Hot Shrimp Appetizer
Flavorful shrimp tossed in buttery tomato sauce with a kick of hot sauce and a hint of nutmeg—perfect for a quick party appetizer or cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sauté butter, onion, and green peppers until softened.
- Add tomatoes, crushed Ritz crackers, salt, pepper, hot sauce, nutmeg, and thyme; stir to combine.
- Simmer the mixture for 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Fold in the shrimp and cook for an additional 15 minutes until shrimp are heated through.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, consider adding a teaspoon of garlic or onion powder. If you don't have Ritz crackers, crushed saltines or panko breadcrumbs can serve as a substitute. You can also mix in some grated cheese for a richer flavor. Ensure you drain the tomatoes well to avoid excess moisture, which could make the dish soggy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hot shrimp appetizer with crispy baguette slices or tortilla chips for dipping. It pairs beautifully with My Shrimp Salad for a delightful seafood spread. Consider a fresh green salad or some steamed vegetables on the side to balance the richness of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Shrimp Appetizer contains roughly 191 calories, with 3g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (124% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2163mg per serving (94% 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 fresh shrimp instead of canned?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh shrimp. Just ensure they are peeled and deveined. Cook them until they turn pink, about 3-5 minutes, before folding them into the mixture.
What can I use instead of green peppers?
If you don't have green peppers, yellow or red bell peppers can provide a similar sweetness. Alternatively, diced celery can add a nice crunch and flavor without altering the dish too much.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it just before serving, adjusting the baking time as needed since it will be starting from a cooler temperature.
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).