Crispy Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Shrimp is a dish that delivers indulgence, crunch, and elegance all in one glorious bite. Imagine plump, juicy shrimp butterflied and filled with a rich, savory mixture of garlic, herbs, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese—then baked until golden, crispy, and utterly irresistible. This recipe transforms the humble shrimp into a gourmet appetizer or main course that feels fancy yet approachable. The blend of garlicky butter, nutty cheese, and aromatic herbs creates a stuffing so flavorful, you’ll want to eat it by the spoonful.
This dish is inspired by coastal seafood traditions where fresh shellfish is always the star but elevated with a European-style twist—thanks to the Parmesan and seasoned breadcrumb topping. It’s perfect for dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or romantic meals. The crispy topping adds a satisfying contrast to the tender shrimp, while the rich stuffing makes every bite feel indulgent. It’s easy enough to prepare on a weeknight yet dazzling enough to serve to guests.
What makes this dish so special is how each element plays its part—the shrimp provide sweetness and bounce, the garlic adds warmth and depth, and the Parmesan brings that unmistakable savory richness. When baked, the flavors mingle, the stuffing crisps up, and the result is a dish that’s golden on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with flavor from start to finish.
Ingredients
• 20 large shrimp (16/20 count), peeled and deveined, tails on
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Zest of 1/2 lemon
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
• Extra grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
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Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, carefully butterfly each shrimp by slicing along the back where it’s already deveined, cutting about three-quarters of the way through.
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Gently open each shrimp so it lays flat, forming a cradle for the stuffing. Arrange the butterflied shrimp in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cut side up.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Parmesan Stuffing
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In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden—about 1 minute.
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Remove from heat and stir in the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, lemon juice, zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the breadcrumbs are coated and form a crumbly, moist stuffing mixture.
Step 3: Stuff and Bake the Shrimp
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Using a spoon or your hands, gently press about a teaspoon of the stuffing mixture into the center of each butterflied shrimp, mounding it slightly.
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Lightly brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle a little extra Parmesan over each one. Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the stuffing is golden brown and crisp.
Variations
• Substitute panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch
• Add finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the stuffing for a Mediterranean flair
• Use Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a sharper, saltier finish
• Wrap each stuffed shrimp in prosciutto for a savory twist
COOKING Note
• For even cooking, make sure shrimp are uniform in size and laid flat on the baking sheet
• Don’t overcook the shrimp—they become rubbery if baked too long
• You can prepare the stuffing a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to use
Serving Suggestions
• Serve as an appetizer on a platter with lemon wedges and a drizzle of garlic butter
• Pair with a light pasta or risotto and a side salad for a satisfying main course
• Complement with a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or Prosecco for a touch of sparkle
Helpful Tips
• Use fresh, wild-caught shrimp for the best flavor and texture
• Don’t skip the lemon zest—it brightens the entire dish
• Chill the stuffed shrimp for 10 minutes before baking for a more compact shape
• Line your baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup and crispy bottoms
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 290 kcal
Protein: 24 g
Sodium: 420 mg
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Over-stuffing the shrimp—this can cause the filling to spill out while baking
• Skimping on seasoning—shrimp needs a flavorful stuffing to shine
• Forgetting to preheat the oven—this helps the stuffing get that beautiful golden crust
• Not butterflying the shrimp deeply enough—creates less space for stuffing and can affect presentation
Conclusion
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Shrimp is a show-stopping seafood recipe that’s easy to love and even easier to make. It strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and culinary elegance, bringing together fresh shrimp, savory garlic butter, herby breadcrumbs, and nutty Parmesan in one irresistible bite. Whether you’re making a batch for a cozy dinner at home or impressing guests at your next gathering, this dish is a guaranteed hit. Each bite is juicy, crispy, and full of flavor—proof that with the right ingredients and a little creativity, you can transform everyday seafood into something extraordinary. It’s a dish that celebrates simplicity, flavor, and the joy of cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before preparing.
Can I prep this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can stuff the shrimp and refrigerate them for up to 4 hours before baking.
Can I air fry the shrimp instead of baking?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until the shrimp are cooked and the stuffing is crisp.
What other herbs work well in the stuffing?
Try tarragon, dill, or thyme—each brings a unique flavor profile to the dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs to easily adapt it.
CRISPY GARLIC PARMESAN STUFFED SHRIMP
- Total Time: 32
Ingredients
Ingredients
• 20 large shrimp (16/20 count), peeled and deveined, tails on
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Zest of 1/2 lemon
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
• Extra grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
-
Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, carefully butterfly each shrimp by slicing along the back where it’s already deveined, cutting about three-quarters of the way through.
-
Gently open each shrimp so it lays flat, forming a cradle for the stuffing. Arrange the butterflied shrimp in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cut side up.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Parmesan Stuffing
-
In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden—about 1 minute.
-
Remove from heat and stir in the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, lemon juice, zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the breadcrumbs are coated and form a crumbly, moist stuffing mixture.
Step 3: Stuff and Bake the Shrimp
-
Using a spoon or your hands, gently press about a teaspoon of the stuffing mixture into the center of each butterflied shrimp, mounding it slightly.
-
Lightly brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle a little extra Parmesan over each one. Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the stuffing is golden brown and crisp.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 12
Nutrition
- Calories: 290
- Sodium: 420mg
- Protein: 24g