Festive Seafood Cheese Spread
A festive seafood cheese spread combining creamy, cheesy, and seafood flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings or appetizers, with fresh herbs and a hint of heat.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 1 c. dairy sour cream ⓘ
- 8 oz. Delica Seas Sea Stix salad style, thawed and drained ⓘ
- 1 c. shredded medium Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 c. finely chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped parsley
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 lb. box crackers ⓘ
Instructions
- In a small mixer bowl, beat the cream cheese and sour cream at medium speed until smooth, scraping the bowl often, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- If desired, reserve 1/4 cup each of Sea Stix and cheese for garnishing.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients except the crackers.
- Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours to blend flavors.
- Garnish with reserved Sea Stix and cheese before serving.
- Serve with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, ensure your cream cheese is well softened before mixing. You can substitute the Delica Seas Sea Stix with any seafood salad mix if preferred. If you want more heat, increase the hot pepper sauce to taste. This spread can be made a day ahead to enhance the flavors further.
Serving Suggestions
This festive seafood cheese spread pairs beautifully with a variety of crackers and fresh vegetable sticks for added crunch. Consider serving it alongside a cheese platter or with Pumpkin Apple Streusel Muffins for a delightful contrast. A glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water complements the flavors nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier. Avoid freezing the spread, as the texture may change upon thawing. Serve cold directly from the fridge as a quick appetizer.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Festive Seafood Cheese Spread contains roughly 180 calories, with 9g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value) and iron (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 576mg per serving (25% 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 make this spread ahead of time?
Yes, this seafood cheese spread can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Just prepare it as directed, refrigerate, and allow the flavors to blend. Garnish just before serving for the best presentation.
What can I use instead of seafood?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can replace the seafood with chopped artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers for a flavorful twist. Adjust the seasoning to maintain the dish's overall flavor profile.
How long can I keep leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. If you notice any separation, simply give it a good stir before serving again. This spread is best enjoyed cold.
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).