Cream Cheese Hors D'Oeuvre
Cream cheese hors d'oeuvres featuring a seafood topping, perfect for entertaining, offering creamy textures complemented by shrimp or crab and flavorful cocktail sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mound the cream cheese in the center of a serving tray.
- Mix the shrimp or crab meat with the seafood cocktail sauce.
- Pour the seafood mixture over the cream cheese.
- Garnish with parsley.
- Surround with crackers before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mounding it on the tray. If shrimp is not available, you can substitute with crab meat or even a mix of both. Ensure the seafood cocktail sauce is well-balanced; adding a dash of lemon juice or hot sauce can enhance the flavors. This dish can be made ahead of time and served cold.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hors d'oeuvre with a variety of crackers for added crunch and texture. It pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a light cocktail. For a more substantial spread, consider serving alongside Swiss And Tuna Buns or a light salad like Jellied Shrimp Salad to complement the flavors of the seafood.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cream cheese may become a bit watery, so stir gently before serving again. Reheat is not recommended since this dish is best served cold, but you may enjoy it as a chilled snack.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cream Cheese Hors D'Oeuvre contains roughly 354 calories, with 15g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (37% of the Daily Value) and protein (30% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 946mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of seafood for this recipe?
Yes, you can certainly use different types of seafood such as lobster or scallops, depending on your preference. Just make sure to adjust the amount of seafood cocktail sauce to maintain the right consistency and flavor balance.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce into the seafood cocktail sauce. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before serving to give it an extra kick!
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this recipe?
For a vegetarian option, you can replace the seafood with finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, and carrots mixed with a zesty cocktail sauce. This will keep the refreshing aspect of the dish while catering to vegetarian diets.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).