Seafood Cheese Spread
A creamy seafood cheese spread blending imitation crab, cheddar, and pimientos, perfect for parties and served with crackers for a flavorful appetizer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
- Stir in the shredded imitation crab, shredded Cheddar cheese, diced pimiento, chopped parsley, chopped onion, lemon juice, hot pepper sauce, and chopped celery.
- Chill for 2 hours to blend flavors.
- Serve on crackers such as party rye and others.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. You can substitute real crab meat for the imitation crab if desired, but ensure it's well-drained to avoid excess moisture. If you prefer a spicier spread, increase the hot pepper sauce to taste. This versatile recipe can also be adapted by adding ingredients like chopped bell peppers or olives for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this seafood cheese spread with an assortment of crackers, such as party rye or water crackers, for a delightful appetizer. It pairs beautifully with fresh vegetables like cucumber slices and bell pepper strips for a crunchy contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a refreshing salad or with dishes like Shrimp Gumbo And Rice to elevate your dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This seafood cheese spread is best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat it. Just give it a quick stir before serving again to revive its creamy consistency. If the spread thickens too much, a little extra sour cream can be mixed in to loosen it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Seafood Cheese Spread contains roughly 405 calories, with 20g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (41% of the Daily Value), protein (39% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (34% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 972mg per serving (42% 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 spread ahead of time?
Yes, this spread can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Just prepare it as directed, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste when served. Remember to give it a stir before serving to ensure a creamy consistency.
What types of crackers work best with this spread?
A variety of crackers work well, but opt for sturdier options like party rye or whole wheat crackers that can hold up to the creamy spread. You can also choose flavored crackers like herb or garlic for an extra kick. Experiment with different textures to find your favorite pairing!
Can I freeze this seafood cheese spread?
Freezing is not recommended for this spread, as the texture may become grainy when thawed. The cream cheese and sour cream can separate, affecting the quality. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for a few days. If you have excess, consider halving the recipe to avoid leftovers.
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).