Shrimp has been cooked in so many ways—soups, sauces, you name it. But I wanted to take it up a notch. If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy shrimp, this smoky, cheesy recipe is a must-try. It’s perfect as an appetizer, but honestly, it’s satisfying enough to be a main dish too—introducing Bacon Wrapped Shrimp with Cream Cheese Stuffing.
Shrimp makes a great appetizer, but wrapping it in bacon is an upgrade! Adding a creamy, flavorful stuffing truly elevates it. Ideally, this would pair wonderfully with a glass of Chardonnay. But in reality, I enjoyed it with a refreshing raspberry iced tea. The bacon lends all the saltiness needed, blending seamlessly with the shrimp’s mild sweetness. The stuffing brings richness and a subtle kick of spice—just the balance I envisioned.
What is Bacon Wrapped Shrimp with Cream Cheese Stuffing
This dish combines the best of land and sea, wrapping tender shrimp in crispy bacon and stuffing it with a creamy, spiced filling. It is the ultimate appetizer—savory, creamy, and packed with flavor. The smoky bacon pairs perfectly with the mild sweetness of shrimp, while the rich stuffing adds a satisfying kick. Expect a rich, salty, and slightly sweet taste, with a hint of spice that keeps things interesting.
How to Prepare the Shrimp for Bacon Wrapped Shrimp with Cream Cheese Stuffing
Cleaning and deveining shrimp is easier than it looks. First, rinse them under cold water to get rid of any grit. Grab a sharp knife or a skewer and gently slice along the back, following the natural curve. You’ll see a dark vein—that’s actually the digestive tract. Use the tip of the knife or skewer to lift it out, then pull it away. If the shrimp still has the shell, peel it off by starting from the legs and working your way around. Give them another quick rinse, and they’re ready to cook! Simple, right?
How to Cook Bacon Wrapped Shrimp with Cream Cheese Stuffing
- Preheat the oven for even cooking – Set the oven to 350°F to ensure the shrimp and bacon cook evenly without drying out. This temperature allows the bacon to crisp while keeping the shrimp tender.
- Mix the cream cheese stuffing until smooth – Combine 6 tablespoons of cream cheese, 2 teaspoons of chopped chives, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon of turmeric, a dash of cayenne, and 1 tablespoon of optional breadcrumbs. Stir well until fully blended, creating a creamy, flavorful filling.
- Partially cook the bacon for better texture – Place 3 bacon strips on a plate, cover with another plate, and microwave for 2 minutes. This step ensures the bacon is pliable enough to wrap around the shrimp while still crisping up in the oven.
- Prepare the shrimp for stuffing – Make a lengthwise slit in each of the 5 large shrimp, creating a pocket for the stuffing. This allows the flavors to meld while keeping the shrimp intact.
- Wrap and secure for perfect bites – Fill each shrimp with the cream cheese mixture, then wrap with half a bacon strip. Use a toothpick to hold everything together, preventing the bacon from unraveling during baking.
- Bake until golden and delicious – Place the shrimp on a baking sheet and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
What Goes Well with Bacon Wrapped Shrimp with Cream Cheese Stuffing
If you want to have this as your main dish, it can be paired with salad. It can go well with couscous salad.
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp with Cream Cheese Stuffing is already packed with flavor, but pairing it with the right dish makes the meal even better. A fresh couscous salad adds a light, refreshing contrast to the rich shrimp and bacon combo. If you’re craving something hearty, cheesy cauliflower grits (as in Vanjo’s Roasted Cauliflower Recipe) bring a creamy, comforting texture that complements the smoky bacon. For a side with a bit of crunch, garlic butter asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts do the trick. Try his Oven Roasted Asparagus Recipe! And if you want to keep things simple, a warm, buttery dinner roll is always a solid choice.
What kind of pairing are you leaning toward? Give this Bacon Wrapped Shrimp with Cream Cheese Stuffing a try.
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp with Cream Cheese Stuffing
Ingredients
- 5 pieces large shrimp deveined and shell removed
- 3 pieces bacon strips
Cream cheese stuffing
- 6 tablespoons cream cheese
- 2 teaspoons chive chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder (see notes below)1
- a dash of cayenne pepper powder (see notes below)2
- 1 tablespoon bread crumbs optional, (see notes below)3
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F6 tablespoons cream cheese, 2 teaspoons chive, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder, a dash of cayenne pepper powder, 1 tablespoon bread crumbs
- Prepare the cream cheese stuffing by combining all the stuffing ingredients in a bowl. Mix well until all the ingredients are well blended. Set aside.
- Partially cook the bacon in the microwave. Do this by placing the bacon strips in a plate and cover it with another plate. Microwave for 2 minutes. Make sure that the bacon is still pliable (flexible).3 pieces bacon strips
- Create a slit in the middle of the shrimp lengthwise. Stuff it with enough cream cheese stuffing. Wrap half of the bacon per shrimp and secure using a toothpick.5 pieces large shrimp
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let cool. Arrange in a serving plate.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Turmeric powder brings a warm, earthy flavor while giving the stuffing a nice golden color—it’s a small touch that makes a difference. Plus, a little turmeric goes a long way, adding a subtle, aromatic note that pairs well with the shrimp and bacon.
- Cayenne powder adds a little heat, balancing out the richness of the cream cheese and the smoky bacon with just the right amount of kick. It doesn’t overpower the dish but instead creates a gentle warmth that lingers in every bite. The spice also helps bring out the flavors of the other ingredients, making the entire dish more dynamic.
- Bread crumbs help thicken the mixture, making sure it stays put inside the shrimp instead of oozing out while cooking. They also add a bit of texture to the filling, preventing it from being overly soft. Without them, the stuffing might get too runny, affecting the overall structure of the dish.
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