Shrimp Log
A delightful seafood appetizer featuring a creamy shrimp mixture shaped into a log, topped with tangy cocktail sauce. The blend of cream cheese, vegetables, and seasoned shrimp makes it perfect for parties or casual gatherings, offering a flavorful and visually appealing dish that pairs well with crackers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cocktail sauce, black pepper, chopped onion, Philadelphia cream cheese, garlic powder, and chopped green pepper well.
- Fold in the cooked frozen shrimp until evenly combined.
- Shape the mixture into a log shape and chill in the refrigerator.
- When ready to serve, pour cocktail sauce on top of the shrimp log.
- Serve with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. If you don't have Philadelphia cream cheese, any other cream cheese will work fine. You can also substitute fresh shrimp if you prefer, just ensure they are cooked before mixing. Additionally, finely chopped celery can add a nice crunch to the texture, similar to what you might find in a Crab-Cream Cheese Bake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the shrimp log with a variety of crackers for a delightful appetizer. Pair it with a light salad or vegetable sticks for a refreshing contrast. This dish is perfect for gatherings and can be complemented by a tangy dip or served alongside a cheese platter. It pairs beautifully with a chilled white wine for an elevated experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the shrimp log for up to a month. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and serve cold or at room temperature. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can alter the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp Log contains roughly 150 calories, with 13g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (27% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1085mg per serving (47% 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 fresh shrimp instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh shrimp instead of frozen. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly before adding them to the mixture. Fresh shrimp will provide a slightly different texture but will still be delicious in this shrimp log.
How long does the shrimp log need to chill?
The shrimp log should chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the log to firm up. For best results, you can prepare it the night before and let it chill overnight.
What can I serve with the shrimp log?
The shrimp log is great with a variety of crackers, but you can also serve it alongside fresh vegetable sticks, such as carrots and celery. For a fuller spread, consider pairing it with other seafood recipes or a light salad to balance the richness.
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).