Keto Shrimp Cucumber Cream Cheese Bites

Looking for a crowd-pleasing keto appetizer? Shrimp cucumber cream cheese bites are a simple yet impressive choice, combining the fresh crunch of cucumber with creamy cheese and tender shrimp. This quick-to-make recipe is perfect for parties, snack time, or whenever you need a low-carb treat that feels indulgent.

These little cucumber cream cheese and shrimp bites are amazing!  So simple and delicious! This is a perfect Keto appetizer!

Why You’ll Love Keto Shrimp Cucumber Cream Cheese Bites

• These bites are incredibly easy to prepare with just three simple ingredients and no cooking required. A quick and hassle-free recipe perfect for any occasion!
• They deliver an amazing combination of textures—crisp cucumber, creamy cheese, and tender shrimp make every bite a delight.
• This appetizer is keto-friendly and low-carb, making it a great option for those watching their carb intake or following a gluten-free diet.
• They look beautiful and elegant on any serving platter, making them an ideal choice for entertaining or special occasions.
• You can make them ahead of time, so they’re ready to serve when you need them—just assemble, chill, and enjoy!

Look at these cute little cucumber canapes! Spread with cream cheese and topped with shrimp, they are just begging to be eaten!

Pick up this cucumber slice and move this epic little creation in your mouth.  Crunchy cucumber, creamy cream cheese and succulent shrimp – what a combo!  How many are you going to eat?

Ingredients For Keto Shrimp Cucumber Cream Cheese Bites

• Large cooked shrimp – Peeled, deveined, and tail-off for convenience and easy eating.
• English cucumber – Firm and seedless, perfect for slicing and holding toppings without becoming soggy.
• Cream cheese – Softened to room temperature for easy spreading and a creamy texture.

For exact measurements, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Keto Shrimp Cucumber Cream Cheese Bites

• Knife – For slicing the cucumber into even rounds.
• Cutting board – A clean surface to safely slice the cucumber.
• Serving plate – To arrange and display your finished bites.
• Paper towel – To blot excess moisture from the cucumber slices.
• Measuring spoons (optional) – Helpful for portioning cream cheese evenly if desired.

Best of all, this stuff is very low in carbs!  These shrimp cucumber cream cheese bites make a perfect keto appetizer!  They look so impressive and yummy, they disappear from the party platter in minutes!

How To Make Cucumber Cream Cheese Bites With Shrimp

First, you need to start with the right cucumber.  The best cucumber to make any type of cucumber canapes is the long seedless English cucumber.  English cucumbers are firmer and less watery then regular ones and don’t have large seeds, which makes them a perfect choice for slices that hold up the cream cheese and shrimp toppings.

You also need the right shrimp.  The best type of shrimp for this appetizer is cooked, peeled, deveined and tail-off.  I’ve seen this appetizer made using shrimp with tails, but I think for bite-sized food people just want to put the whole thing in their mouth and not have to deal with the tail :)   So my vote goes to tail-off shrimp for this one.

Take the cream cheese out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature.  If you forgot to do it and need to make this appetizer in a hurry, cold cream cheese will still work but will be harder to spread then the room temperature one.

Defrost the shrimp in a refrigerator overnight, or you can quick-thaw it under cold running water (see how to defrost shrimp fast).  Since the shrimp is already cooked, no further cooking is needed.

Slice the English cucumber into slices (no need to peel the cucumber) and put the slices on a serving plate.  Blot cucumber slices with a paper towel on top to remove extra moisture.

Spread each cucumber slice with cream cheese.

Put shrimp on top of cream cheese.

Make-Ahead Cucumber Shrimp Canapes

Another amazing feature of these shrimp cucumber cream cheese bites is that they can be made ahead!  A simple 3-ingredient keto appetizer that can be made in advance – what a find!

You can make this appetizer a day ahead.  Simply assemble the cucumber shrimp canapes on a plate, cover with a plastic wrap and refrigerate.  When ready to serve, just put the plate on the table and remove plastic wrap.  Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

• Arrange the bites on a decorative platter and garnish with fresh herbs like dill or parsley for an elegant presentation.
• Serve alongside a variety of keto-friendly dips, such as Homemade Guacamole with One Avocado or Low-Calorie Ranch Dip with Cottage Cheese, for added flavor.
• Pair with a crisp, Quick Homemade Sangria with Red Wine or sparkling water infused Fresh Peach Lemonade for a refreshing combination.
• Include these bites as part of a larger appetizer spread with other low-carb options like Low-Carb Air Fryer Asparagus with Bacon or Low-Carb Stuffed Bell Pepper Halves with Turkey.
• Serve as a light starter before a seafood-themed main course to keep the flavors cohesive.

Tips For Success

• Choose the right cucumber: English cucumbers work best for this recipe as they are firmer, less watery, and seedless. This ensures the slices hold up well under the toppings without becoming soggy.
• Prep your shrimp properly: Make sure your shrimp are fully thawed, cooked, peeled, and deveined. Using tail-off shrimp makes it easier for guests to enjoy without needing to remove tails.
• Soften the cream cheese: Allow the cream cheese to reach room temperature before spreading. This step makes it easier to create a smooth, even layer on each cucumber slice.
• Pat cucumber slices dry: Use a paper towel to blot the tops of the cucumber slices after cutting. This helps the cream cheese adhere better and prevents the appetizer from becoming watery over time.
• Assemble in advance: If you’re preparing these for a party, assemble them up to a day ahead. Simply cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving time to save effort on the day of your event.

Variations And Substitutions

• Flavored Cream Cheese: Add extra flavor by using cream cheese infused with herbs, garlic, or vegetables. Chive and onion or garden vegetable cream cheese pairs especially well with the fresh cucumber and shrimp.
• Alternative Toppings: Swap shrimp for smoked salmon, crab meat, or even sliced avocado for a slightly different flavor profile while keeping it keto-friendly.
• Low-Carb Crackers: If you prefer a crunchier base, replace cucumber slices with keto-friendly crackers. This adds a different texture to the bites.
• Vegan Option: For a plant-based version, replace shrimp with marinated hearts of palm or sliced mushrooms, and use a dairy-free cream cheese substitute.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle the bites with a dash of cayenne pepper, paprika, or red chili flakes for a spicy twist. You can also drizzle a bit of sriracha or hot sauce on top.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: These shrimp cucumber cream cheese bites can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Arrange them on a plate, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and keep them chilled until ready to serve.
• Reheating: Since this is a no-cook appetizer, reheating isn’t necessary. Simply serve them cold straight from the refrigerator.
• Tips for freshness: To maintain the best texture, avoid leaving the bites out at room temperature for too long, especially in warm environments. If needed, place the serving plate over a bed of ice to keep them cool at a party.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?

Yes, you can, but keep in mind that regular cucumbers have more seeds and moisture. If using regular cucumbers, peel and de-seed them to make the slices firmer and more suitable for holding the toppings.

Can I prepare these bites in advance?

Absolutely! These bites can be made up to a day ahead. Simply assemble them, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to serve. This makes them perfect for parties or meal prepping.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Just make sure to thaw them completely before use. You can thaw shrimp overnight in the refrigerator or quickly under cold running water.

What other toppings work well with this recipe?

Smoked salmon, crab meat, or sliced avocado are excellent alternatives to shrimp. You can also experiment with a variety of flavored cream cheeses or add a sprinkle of fresh dill for extra flavor.

How do I keep the cucumber slices from getting soggy?

Patting the cucumber slices dry with a paper towel before assembling helps prevent sogginess. Also, using firm cucumbers like the English variety ensures better texture.

More Keto Appetizers

If you like these shrimp cucumber cream cheese bites, you will also love these easy keto appetizers:

• Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites: similar appetizer made with smoked salmon on top instead of shrimp!
• Bacon Wrapped Asparagus: elegant asparagus wrapped in crispy bacon – so yummy and impressive!
• Bacon Cheddar Dip: everybody loves this dip!  Perfect served with veggies slices or keto chips!
• Mexican Shrimp Cocktail: authentic Mexican ceviche-style shrimp cocktail with avocado!
• Tomato Mozzarella Skewers: it’s like a Caprese salad on a stick!

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