Shrimp Appetizer Bread
A flavorful shrimp appetizer on crusty bread, featuring creamy, zesty spread and fresh herbs, perfect for gatherings or elegant starters.
Ingredients
- 1 long loaf (24 inches) sourdough or Italian bread
- 1/2 cup nonfat cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons nonfat mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lime juice ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1.5 pounds medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, cooked, and chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons minced cilantro or dill weed ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon capers, drained and rinsed ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut the bread in half lengthwise.
- With a fork, remove a 1-inch-wide section of bread from the center of each half, leaving a 1/2-inch shell.
- In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and lime juice until smooth.
- Spread one-third of the cream cheese mixture on the cut surfaces of each bread half.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley evenly on top of the cream cheese spread.
- Fill the hollowed-out section with chopped cooked shrimp, chopped celery, minced cilantro or dill, and capers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute the nonfat cream cheese with Greek yogurt. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture. Fresh herbs like basil or mint can also work well instead of cilantro or dill. Make sure to thoroughly drain the shrimp to avoid excess moisture.
Serving Suggestions
This shrimp appetizer bread is perfect for gatherings and pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a light beer. Serve it alongside a fresh garden salad or a platter of assorted cheeses for a delightful spread. For more seafood inspiration, browse more seafood recipes to complement your menu.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain the bread's texture, it’s best to consume it within 1-2 days. If you need to reheat, remove the filling and warm the bread lightly in the oven before refilling to enjoy a fresh taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp Appetizer Bread contains roughly 59 calories, with 5g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (102% of the Daily Value), iron (48% of the Daily Value), and potassium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp as long as they are thawed, peeled, and deveined before cooking. Ensure they are cooked properly according to package instructions to maintain their texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for lime juice?
If you don't have lime juice, lemon juice is a great alternative that will still provide acidity and brightness to the dish. You could also use vinegar, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it separately. Just hollow out the bread and fill it just before serving to keep the bread from getting soggy.
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).