Hot Seafood Spread
A creamy, spicy seafood spread with crab or shrimp, green onions, and almonds, perfect for appetizers or parties, offering bold flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, soften the cream cheese.
- Add the flaked imitation crab meat or chopped shrimp to the cream cheese.
- Stir in finely chopped green onions.
- Mix in the bottled horseradish sauce.
- Fold in sliced almonds.
- Optional: sprinkle with paprika before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, ensure the cream cheese is very soft before mixing. You can substitute real crab meat for imitation if preferred, or use chopped shrimp as an alternative. If you enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. This spread can also be easily adapted to include other seafood like chopped clams or even smoked salmon.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the hot seafood spread with a selection of crackers or toasted baguette slices for an appealing appetizer. It pairs beautifully with Granny'S Deviled Crabs or a fresh salad. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside a light pasta or a vegetable platter for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently in the microwave or oven to avoid separating the ingredients. For best results, serve warm, as the flavors meld beautifully when heated.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Seafood Spread contains roughly 474 calories, with 8g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (95% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), and iron (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 569mg 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 prepare this hot seafood spread in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the spread a day in advance. Just mix all the ingredients and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply heat it in the oven until warm. This allows the flavors to meld nicely.
What can I use instead of imitation crab meat?
You can substitute imitation crab meat with real crab meat or even chopped shrimp for a different flavor. Both options will work well and complement the cream cheese base beautifully.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to the hot seafood spread, consider mixing in a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also serve it with a spicy dipping sauce on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick.
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).