Shrimp Cocktail Spread
A creamy, flavorful shrimp cocktail spread layered with cheese, vegetables, and cocktail sauce, perfect for entertaining or as a savory appetizer for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise together.
- Spread the mixture in a 12-inch dish or pie plate.
- Scatter cooked shrimp over the cream cheese mixture.
- Add layers starting with seafood cocktail sauce, then grated Mozzarella cheese, chopped green onions, chopped tomatoes, and chopped green pepper.
- Serve with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream cheese and sour cream. You can substitute the shrimp with crab meat or even canned tuna for a different flavor profile. Adding a splash of lemon juice can enhance the freshness of the seafood. Don’t forget to finely chop the vegetables for a more balanced texture throughout the spread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this shrimp cocktail spread with an assortment of crackers or toasted bread for an appealing appetizer. It pairs beautifully with Dianne'S Creamed Crab Dip for a seafood-themed gathering. Fresh vegetable sticks like celery and bell peppers also make great accompaniments for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the best texture, avoid freezing this spread, as it can become watery upon thawing. Simply scoop out what you need and serve cold; no need to reheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp Cocktail Spread contains roughly 568 calories, with 14g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (33% of the Daily Value), protein (29% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 841mg per serving (37% 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 frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, just make sure to thaw and drain them well before chopping and adding to the spread. This will help prevent excess moisture that could make the spread runny.
How can I make this spread spicier?
To add some heat, mix in a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the cream cheese mixture. You could also consider adding diced jalapeños or using a spicier seafood cocktail sauce.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you prefer not to use mayonnaise, Greek yogurt is a great substitute that adds creaminess and a tangy flavor. Alternatively, you could use more sour cream to maintain the spread's texture.
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).