Easy Shrimp Nachos Recipe

This easy shrimp nachos recipe is the perfect finger food for parties. Individual nacho shrimp bites are crunchy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. 

You can also have the whole recipe made in about 20 minutes, start to finish! 

Why Shrimp Nachos?

Whether you’re looking for appetizer ideas for your holiday party, or need a game day snack to enjoy as a family, move these shrimp nachos bites to the top of your planning list.

Think of them as shrimp topped loaded nachos, but in less messy single bite scoops. 

Crispy, salty tortilla chip scoops are filled with succulent pieces of shrimp, melty cheese, chiles, and spices, making them the perfect irresistible snack to serve at a gathering.

How to Make the Shrimp Nachos

Here’s everything you need to know about making this Shrimp Nacho Recipe, including substitutions, cocktail pairings, and ideas to adapt the recipe to your tastes or needs. 

Ingredients

• 20 peeled, deveined and cooked medium sized shrimp
• 1 1⁄2 cups shredded Fiesta Blend Cheese
• 4 ounces (small can) chopped green chilies, drained
• 4 green onions, finely chopped
• 1⁄4 cup sliced ripe olives, drained
• 1⁄2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 1⁄2 teaspoon lime juice
• 48 tortilla chip scoops

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 F. 

Step 2: Chop each shrimp into thirds.

Step 3: Add the shrimp along with the cheese, green chilies, green onions, and olives in a large bowl and mix well.

Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, taco seasoning, and lime juice.

Step 5: Drizzle this sauce into the shrimp mixture and give it a good stir.

Step 6: Scoop out a tablespoon of filling into each chip scoop and place on a baking sheet.

Step 7: Let bake for about 5 minutes, until cheese is melted and the nacho cups get a little crispy, and serve immediately.

What Other Toppings Can I Use?

If you’re like me, and enjoy futsing with recipes, a fun thing about making these shrimp nacho cups is playing around with the ingredients to your heart’s content. 

They’re essentially loaded nachos, which means you can top them with your choice of veggies, cheeses, or condiments. 

Sliced pickled jalapenos and chopped pickles can add a surprising tang to the dish. 

If you have veggies like tomatoes, peppers, or onions on hand, you can chop them up to include in the filling mix.

Shrimp Nachos Ingredient Substitutions 

Don’t have everything the recipe calls for? Here are some easy substitutions! 

Fiesta Blend Cheese: Mozzarella cheese, sharp cheddar and Monterey jack are good alternatives. You can also use a blend of different cheeses of your choice. I’ve even made these with a mix of swiss, mozzarella, and parmesan because I had a little bit of each cheese left in my fridge.

Mayonnaise: Sour cream and thick Greek yogurt are the best alternatives to mayonnaise, but you could also use ranch dressing to amp up the flavors.

Taco Seasoning: Don’t have taco seasoning? Fajita seasoning, Old bay seasoning and chili powder are all excellent swaps for the classic taco seasoning mix.  You might also have the ingredients you need to make your own homemade taco seasoning.

Can I Use Leftover Shrimp?

You sure can! If you don’t have fresh shrimp, you can totally use leftover cooked shrimp that you might have for this recipe. 

Cocktail shrimp is also a great choice for these shrimp nachos.

What Other Variations Can I Try?

If you can’t find tortilla chip scoops, you can just use regular tortilla chips and spread them in a layer on your baking sheet. Top them with the shrimp mixture just like you would do with your regular loaded nachos- they’ll taste just as great! 

Can I Make Shrimp Nachos In a Skillet?

If you are using tortilla chips as the base, you can opt for a cast iron skillet or a heavy duty pan instead of a baking sheet. 

Tips & Tricks to Make the Shrimp Nachos

While making these shrimp nacho cups is super easy, having these little tips and tricks up your sleeve can really take things up a notch. 

• Want to do some early prep? Get the shrimp filling made up to 24  hours in advance, cover and refrigerate. Then fill your scoop chips and bake right before guests arrive.
• You can also serve some fresh toppings for guests to add to their shrimp nachos bites. Think homemade guacamole, salsa verde, sour cream, hot sauce, or pico de gallo.
• Want these even more protein packed? Add in some black beans or refried beans. 
• Not afraid of mess and want your shrimp nachos to be more creamy? Top them with some queso! 

Serving Ideas & Suggestions

These easy shrimp nachos can be served on their own, or along with other appetizers and snacks.

As for cocktail pairings, we find shrimp nachos bites pair incredibly well with mango margaritas, or for something fancier try our pomegranate champagne cocktail or summer berry sangria.

If you’re planning a whole night of Mexican inspired recipes,  our fish tacos make an amazing main course, while chile rellenos can be made in advance and warmed when you’re ready to serve.

More Party Appetizer Recipes

Love the shrimp nachos but need more party snacks? This French Fry Board is perfect for dip lovers.

And if you have some leftover chicken, these BBQ Chicken Quesadillas can be a fun and easy party snack that’s actually pretty filling too!

You can also try out this easy baked 7 Layer Dip that can be served with your nachos and additional chips.

More Shrimp Recipes

If you’re a shrimp lover, try my Shrimp Spinach Mushroom Rice recipe; a unique comfort food for those days when you’re feeling down. 

I absolutely love Shrimp and Asparagus Curry and Shrimp Asparagus Risotto, or you can go for a good old fashioned Shrimp Boil if you like to keep things simple. 

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Printable Shrimp Nachos Bites Recipe