Seafood Cheese Round
A creamy seafood cheese round featuring shrimp and crab, topped with chili sauce and relish, perfect for entertaining and served with an assortment of crackers.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- dash garlic powder
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chili sauce ⓘ
- 4 1/2 oz. can small shrimp, drained ⓘ
- 6 oz. can crab meat, drained ⓘ
- assorted crackers ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce together.
- Beat with a mixer until smooth.
- Add finely chopped celery and mix with a spoon.
- Form the mixture into a flat circle about an inch high and the size of a plate.
- Mix chili sauce and sweet pickle relish together.
- Spread the chili sauce mixture on top of the cheese mixture.
- Place crab meat in the middle of the cheese circle and arrange cooked small shrimp around the crab on top of the chili sauce mixture.
- Serve with assorted crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using full-fat cream cheese or blending in Greek yogurt for added tang. If you're short on time, pre-cooked shrimp can be substituted for canned shrimp. For a twist, try adding chopped green onions or dill for extra flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with assorted crackers or fresh vegetables for a delightful spread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Seafood Cheese Round alongside a variety of crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetable sticks for a colorful appetizer platter. It also makes an excellent addition to a seafood-themed gathering, complementing dishes like Shrimp Spread Supreme or Seafood Broccoli Divan. Garnish with fresh herbs for an extra pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain the texture, avoid freezing as the cream cheese may become grainy. When ready to serve, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften before enjoying again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Seafood Cheese Round contains roughly 522 calories, with 22g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (44% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1599mg per serving (70% 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 seafood cheese round ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish can be prepared a day in advance. Just assemble it as directed and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. It will allow the flavors to meld beautifully overnight, making it an ideal option for parties or gatherings.
What can I use instead of crab meat?
If crab meat isn't available, you can substitute it with more shrimp or even canned tuna for a different flavor profile. Both options will still create a delicious seafood spread that everyone will enjoy.
How can I adjust the spice level of this recipe?
To add some heat, consider mixing in a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper into the cream cheese mixture. Alternatively, add diced jalapeños for a fresh kick. Adjust to your taste for a spicy twist on this classic seafood appetizer.
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).