Zippy Shrimp Spread

Prep: 20 min Cook: 5 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A zesty, creamy shrimp spread with bold flavors of ketchup, horseradish, and Worcestershire, perfect for appetizers or spreading on crackers and bread for any gathering.

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Ingredients

  • 3 cups water
  • 1 pound unpeeled medium fresh shrimp
  • 2 (3 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup catsup
  • 1 teaspoon horseradish
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Bring water to a boil in a large pot.
  2. Add the shrimp to the boiling water.
  3. Cook the shrimp for 3 to 5 minutes until they turn pink and are cooked through.
  4. Drain the shrimp and rinse with cold water to cool.
  5. Chill the shrimp in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.
  6. Peel and devein the shrimp.
  7. Set 3 peeled shrimp aside for garnish.
  8. Coarsely chop the remaining shrimp.

Tips & Substitutions

To elevate the flavor of your Zippy Shrimp Spread, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of garlic powder. If you prefer a spicier kick, substitute the red pepper with cayenne. For a creamier texture, you can mix in some Greek yogurt or sour cream. Fresh shrimp are best, but frozen shrimp can work if thawed properly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the shrimp spread with assorted crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks for a delightful appetizer. It pairs beautifully with Hot Seafood Spread or can be a perfect addition to a seafood platter. Garnish with the reserved shrimp and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an appealing presentation.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover shrimp spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently to ensure even heating. This dish is best served cold or at room temperature, so consider enjoying it straight from the fridge.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Zippy Shrimp Spread contains roughly 131 calories, with 3g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (106% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 570mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).

131 kcal 7% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.3g 7% DV
Total Fat 6.9g 9% DV
Carbs 17.1g 6% DV
Fiber 4.2g 15% DV
Sugar 12.5g 25% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 569.5mg 25% DV
Potassium 395.8mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 19.5mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 156mcg 17% DV
Vitamin C 95.3mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 71.5mg 6% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Shellfish

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 cooked shrimp instead of raw?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp to save time. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking and ensure the shrimp are heated through before mixing them into the spread.

How can I make this spread spicier?

To add more heat to your Zippy Shrimp Spread, consider increasing the amount of horseradish or red pepper. You can also mix in a few dashes of hot sauce, depending on your spice tolerance.

What can I serve with this shrimp spread?

This shrimp spread pairs well with various appetizers. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad, or with other seafood recipes like Crabmeat Dip(Appetizer) for a delicious spread at your next gathering.

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).

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