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Home » Seafood Appetizers

10 Best Seafood Appetizers – Chef Approved

Published: Jul 9, 2022 by Chef Dennis Littley

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If you’re looking for the Best Seafood Appetizers let a chef help you out. My tried and true seafood appetizer recipes are guaranteed to wow your guests at your next dinner party or family get-together.

Over the years I’ve cooked hundreds of thousands of appetizers for all types of functions, and for all types of people. Trust me when I tell you, I know what people love to eat and these are the 10 Best seafood appetizers

Table of Contents:
  • The Best Oyster Appetizers
  • The Best Clam Appetizers
  • Best Mussel Appetizers
  • Best Shrimp Appetizers
  • The Best Seafood Dips
  • More Shellfish Recipes You’ll Love!

The Best Oyster Appetizers

Oysters Rockefeller

During my career as a restaurant chef, Oysters Rockefeller was one of the more popular seafood appetizers on my menu.

Oysters Rockefeller are not difficult to make and with a little prep, you’ll be amazing your friends with this restaurant-quality appetizer.

oysters rockefeller with a slice of lemon on a bed of rock salt on a white platter


 

Click on this link for the Oysters Rockefeller Recipe.

Garlic Oysters

Garlic Oysters were another favorite at my Jersey Shore restaurant. You won’t find this delicious seafood appetizer on many menu’s but this restaurant classic is sure to be a welcome addition to your dinner table.

It’s easy to make and I also share tips oh how to open oysters.

Garlic oysters on a white plate with lemon slices and parsley

Click this link for my Garlic Oyster Recipe.

The Best Clam Appetizers

Clams Casino

Of all the seafood appetizers I offered on my restaurant menus over the years, Clams Casino would rank #1. It’s definitely a Jersey Shore appetizer and one that has all but disappeared from menus over the years.

One bite of this amazing clam appetizer and you’ll know why it was Jersey Shore favorite!

Clams Casino sitting on a white plate with lemon slices

Stuffed with bacon, onions, bell peppers, and grated romano cheese in a seasoned butter sauce, clams casino is an appetizer you’ll love to share with your friends.

Click this link for my Clam Casino Recipe.

Jersey Shore Deviled Clams

Another Jersey Shore favorite is Deviled Clams. They’re a close cousin to Clams Casino, with the main difference being the amount of bread crumbs that are used to make the stuffing. Other than that and a little added heat (optional) the ingredients are just about identical.

deviled clams on a white plate with lemon wedges

Click this link for my Deviled Clam Recipe.

Best Mussel Appetizers

Mussels in a White Wine Sauce

If you love seafood appetizers, my quick and easy mussels recipe will take your tastebuds on a delicious journey! Don’t be intimidated by shellfish. This mussel recipe is so easy to make it almost cooks itself.

steamed mussels in a white platter

Click this link for my quick and easy Mussels Recipe.

New Zealand Mussels 5-Ways

Another favorite seafood appetizer is my New Zealand Mussels 5-Ways. My recipe lets you have fun with the toppings creating a delicious variety of flavors for your guests to enjoy.

This is a great game day appetizer or party appetizer. New Zealand mussels don’t require any work, other than thawing them out. Add your favorite toppings and its a party!

mussels with five different toppings on a white platter

Click this link for my New Zealand Mussels 5-Ways Recipe.

Best Shrimp Appetizers

Shrimp Cocktail

When it comes to seafood appetizers, I don’t think anything is ordered more often than Shrimp Cocktail.

And my classic version boasts big, plump, succulent, perfectly-cooked shrimp that are so easy to make that you’ll never look at this appetizer the same way again.

I also share how to make restaurant style cocktail sauce.

overhead view of shrimp cocktail and cocktail sauce on an iced plate with a lemon wedge

Click on this link for my Shrimp Cocktail Recipe.

Peel and Eat Shrimp

Peel and Eat Shrimp is one of my favorite appetizers to order when I’m at the shore. And it’s one of the easiest appetizers I make at home for friends and family.

You’ll be amazed how easy it is to make this seafood appetizer.

partial overhead view of peel and eat shrimp with cocktail sauce and lemons in a white bowl

Click this link for my Peel and Eat Shrimp Recipe.

The Best Seafood Dips

Cheddar Lobster Dip

If you love warm dips my Cheddar Lobster Dip is going to become one of your favorite seafood appetizers.

Cheesy and creamy, loaded with lobster meat, this delicious appetizer will be the hit of your next get-together!

hand dipping into cheddar lobster dip with a tortilla chip

Click on this link for my Cheddar Lobster Dip Recipe.

Shrimp Scampi Dip

Cheesy, garlicky, and delicious, my Shrimp Scampi Dip is perfect for parties, game day or just to treat yourself to something special! This is one seafood appetizer that won’t break the bank and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

cheesy, bubbly shrimp scampi dip in a white casserole

Click this link to get my Shrimp Scampi Dip Recipe.

More Shellfish Recipes You’ll Love!

  • fried lobster tails on a white plate
    Restaurant-Style Fried Lobster Tails
  • overhead shot of baked crab imperial on a white plate with sauteed greens and roasted potatoes
    Maryland Style Jumbo Lump Crab Imperial
  • shrimp salad on a croissant on a white plate
    Shrimp Salad Recipe
  • overhead view of pan-seared scallops on a bed of rice with peaches and corn on a white oval platter
    Pan-Seared Scallops with Summer Corn Medley

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  1. Emil Bevacqua says

    July 16, 2022 at 2:58 pm

    My My My these recipes are going to go a long way around my household. I can not spoil them with all the mussel dishes I will have to keep them dangling for a while to see what’s next . Thank You so much Chef

    Reply
  2. Maria says

    November 30, 2016 at 4:04 pm

    Those mussels at the beginning look to die for!! We are also a seafood loving family!! So anything seafood is always a huuuuge hit! I will be giving these a go over the holiday season for sure!

    Reply

My name is Chef Dennis Littley, creator and owner of Ask Chef Dennis Productions. As a classically trained chef with 40+ years of experience in the kitchen, I share my time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen.

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