Elegant Cucumber Shrimp Canapés
These Elegant Cucumber Shrimp Canapés are a delightful twist on traditional tea sandwiches, combining the refreshing crunch of cucumber with the subtle sweetness of shrimp. They're perfect for afternoon teas, luncheons, or any elegant gathering where you want to impress your guests. Inspired by a charming fundraiser for my local theater, I was captivated by their beauty and flavor. These canapés not only look stunning on any platter but also provide a burst of taste, making them a hit whether served at a small gathering or a larger event. Delight your taste buds with every bite as you savor the delicious cream cheese and yogurt spread, complemented by fresh dill and a hint of garlic salt, balanced perfectly with the succulent shrimp. Prepare to have guests reaching for seconds, as these little bites are as addictive as they are charming!
6-8
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Minced green onion
1/3 cup (minced)
Light cream cheese
1/4 cup (softened)
Fat-free mayonnaise
1/4 cup (none)
Plain low-fat yogurt
1/4 cup (none)
Fresh dill
1 teaspoon (fresh, chopped)
Garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Small shrimp
1 1/2 lbs (cooked and peeled)
Cucumber
1 (sliced very thin)
Bread
1 loaf (your choice (pumpernickel recommended))
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the minced green onion, softened cream cheese, fat-free mayonnaise, low-fat yogurt, fresh dill, garlic salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well-blended.
2
Carefully trim the crusts from each slice of bread to create a uniform base for your canapés.
3
Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture evenly over each slice of bread.
4
Slice each piece of bread into four equal triangles, or cut based on the number of shrimp you plan to use.
5
Evenly distribute the cooked and peeled shrimp on top of each bread triangle.
6
Place thinly sliced cucumber over the shrimp to add a refreshing crunch.
7
Arrange the finished canapés on a serving platter and chill in the refrigerator, covered, until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Elegant Cucumber Shrimp Canapés?
These are a sophisticated appetizer combining refreshing cucumber, succulent shrimp, and a flavorful cream cheese and yogurt spread on bread bases.
What kind of bread is recommended for this recipe?
While you can use your choice of bread, pumpernickel is highly recommended for its flavor and color contrast.
How many shrimp do I need?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 lbs of small shrimp that are cooked and peeled.
What ingredients are in the cream cheese spread?
The spread is made from minced green onion, light cream cheese, fat-free mayonnaise, low-fat yogurt, fresh dill, garlic salt, and black pepper.
Should I remove the crusts from the bread?
Yes, you should carefully trim the crusts from each slice to create a uniform and elegant base for the canapés.
How should I cut the bread slices?
After spreading the mixture, slice each piece of bread into four equal triangles.
How should the cucumber be prepared?
The cucumber should be sliced very thin to add a refreshing crunch to the top of each canapé.
Can I make these canapés ahead of time?
Yes, you should arrange them on a platter and chill them in the refrigerator, covered, until you are ready to serve.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
This recipe is designed to serve between 6 and 8 people.
What size shrimp should I use?
Small shrimp are ideal so they fit perfectly on the small bread triangles.
Is fresh dill necessary?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of fresh, chopped dill for the best flavor profile.
What inspired this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by a charming fundraiser for a local theater.
Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of fat-free?
Yes, while the recipe suggests fat-free mayonnaise to keep it light, regular mayonnaise can be substituted.
What occasions are these best for?
They are perfect for afternoon teas, luncheons, elegant gatherings, or any event where you want to impress guests.
How much green onion is required?
You will need 1/3 cup of minced green onion for the spread.
Do I need to cook the shrimp myself?
The recipe requires the shrimp to be cooked and peeled, which you can do yourself or purchase pre-cooked.
What is the assembly order for the canapés?
First, spread the cream cheese mixture on the bread, then top with shrimp, and finally place the cucumber slice on top.
Can I use a different type of seafood?
While these are specifically shrimp canapés, the base would also pair well with smoked salmon or crab.
What kind of yogurt should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of plain low-fat yogurt.
How much garlic salt is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of garlic salt.
Is the cream cheese supposed to be softened?
Yes, softening the cream cheese makes it much easier to mix until smooth with the other ingredients.
Can I use gluten-free bread?
Yes, you can substitute the loaf of bread with your favorite gluten-free variety.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 total ingredients used to make these canapés.
What is the texture of the canapés?
They feature a soft bread base, a creamy spread, succulent shrimp, and a refreshing crunch from the cucumber.
Can I use dried pepper?
The recipe recommends 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper for the best taste.
Do I need any special equipment?
You only need a mixing bowl, a knife for trimming and slicing, and a serving platter.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the bread from drying out and the seafood fresh.
Is the yogurt flavor strong in the spread?
No, the yogurt provides a light tanginess that is balanced by the cream cheese, dill, and garlic salt.
How many triangles should each slice of bread produce?
Each slice should be cut into four equal triangles.
Can these be served at room temperature?
It is best to serve them chilled to maintain the freshness of the shrimp and the crispness of the cucumber.