Shrimp Cream Cheese Ball
A savory shrimp and cream cheese ball coated in crushed pecans, perfect for parties and appetizer spreads, blending creamy, briny, and nutty flavors for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together the cream cheese, drained shrimp, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and Old Bay in a food processor until well combined.
- Refrigerate the mixture for 1 hour to firm up.
- Shape the mixture into a ball.
- Roll the ball in crushed pecans to coat evenly.
- Serve with onion crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute canned shrimp with cooked fresh shrimp or even crab meat if you prefer a different flavor. Adjust the amount of Worcestershire sauce to taste; it adds depth but can be overpowering. If you’d like a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of hot sauce. This recipe is similar to Crab Or Shrimp Ball.
Serving Suggestions
This shrimp cream cheese ball is perfect for parties or as an appetizer before dinner. Serve it with onion crackers for a savory crunch, or pair it with fresh vegetable sticks for a healthier option. It complements well with drinks like white wine or light beer. For more seafood inspiration, check out other American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the texture, avoid freezing the cream cheese ball as it may become grainy upon thawing. When ready to serve again, no need to reheat; simply let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp Cream Cheese Ball contains roughly 206 calories, with 18g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (36% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 819mg per serving (36% 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 shrimp cream cheese ball ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and shape it into a ball a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even tastier when served.
What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
If you're looking for a substitute, you can mix soy sauce with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar for a similar umami flavor. Alternatively, a homemade mixture of tamari and a bit of sugar can work well, especially for those avoiding gluten.
How can I add more flavor to the cream cheese ball?
You can enhance the flavor by incorporating herbs like dill or chives into the mixture. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten up the taste. For a different twist, consider mixing in some finely diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
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).