Baked stuffed shrimp is a party favorite that looks impressive yet comes together easily. Succulent shrimp get filled with a savory stuffing that typically contains cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic and fresh herbs. While incredibly tasty when fresh, leftover baked stuffed shrimp has a short fridge life. So can you freeze baked stuffed shrimp to enjoy later?
The good news is that freezing cooked stuffed shrimp is absolutely possible. With proper handling baked stuffed shrimp can be frozen and thawed without ruining texture or causing sogginess. Follow the right techniques and even months later, thawed shrimp appetizers will taste amazingly fresh and delicious.
In this comprehensive guide we will cover
- Can You Freeze Baked Stuffed Shrimp?
- How to Freeze Stuffed Shrimp
- Thawing and Reheating Baked Stuffed Shrimp
- How Long Does Frozen Stuffed Shrimp Last?
- Maintaining Quality When Freezing
- Inspiring Baked Stuffed Shrimp Recipes
Let’s get started on mastering the art of freezing baked stuffed shrimp!
Can You Freeze Baked Stuffed Shrimp?
Freezing cooked stuffed shrimp is perfectly safe and works well. Pre-cooking helps seal in moisture and prevents freezer burn. Freezing stops bacteria growth that causes spoilage. It also halts the chemical reactions that lead to loss of texture and flavor.
So if you made too many baked stuffed shrimp for your party freezing preserves the quality so you can enjoy the leftovers later. Properly frozen stuffed shrimp retains its taste and texture for months.
How to Freeze Baked Stuffed Shrimp
Follow these simple steps for flawless freezing results with cooked stuffed shrimp:
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Allow baked stuffed shrimp to cool completely, about an hour after baking.
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Place shrimp in a single layer on a tray or plate, and freeze until firm, about 2 hours.
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Transfer to airtight freezer bags or containers, removing excess air.
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Label with contents and freeze date. Store in coldest part of freezer.
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For best quality, enjoy within 2-3 months.
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Avoid freezing shrimp in a big clump. Freeze them in a single layer first.
Thawing and Reheating Baked Stuffed Shrimp
To thaw frozen stuffed shrimp properly:
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Thaw overnight in the fridge, avoiding room temperature thawing.
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Place thawed shrimp on a baking sheet and reheat at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until hot and crispy.
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Or reheat in the air fryer or toaster oven at 350°F, turning once.
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Microwaving makes the shrimp soggy and is not recommended.
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Cook just until shrimp are heated through, avoiding overcooking.
How Long Does Frozen Baked Stuffed Shrimp Last?
Cooked stuffed shrimp keeps well in the freezer for:
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2-3 months for best quality
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4 months for good quality
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6 months maximum for edible but drier quality
Eat frozen baked stuffed shrimp within these timelines for the best moisture, flavor and texture. Signs of freezer burn or ice crystals mean it’s time to toss it.
Maintaining Quality When Freezing Shrimp
Follow these tips to retain the delicious flavor, moisture and texture of stuffed shrimp after freezing:
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Freeze soon after baking when moisture is sealed in.
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Use airtight freezer bags or containers to prevent freezer burn.
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Portion into smaller batches rather than freezing all together.
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Avoid overcrowding shrimp in the freezer. Leave space between pieces.
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Freeze rapidly at 0°F or below for fast freezing.
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Handle frozen shrimp gently to prevent cell damage from ice crystals.
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Thaw gradually in the fridge, not on the counter.
Inspiring Baked Stuffed Shrimp Recipes
Here are some mouthwatering baked stuffed shrimp recipes perfect for freezing:
Feta and Spinach Stuffed Shrimp
Succulent shrimp get stuffed with a Greek-inspired spinach and feta filling.
Cream Cheese and Crab Stuffed Shrimp
Creamy crab and cream cheese is a match made in heaven in these shrimp appetizers.
Cajun Stuffed Shrimp
Spicy Cajun seasoning give the crispy panko topping on these shrimp excitement.
Parmesan and Herb Stuffed Shrimp
Classic flavors combine in this easy parmesan, garlic and herb stuffed shrimp.
Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Shrimp
Smoky bacon and melty cheddar kick these shrimp up a notch.
Shrimp DeJonghe
Buttery garlic breadcrumb topping is the star in this legendary stuffed shrimp recipe.
Enjoy Delicious Baked Stuffed Shrimp Anytime
The verdict is in – properly frozen baked stuffed shrimp retains its quality wonderfully for up to 6 months. With a few simple guidelines, you can freeze and reheat leftover stuffed shrimp for appetizers that taste every bit as amazing as the original.
Be sure to allow enough time for gradual thawing and reheating to bring back that just-made texture your guests will love. Now you can always have these elegant appetizers ready anytime the occasion calls for a little shrimp indulgence. Dig those frozen stuffed shrimp out of the freezer and get ready to impress!
Check Out Some Of The New Recipes On Recipe Hippie!
It would be great if you could find frozen or fresh scallops, but if not, I think you should use canned mushrooms instead! They have a very similar texture, and my husband didn’t even know they were different bags!
Baked Stuffed Frozen Shrimp With Canned Mushrooms:
I always knew that when I was a kid and my grandmother made baked stuffed shrimp for dinner, it was Christmas at her house. A few years ago, I asked my mom for my grandmother’s recipe. The one she gave me was handwritten and had butter spots all over it (apple doesn’t fall far from the tree). I thought I would have to make a lot of changes to the recipe because I had never made baked stuffed shrimp before. You know, bring it up to the times. I didn’t do anything like that, though. It was still as dreamy as I remembered it being when I was a kid sitting at grandma’s table.
That being said, times HAVE changed. With the pandemic going on, people aren’t going to the grocery store as often to get fresh seafood. And with unemployment at an all time high, many people cant afford it. I set out to make a copy-cat recipe from my grandmothers using frozen and shelf stable food. I made two batches, both with frozen shrimp but with different amounts of frozen scallops and canned mushrooms in each. (Finally a recipe to use those canned mushrooms you bought without thinking when you were restocking your pantry!)
Baked Stuffed Jumbo Shrimp | Chef Capon
FAQ
Can I freeze cooked stuffed shrimp?
How long do baked stuffed shrimp last in the fridge?
How do you reheat frozen stuffed shrimp?
Can you freeze baked shrimp?