Poor Man'S Shrimp

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: American

A creamy, tangy appetizer with a spicy kick, perfect for parties and casual gatherings, featuring a blend of cream cheese, ketchup, and horseradish served with crackers.

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Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons horseradish
  • Ritz crackers

Instructions

  1. Mix ketchup and horseradish to your taste.
  2. Pour the mixture over cream cheese and spread on crackers.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier dip, soften the cream cheese a bit before mixing. You can adjust the horseradish based on your heat preference—start with less and add more for a kick. If you don’t have Ritz crackers, any buttery or savory cracker will work. This recipe is perfect for parties and pairs beautifully with Naturally Sweet Soft Cookies for dessert.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish as an appetizer at gatherings or game day parties. It pairs well with a fresh vegetable platter or a side of tangy pickles. For a fun twist, serve with homemade breadsticks or alongside Quick Cream Cheese Crescents for a delightful snack spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To enjoy the dip again, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving, or stir it gently to soften, as cream cheese can become firm when chilled.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Poor Man'S Shrimp contains roughly 146 calories, with 3g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 823mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).

146 kcal 7% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.5g 5% DV
Total Fat 3.7g 5% DV
Carbs 28.9g 11% DV
Fiber 2.4g 9% DV
Sugar 16.9g 34% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 823.2mg 36% DV
Potassium 320.3mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 2.6mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 20.4mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 17.3mg 19% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 60mg 5% DV
Iron 1mg 6% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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 recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dip a day in advance. Just cover it and store it in the refrigerator. Give it a quick stir before serving to bring back its creamy texture.

What can I substitute for horseradish?

If you don’t have horseradish, you can use prepared mustard or a dash of hot sauce for a similar tangy flavor. Keep in mind that this will alter the taste slightly, so adjust to your liking.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat. However, always check your crackers to ensure they meet your dietary preferences. This makes a great addition to any vegetarian recipes spread.

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).

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