The aroma of garlic and buttery crescent dough coming from the oven will have your guests gathering in the kitchen before these even hit the plate. Garlic Shrimp in a Blanket is a creative twist on classic shrimp appetizers, blending rich seafood flavor with flaky, golden pastry.
This recipe is ideal for entertaining—whether you’re hosting a dinner party or bringing a tray to a holiday gathering. With just a few ingredients, you’ll deliver a crowd-pleasing dish that looks gourmet but comes together with ease. The quick dipping sauce adds a tangy kick that elevates every bite, making these a must-save recipe for seafood lovers.
Full Recipe:
-
12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
-
3 cloves garlic, finely crushed
-
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
-
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
-
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
-
Salt and black pepper to taste
-
1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough
-
1 egg
-
1 tablespoon water
-
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
For the Dipping Sauce:
-
1/4 cup mayonnaise
-
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
-
1 teaspoon mirin
-
Dash of hot sauce
Directions:
-
In a mixing bowl, combine shrimp, garlic, oyster sauce, smoked paprika, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat all the shrimp. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for a more intense flavor.
-
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
-
Place the entire roll of crescent dough (do not unroll) on a lightly floured surface. Cut in half, then roll each half into a 5×9-inch rectangle. Slice each into 6 equal 5-inch strips.
-
Place a shrimp in the center of each dough strip with a bit of marinade. Fold both ends of the strip over the shrimp to enclose it, seam-side down.
-
Arrange all wrapped shrimp on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
-
Whisk together egg and water, and brush the tops of each wrap with the egg wash. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
-
Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
-
While baking, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, mirin, and a splash of hot sauce in a small bowl. Serve the shrimp warm with dipping sauce.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 185 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Delicious Twist on a Party Classic: Garlic Shrimp in a Blanket
When you think of crowd-pleasing appetizers, pigs in a blanket often come to mind. But what if you could elevate that nostalgic bite with something a bit more gourmet? Garlic Shrimp in a Blanket is the savory, sophisticated cousin of the beloved classic, offering a fusion of rich garlic-marinated shrimp wrapped in flaky crescent dough—baked to golden perfection. It’s bold, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to make.
This dish brings together the elegance of seafood with the comfort of pastry, making it perfect for everything from dinner parties to casual gatherings. With just the right amount of heat, umami, and crunch, each bite delivers a complex flavor experience with minimal effort.
A Bite-Sized Culinary Fusion
At its core, this recipe combines elements from Asian-inspired marinades with European pastry techniques. The shrimp are first marinated in a punchy blend of crushed garlic, oyster sauce, smoked paprika, hot sauce, and a touch of salt and pepper. This combination creates a deep, savory flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
Once marinated, the shrimp are lovingly wrapped in crescent dough—known for its buttery, flaky texture—and baked until the outside is crisp and golden. The dough helps balance the intensity of the marinade and provides a satisfying, hearty texture.
This fusion of Asian flavors and Western baking methods is what sets this recipe apart. It’s simple but sophisticated, giving home cooks the ability to present something that feels gourmet without spending hours in the kitchen.
Versatile for All Occasions
What’s especially great about Garlic Shrimp in a Blanket is how incredibly versatile it is. Whether you’re hosting a formal holiday dinner or preparing snacks for game night, this dish fits in seamlessly. Served hot, warm, or even at room temperature, these savory shrimp bites hold their flavor and texture, making them ideal for buffet-style meals or party trays.
They can also be easily prepped ahead of time. Marinate the shrimp the night before, and wrap them just before baking. Even the dipping sauce—a creamy blend of mayo, mustard, mirin, and hot sauce—can be prepared in advance and chilled until it’s time to serve.
The Magic of Garlic and Shrimp
Garlic and shrimp have long been a culinary match made in heaven. Garlic enhances the natural sweetness of shrimp while adding that unmistakable aromatic richness that makes any dish feel more indulgent. In this recipe, the garlic isn’t just a background flavor—it takes center stage. The crushed garlic in the marinade infuses the shrimp with bold, savory depth that lingers on the palate in the most delightful way.
This is also where the oyster sauce plays its role. A staple in many Asian kitchens, oyster sauce provides a salty-sweet umami bomb that pairs perfectly with seafood. It adds body and roundness to the garlic’s sharper edges, giving the dish a more layered, complex flavor.
Why Crescent Dough?
Crescent roll dough is an underrated star in many home kitchens. With its buttery, flaky layers and ease of use, it’s the perfect wrapper for so many fillings—from sweet to savory. In this recipe, it serves as both a structural component and a flavor enhancer. As the shrimp bake, the dough puffs up around them, sealing in moisture and creating a crisp golden shell.
Because crescent dough is sold in refrigerated tubes, it’s a time-saving shortcut that doesn’t compromise on quality. Plus, its neutral flavor makes it adaptable—you could season it with herbs, sprinkle it with sesame seeds (as in this recipe), or even add a touch of cheese for an extra twist.
A Sauce That Complements Without Competing
Let’s talk about the dipping sauce. This creamy, tangy, slightly sweet condiment is the finishing touch that brings the whole dish together. Made from mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, mirin (a sweet rice wine), and a dash of hot sauce, the sauce is complex without being overpowering. It cuts through the richness of the dough and shrimp, adding brightness and a tiny kick.
Mirin, in particular, provides a subtle sweetness and depth that lifts the sauce beyond your typical mayo-based dip. If you don’t have mirin on hand, a small splash of rice vinegar with sugar can serve as a quick substitute. The sauce is optional, but once you try it, you’ll see how it enhances the dish tenfold.
Make It Your Own: Customizations and Variations
One of the best things about Garlic Shrimp in a Blanket is how easily it lends itself to personalization. Want more heat? Add extra hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne to the marinade. Prefer a more herbaceous bite? Toss in some chopped parsley or cilantro. You can even swap the shrimp for scallops or chunks of crab for a luxurious variation.
For a Mediterranean twist, try marinating the shrimp in olive oil, lemon zest, garlic, and oregano. Or lean into the Asian inspiration with a marinade of soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. The dough wrap can also be switched out—try puff pastry for an even flakier result or phyllo dough for a lighter crunch.
Vegetarians and pescatarians can experiment with plant-based seafood alternatives, which are now widely available and offer a similar texture and flavor profile.
Presentation Tips for Maximum Appeal
Since these shrimp bites are visually appealing with their golden crust and sesame topping, serving them on a wooden board or ceramic platter adds a rustic yet elegant vibe. Garnish with fresh herbs like dill or chives for a pop of color. You can even include toothpicks or small skewers for easy grab-and-go serving.
Pair them with small bowls of dipping sauce and perhaps a wedge of lemon or lime on the side. If you’re entertaining, consider adding other small bites—like stuffed mushrooms or mini meatballs—for a full spread that’s easy to enjoy while mingling.
Nutrition and Portioning
Each serving of Garlic Shrimp in a Blanket comes in around 180–200 calories, making it a moderately indulgent treat that won’t weigh you down. Since the shrimp are individually wrapped, it’s easy to manage portions. You can serve 2–3 pieces per guest as an appetizer or more if you’re offering them as part of a tapas-style meal.
They’re also fairly low-carb compared to other pastry-based dishes, especially if you opt for reduced-fat crescent dough or substitute with thinner wrappers like phyllo.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Approved
Surprisingly, this dish is also kid-approved. The mildness of the shrimp and the flaky pastry make it appealing even to picky eaters. If your kids aren’t fans of garlic, you can simply tone down the marinade. For adults, the bold garlic-forward flavor is a major hit, especially when served with wine, beer, or a sparkling cocktail.
At potlucks or family gatherings, Garlic Shrimp in a Blanket often becomes the first empty tray. People love finger foods, especially when they come wrapped in golden, delicious dough.
Conclusion: A Recipe Worth Repeating
Garlic Shrimp in a Blanket is the kind of recipe that becomes a go-to once you’ve made it once. It checks all the boxes: quick to make, impressive to serve, and endlessly customizable. It’s a creative way to bring shrimp into the spotlight and a welcome departure from the usual fried or grilled preparations.
Whether you’re a beginner cook looking to impress, or a seasoned host searching for the next big crowd-pleaser, this dish delivers on every level. With bold flavors, a luxurious texture, and easy prep, it brings elegance to your appetizer game without the stress.
So next time you’re planning a party, don’t reach for frozen apps—wrap up some garlicky shrimp instead, and serve them golden, flaky, and hot from the oven. Your guests will thank you.