Elegant Seafood Appetizers for Every Party

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When it comes to elegant party food, nothing measures up to some delicious seafood that is cooked in simple ingredients to enhance their amazing flavors. These elegant seafood appetizers not only look impressive, but they deliver when it comes to big flavors and excellent quality. No one will quite believe everything is homemade, they really are the best you can get.

Crispy Coconut Shrimp (Fried or Baked)

A sheet pan piled with coconut shrimp with lime wedges and two dipping sauces.
Photo credit: House of Nash Eats

These crispy Coconut Shrimps are irresistible, especially when dipped in sweet chili or piña colada sauce! Whether you choose to fry or bake them, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it can be easily made gluten-free!
Get the Recipe: Crispy Coconut Shrimp (Fried or Baked)

Coosaw Island Creamy Cold Crab Dip

A bowl of food on a plate, with Cream and Crab dip.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Coosaw Island Creamy Cold Crab Dip, an excellent appetizer for every occasion. It’s a refreshing and flavorful dip that comes together really quickly, but it’s absolutely delicious.

GET THE RECIPE: Coosaw Island Creamy Cold Crab Dip

Citrus Shrimp with Louis Sauce

A ramekin with sauce and shrimp around it.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Citrus Shrimp with Louis Sauce, a fabulous appetizer that is simply bursting with zesty flavours. If you are looking for a fancy dish for any party, this one is for you!

GET THE RECIPE: Citrus Shrimp with Louis Sauce

The Best Clam Dip Recipe EVER

The Best Clam Dip Recipe EVER | #easy #withcreamcheese #parties #appetizers #cold #best foodiecrush.com
Photo credit: Foodie Crush

This irresistible and super easy clam dip with cream cheese is a beloved family recipe and the perfect party appetizer, guaranteed to knock your socks off!
Get the Recipe: The Best Clam Dip Recipe EVER

Smoked Salmon Crostini

smoked salmon crostini on a platter
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

Easy smoked salmon crostini made with simple ingredients for the perfect appetizer or snack. Great for brunch and ready in just 20 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon Crostini

Shrimp Summer Rolls

hand dipping 1 shrimp summer roll into dipping sauce in a white ramekin.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

These shrimp summer rolls are a light, healthy, and delicious appetizer perfect for any occasion. Filled with fresh vegetables, zesty shrimp, and a spicy sauce, these rolls are as fun to make as they are to eat. Wrap it all up in rice paper for a vibrant and flavorful dish!
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Summer Rolls

Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp

Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp in a bowl with dip
Photo credit: Spend with Pennies

These air fryer shrimp are ready in under 15 minutes! The shrimp are seasoned and breaded, then air-fried to crispy perfection. Serve as an appetizer or a main course.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp

Smoked Salmon

Smoked salmon on a wood cutting board.
Photo credit: Culinary Hill

My Smoked Salmon recipe is tender, smoky, and totally worth it to DIY. Try Homemade Smoked Salmon on a bagel, in a dip, or as an appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon

Oyster Stew

Overhead shot of oyster stew in a white bowl with a silver spoon, with onions, oyster crackers and chives in bowls next to it
Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

This creamy Oyster Stew recipe is the perfect way to enjoy the briny flavor of oysters in a comforting, silky broth. Ready in under 30 minutes, this classic dish is elevated with hints of Worcestershire sauce and cayenne pepper. Garnish with fresh chives for an elegant touch!
Get the Recipe: Oyster Stew

Seattle Smoked Salmon Dip

Smoked Salmon Dip in a blue and white striped bowl set over a dark blue plate. Bowl is surrounded by a circle of crackers.
Photo credit: Cooking Classy

Smoked Salmon Dip – rich cream cheese, cheddar and smoked salmon based dip packed with so many layers of flavors. A crowd favorite!
Get the Recipe: Seattle Smoked Salmon Dip

Spanish Shrimp with Chickpeas

Spanish Shrimp with Chickpeas foodiecrush.com
Photo credit: Foodie Crush

These Spanish Shrimp with Chickpeas are quick, flavorful, and healthy. Sautéed shrimp and chickpeas are combined with bell peppers, onions, and a touch of smoked paprika for an authentic Spanish flavor. Enjoy this dish as an appetizer, a light dinner, or a vibrant side.
Get the Recipe: Spanish Shrimp with Chickpeas

Shrimp Scampi

How to Make the Best Easy Shrimp Scampi | foodiecrush.com #shrimp #scampi #recipe #healthy
Photo credit: Foodie Crush

This Shrimp Scampi recipe is the perfect way to enjoy succulent shrimp in a garlic, lemon, and butter sauce. Serve it over pasta, zoodles, or rice for a quick and satisfying meal that’s ready in minutes. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite, no matter the season!
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Grilled Prawns /Shrimp

6 grilled shrimp on a plate.
Image Credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes

These Grilled Prawns /Shrimp are served with a delicious garlic butter sauce for a fantastic appetizer that goes beyond the grilling season. Cook them in their shells to keep them juicy and tender, and you’ll get the best appetizers for special occasions.

GET THE RECIPE: Grilled Shrimp

Crab Rangoon Dip

Crab rangoon dip next to a bowl of chips
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This hot and creamy Crab Rangoon Dip is sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Loaded with flavor, it’s a perfect appetizer to serve with your favorite chips, and it even works as a low-carb option. Top with smoked paprika and serve with wonton chips and sweet and sour sauce for the full experience!
Get the Recipe: Crab Rangoon Dip

Lobster Bisque

up close of lobster bisque recipe in a white bowl
Photo credit: Carlsbad Cravings

This Lobster Bisque recipe is rich, creamy, and full of buttery lobster flavor. Using lobster tails streamlines the process, making it more affordable without sacrificing taste. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or a comforting dinner!
Get the Recipe: Lobster Bisque

Scallops with Citrus Ginger Sauce

Scallops in a pan.
Photo credit: Downshiftology

Scallops that are easy, fresh, pan seared and perfectly golden! Top them with a sweet and tangy citrus ginger sauce for a restaurant-quality meal that’s sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Scallops with Citrus Ginger Sauce

Shrimp and Grits Appetizer Cups (Garlic Butter Shrimp and Grits Recipe)

shrimp and grit cups with a fork
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

These Shrimp and Grits Appetizer Cups are a fun and easy way to serve a classic dish! Creamy cheese grits are topped with flavorful garlic butter shrimp for a delicious bite-sized appetizer. Perfect for parties or game day!
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits Appetizer Cups (Garlic Butter Shrimp and Grits Recipe)

Hot Crab Dip

Hot Crab Dip foodiecrush.com
Photo credit: Foodie Crush

This Hot Crab Dip is the perfect appetizer for any gathering! It takes less than 10 minutes to prepare and is always a crowd favorite. The combination of crabmeat, cream cheese, and Swiss cheese creates a rich and flavorful dip that’s simply irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Hot Crab Dip

Air Fryer Salmon Bites

A bowl of white dipping sauce topped with black sesame seeds sits beside bite-sized pieces of seasoned salmon, which are garnished with additional sesame seeds and fresh cilantro leaves.
Photo credit: Feasting at Home

Succulent and flavorful, Air Fryer Salmon Bites are served with a miso ginger dipping sauce and ready in about 15 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon Bites

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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