raw large shrimp with a light pink hue, a small white ceramic bowl of bright green guacamole, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh lime juice, a few sprigs of vibrant green chopped cilantro, a small white ceramic bowl of extra-virgin olive oil with a golden sheen, a small white ceramic bowl containing a dry spice mix of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and kosher salt with warm reddish and brown tones, a neat stack of round, golden-yellow corn tortilla chips, and a small white ceramic bowl of crumbly white feta cheese, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Shrimp: Look for large, raw shrimp—peel and devein them yourself or buy them prepped for convenience.
Extra-virgin olive oil: A light drizzle helps the spices stick and adds a subtle richness without overpowering.
Chili powder: Adds warmth and a mild spicy note that’s essential to the flavor profile.
Cumin: Gives an earthy, smoky undertone that pairs perfectly with the chili powder.
Smoked paprika: This takes the smoky factor a notch up, creating that lovely roasted aroma.
Kosher salt: Just enough to bring all those flavors to life and season the shrimp properly.
Prepared guacamole: Choose a creamy, fresh guacamole or make your own to get that lime freshness and smooth texture.
Fresh lime juice: Brightens the guacamole with a citrus punch that really balances the spiciness.
Fresh cilantro: Adds herbal brightness and a pop of green—plus it looks pretty on the finished bites.
Bite-sized round corn tortilla chips: They hold the topping without breaking and add a nice crunch.
Crumbled feta or queso fresco: A little salty, creamy cheese adds an unexpected but welcome touch to the bites.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love playing around with this recipe depending on the season or my mood. You can make these Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe milder by reducing the chili powder or pack an extra punch by adding some fresh diced jalapeños to the guacamole. You’re in control, so have fun with the spice level and garnish choices.

Variation: Once, I swapped the corn chips for cucumber slices for a refreshing low-carb version—still a hit at summer BBQs!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe

Step 1: Season and Roast the Shrimp

Start by placing a rack in the center of your oven and preheating to 400°F (about 200°C). Toss your shrimp in a mixing bowl with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and kosher salt until they're evenly coated. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer so they roast rather than steam. Roast for 4 to 6 minutes—keep a close eye so they turn opaque and juicy but don’t overcook, or they’ll get rubbery. This short roasting time is key for tender shrimp.

Step 2: Freshen Up the Guacamole

While the shrimp cook, mix your prepared guacamole with fresh lime juice and one tablespoon of chopped cilantro in a small bowl. This simple step wakes up the flavors with a little tang and herbaceous freshness that’ll perfectly complement the spiced shrimp.

Step 3: Assemble Your Bites

Grab those round corn tortilla chips and spoon a dollop of guacamole onto each one. Top each bite with a roasted shrimp, then sprinkle additional cilantro and crumbled feta or queso fresco for that salty, creamy burst. Serve at room temperature to let the flavors shine.

Top Tip

After making these bites dozens of times, I’ve learned a few insider tips to make your Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe flawless every time. These will help you keep flavors balanced and get perfect textures with minimal fuss.

Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Give shrimp plenty of space to roast evenly; otherwise, they steam and become mushy.
Fresh Lime Juice is a Game Changer: Adding it to the guacamole brightens the flavors and keeps the avocado vibrant longer.
Pick Sturdy Chips: I swear by round corn chips because they hold up well under the guacamole and shrimp without bending or breaking.
Use Feta or Queso Fresco: A sprinkle of crumbly cheese takes these bites from good to memorable—don’t skip it!

How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe

Garnishes

I usually garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of green and a few extra crumbles of feta. Sometimes I add a tiny drizzle of hot sauce if we want more heat—feel free to garnish with diced jalapeño or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for extra color and spice!

Side Dishes

These bites shine as an appetizer alongside a chilled Mexican street corn salad or a tangy black bean and corn salad. For a heartier spread, add some grilled veggies or a light citrusy slaw to balance the flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to arrange the bites on a large wooden board with edible flowers and lime wedges scattered around for color. Sometimes I serve the guacamole separately in a small bowl alongside a platter of roasted shrimp for people to build their own bites—fun and interactive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover shrimp or guacamole (which rarely happens!), store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The shrimp will stay fresh for up to 2 days, and guacamole is best eaten within 1 day for maximum freshness.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this recipe since guacamole’s texture changes and shrimp often become rubbery after freezing and reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days refrigerated.

Reheating

If you do need to reheat the shrimp, pop them in a 350°F oven for just a few minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to prevent overcooking. Serve the bites assembled just before eating to keep chips crunchy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?

While you can use pre-cooked shrimp, I recommend roasting raw shrimp yourself because it allows you to fully infuse the spices and get a nice roasted flavor. Just warm pre-cooked shrimp gently before assembling if you decide to use them.

What’s the best way to keep the guacamole from browning?

Adding fresh lime juice to the guacamole helps keep it from browning quickly by slowing down the oxidation process. Also, covering it tightly with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface minimizes air exposure, preserving its bright color for longer.

Can I make the shrimp more or less spicy?

Absolutely! You can adjust the chili powder amount to your taste. If you want less spice, use just a teaspoon or reduce it. For more heat, you can add cayenne pepper or fresh chopped chiles to the shrimp seasoning for an extra kick.

What kind of chips work best for the bites?

I recommend sturdy, bite-sized round corn tortilla chips because they hold the guacamole and shrimp well without breaking. Avoid thin or overly large chips, which may be too flimsy for these toppings. Thick, durable chips make the perfect vessel for these bites.

Final Thoughts

I really hope you give these Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe a try soon—they’re one of those recipes that feel fancy but really aren’t complicated at all. Whether you’re hosting friends or just want a tasty snack, these bites bring together creamy, tangy, spicy, and savory flavors in every crunchy mouthful. I guarantee they’ll become a favorite in your recipe arsenal, just like they are in mine!