If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that combines elegance with ease, look no further than Roasted Shrimp Cocktail with Horseradish Sauce. This modern upgrade on the classic cold shrimp cocktail brings bold flavor, juicy texture, and a punchy, creamy dip that’ll make your guests come back for seconds.
Forget the supermarket tray of rubbery pre-cooked shrimp and overly sweet cocktail sauce. With this version, shrimp are roasted to tender, juicy perfection and served warm or chilled alongside a zippy horseradish dipping sauce. It’s simple, sophisticated, and guaranteed to impress — whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, a weekend gathering, or a quiet night in with your favorite person.
🦐 Why Roast the Shrimp?
The secret to next-level shrimp cocktail is roasting. While traditional shrimp cocktails often rely on boiling, roasting adds more flavor and locks in juiciness. When tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper, shrimp roast in the oven in just minutes, developing a slightly caramelized exterior with a rich, savory bite.
Benefits of roasting shrimp:
- More flavor from caramelization
- Better texture (no rubbery or waterlogged shrimp!)
- Easy one-pan preparation
- Perfect for seasoning with garlic, lemon, or herbs
🧄 Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The key is using large or jumbo shrimp and prepared horseradish for that unmistakable zing in the dipping sauce.
For the Roasted Shrimp:
- 1½ pounds large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon, sliced (optional, for garnish)
For the Horseradish Dipping Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: A dash of hot sauce or Worcestershire for extra kick
🔥 How to Make Roasted Shrimp Cocktail With Horseradish Sauce
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prep the Shrimp
In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet so they roast evenly.
Step 3: Roast the Shrimp
Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 8–10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and slightly curled. Keep an eye on them—they cook quickly!
Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly if serving warm, or chill them in the fridge if serving cold.
Step 4: Make the Horseradish Sauce
While the shrimp are roasting, mix all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl:
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Horseradish
- Ketchup
- Dijon mustard
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
Taste and adjust the seasoning. If you like it spicier, add a few dashes of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
Chill the sauce in the fridge for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Arrange the shrimp on a platter with lemon wedges or slices for a fresh pop of color and brightness. Serve with the horseradish sauce on the side for dipping.
🥂 When to Serve Roasted Shrimp Cocktail
This upgraded shrimp cocktail is a fantastic choice for:
- Holiday parties and festive gatherings
- New Year’s Eve appetizers
- Cocktail parties with wine or bubbly
- Date nights when you want something a little fancy
- Weekend brunch spreads
Serve it warm for a cozy appetizer in cooler months, or serve chilled in summer with icy drinks and a crisp salad.
🍋 Make It Your Own: Variations and Add-Ons
Want to personalize your shrimp cocktail? Try one of these fun and flavorful twists:
Add Heat:
- Toss shrimp in paprika, cayenne, or chili flakes before roasting for a spicy kick.
- Add Sriracha to the horseradish sauce for bold flavor.
Add Sweetness:
- Drizzle shrimp with a touch of honey or maple syrup before roasting for a sweet-savory combo.
- Add a little sweet relish or honey mustard to the sauce.
Add Crunch:
- Serve the shrimp on a bed of shaved fennel or arugula for texture.
- Pair with thin slices of toasted baguette or crackers for dipping.
Make It Low-Carb:
- Serve with sliced cucumber “cups” or lettuce wraps instead of bread.
🧊 Storing and Making Ahead
Make Ahead Tips:
- Shrimp: Roast up to 1 day in advance and store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Sauce: Can be made up to 3 days ahead and kept refrigerated.
Storage:
- Store any leftover shrimp for up to 2 days in the fridge.
- Horseradish sauce will keep well for about 3–4 days.
💡 Pro Tips for the Best Shrimp Cocktail
- Use fresh or thawed frozen shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat dry before roasting.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp only need 8–10 minutes at 400°F—any longer, and they’ll get tough.
- Tail on = easier dipping: Leaving the tails on the shrimp makes them easier to grab and dip.
- Chill the sauce: Letting the sauce sit for 10–15 minutes before serving really improves the flavor.
🍷 Perfect Pairings
Looking to make it a full evening? Here are a few pairings to serve with your shrimp cocktail:
- Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or sparkling wine cuts through the richness of the sauce.
- Cocktail: Try a spicy Bloody Mary or a classic martini with lemon twist.
- Side dish: Light salads, roasted veggies, or crostini with herbed cheese.
Final Thoughts
Roasted Shrimp Cocktail with Horseradish Sauce is everything you want in a party appetizer or romantic starter—easy to prepare, full of bold flavor, and elegant enough to wow your guests. The warm shrimp are savory and tender, and the tangy sauce adds just the right amount of heat to balance every bite.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to something special, this recipe is proof that a simple twist on a classic dish can make a lasting impression.
