Hot Seafood Mold
A savory chilled seafood mold with cream cheese and spicy salsa, perfect for parties and gatherings, offering creamy, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors that impress guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soften gelatin in cold water in a bowl.
- Bring hot picante salsa to a boil in a saucepan.
- Stir in the gelatin until dissolved.
- Beat in the cream cheese until smooth.
- Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Add chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, chopped celery, crab meat, cooked and chopped shrimp, and Tabasco sauce.
- Mix the ingredients well.
- Fold in mayonnaise.
- Chill until partially set.
- Spoon the mixture into a greased mold and chill overnight.
- Unmold the mold onto a serving plate.
- Serve with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using fresh crab meat instead of canned, as it adds a more vibrant taste. You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter version. If you prefer a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños to the mixture. Make sure to mix the cream cheese thoroughly for a smooth texture. This dish is a great addition to any seafood recipes gathering.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Hot Seafood Mold with a variety of crackers for a delightful appetizer. It pairs beautifully with a light salad or fresh vegetables for crunch. For a complete seafood experience, consider serving it alongside Corn-Shrimp Soup. This dish is perfect for parties or gatherings, making it a standout on any buffet table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat; simply take it out of the fridge and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. If it becomes too firm, you can mix it gently to restore its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Seafood Mold contains roughly 1037 calories, with 13g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 100g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value) and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1653mg per serving (72% 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 in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other seafood like chopped lobster or scallops. Just ensure they are cooked and chopped to a similar size as the shrimp and crab meat to maintain a consistent texture in the mold.
How long should I chill the seafood mold before serving?
It’s best to chill the mold overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the gelatin to set properly. If you're short on time, chilling for at least 4-6 hours can work, but overnight is ideal for the best results.
Can I make this dish ahead of time for a party?
Yes, the Hot Seafood Mold is perfect for making ahead! Prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This not only saves time on the day of your event but also enhances the flavors as they develop overnight.
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).