Oven-Roasted Shrimp Cocktail with Old Bay Recipe

Bursting with bold flavor, striking color, and effortless style, Oven-Roasted Shrimp Cocktail with Old Bay is the appetizer that never fails to steal the spotlight. Imagine plump, juicy shrimp lightly roasted with a zesty Old Bay and garlic blend, paired with a tangy homemade cocktail sauce that’s just the right balance of sweet, spicy, and savory. Every bite is pure celebration of classic American flavors, elevated yet incredibly easy to pull off. Whether you’re hosting happy hour, marking a special occasion, or curating a memorable holiday spread, this recipe promises crowd-pleasing results with a quick prep and even quicker clean-up.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish feels fancy, but the ingredients are approachable staples you probably already have. Each element brings its own magic to the plate, from the fresh bite of shrimp to the bracing zest of horseradish and citrus. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

• Large shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined, tails on): Shrimp are the shining star, so go for fresh or high-quality frozen for the sweetest, juiciest results.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps the seasonings coat the shrimp evenly.
• Old Bay seasoning (1 1/2 teaspoons): The iconic spice blend that gives the dish its signature Eastern Shore flair.
• Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle, savory heat that complements the shrimp and spices.
• Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A gentle kick that ties together all the flavors.
• Lemon wedges: Brings bright, fresh acidity when squeezed over just before serving.
• Ketchup (1/2 cup): Makes the base of that classic cocktail sauce—sweet, tomato-rich, and familiar.
• Prepared horseradish (2 tablespoons): Gives the cocktail sauce its legendary, nose-tingling heat.
• Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and rounds out the tangy flavors in the dip.
• Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): A splash of brightness in the cocktail sauce for extra zing.
• Hot sauce (a few dashes, optional): Perfect for turning up the heat, if that’s your thing.

How to Make Oven-Roasted Shrimp Cocktail with Old Bay

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up. Make sure your shrimp are peeled and deveined, with the tails left on for that appetizing look and easy dipping. The quick prep will have you well on your way to oven-roasted shrimp cocktail with Old Bay in no time.

Step 2: Season and Toss

In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Toss them together until every shrimp glistens with the zesty, aromatic blend. The Old Bay is essential here—it gives those familiar, briny-sweet shrimp a punchy, craveable profile you’ll love.

Step 3: Roast to Perfection

Spread the seasoned shrimp in a single layer on your baking sheet. Slide them into the hot oven and roast for 8–10 minutes. Watch for them to turn pink, opaque, and gently curled—the signs they’re just right. This step brings out a juicy texture while locking in all that vibrant, coastal flavor only oven-roasting can give to oven-roasted shrimp cocktail with Old Bay.

Step 4: Mix the Cocktail Sauce

While the shrimp roast, stir together ketchup, prepared horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and a few dashes of hot sauce if desired. The result is a cocktail sauce that’s punchy, tangy, and brimming with heat—so much better than store-bought, and ready in under a minute. Chill it in the fridge until serving to let the flavors meld.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Let the shrimp cool for a few minutes so they hold their shape, then arrange them artfully on a platter with lemon wedges and your fresh cocktail sauce on the side. Whether you serve them warm or cold, this oven-roasted shrimp cocktail with Old Bay looks as stunning as it tastes.

How to Serve Oven-Roasted Shrimp Cocktail with Old Bay

Garnishes

A few simple, thoughtful garnishes can turn your appetizer into a showstopper. Fresh lemon wedges are essential for squeezing over the shrimp just before eating, brightening every bite. A few sprigs of flat-leaf parsley or fresh dill add color and a whisper of garden-fresh aroma, while a sprinkle of extra Old Bay on the platter nods to the flavorful star of the show.

Side Dishes

For a party or holiday buffet, serve oven-roasted shrimp cocktail with Old Bay beside a crisp green salad, buttery garlic crostini, or a platter of crudités. If you want to round it out with something heartier, mini crab cakes, cheese boards, and roasted veggies all make fantastic pairings. The cocktail sauce’s tanginess also livens up simple sides like steamed asparagus or even classic potato chips.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleasing display, fan the shrimp around a chilled bowl of cocktail sauce in a glass pedestal dish or old-school martini glasses. For individual servings, hang shrimp along the rim of small shooter glasses filled with sauce. Or, arrange everything on a bed of ice or lettuce for a fresh, party-ready effect. No matter your style, oven-roasted shrimp cocktail with Old Bay is always the star of the spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover shrimp, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the cocktail sauce in a separate sealed container so the shrimp stay firm and flavorful. Chilled oven-roasted shrimp cocktail with Old Bay actually makes a fantastic next-day treat all on its own or tossed into salads.

Freezing

For best texture, freeze the shrimp only before roasting, not after—raw, seasoned shrimp can be frozen flat in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then roast as directed. It’s a great way to prep for a holiday or dinner party. Avoid freezing cooked shrimp, as they can become rubbery when reheated.

Reheating

To gently reheat leftover oven-roasted shrimp cocktail with Old Bay, spread the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F oven for 3–4 minutes, just until heated through. Avoid microwaving, which can make shrimp tough. Or, simply serve chilled straight from the fridge—they’re delicious either way.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for oven-roasted shrimp cocktail with Old Bay?

Absolutely! Frozen shrimp work beautifully; just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then pat dry before tossing with seasonings to ensure they roast up juicy and flavorful.

Is Old Bay very spicy?

Old Bay has a mild, zesty heat balanced by sweet and savory spices. If you want it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne or a few extra dashes of hot sauce to the shrimp or cocktail sauce.

Do I really need to peel the shrimp before cooking?

For the best eating experience, yes—peeling and deveining ensures every bite is tender and easy to eat. Leaving the tails on adds great presentation and gives guests something to hold while dipping.

What’s the best way to serve this at a party?

Arrange the shrimp around a bowl of cocktail sauce on a platter with lemon wedges and herbs for garnish. For easy mingling, pre-fill small cups or dishes with sauce and drape shrimp over the sides for grab-and-go bites.

Can I make the cocktail sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! The flavors actually get better as they meld. Prepare the sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve oven-roasted shrimp cocktail with Old Bay.

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistible about oven-roasted shrimp cocktail with Old Bay—the flavor, the simplicity, that bold splash of color on the table. Whether you’re treating friends, celebrating with family, or just craving the ultimate appetizer, this recipe belongs in your regular repertoire. Give it a try and see how quickly it disappears from the platter—you may never go back to boiling shrimp again!

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