Elegant Seafood Mousse
A delightful addition to any cocktail party or potluck, this Elegant Seafood Mousse combines the rich flavors of shrimp and crab with creamy mushroom soup and tangy mayonnaise. Its lush texture and vibrant presentation make it a showstopper, drawing guests in with its lovely, defined layers. Perfectly chilled and garnished with fresh scallions and crunchy crackers, this spread is not only a treat for the palate but also a feast for the eyes, making it a must-try recipe for seafood lovers.
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cream of mushroom soup
10 3/4 ounces (canned)
Whole cream cheese
6 ounces (softened)
Unflavored gelatin
1/4 ounce (one envelope)
Cold water
3 tablespoons (for gelatin)
Mayonnaise
1 cup (preferably Best Foods or Hellman's)
Scallions
1 bunch (chopped, include white parts and green tops)
Baby shrimp
12 ounces (2 (6-ounce) cans, drained)
Celery
1 cup (finely chopped)
Instructions
1
In a saucepan, combine the cream of mushroom soup and softened cream cheese over low heat. Whisk continuously until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2
In a small bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over the cold water and allow it to soften for about 5 minutes. Once softened, stir it into the cream cheese mixture until fully dissolved and evenly incorporated.
3
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chopped scallions, and finely chopped celery. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4
Carefully fold the mayonnaise mixture into the cream cheese blend, ensuring that everything is well combined, but taking care not to overmix.
5
Gently fold in the drained baby shrimp, ensuring they’re evenly dispersed throughout the mixture.
6
Lightly oil a 4-cup mold and transfer the seafood mixture into it. Smooth the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
7
Cover the mold with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the mousse to set firmly.
8
To serve, place the mold in a shallow dish of warm water for a few seconds to loosen it. Invert the mold onto a serving plate, removing it gently to reveal the elegant shape.
9
Arrange crackers around the mousse for serving, and garnish with additional chopped scallions if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Elegant Seafood Mousse?
Elegant Seafood Mousse is a chilled, creamy spread that combines shrimp, cream cheese, and mushroom soup, perfect for cocktail parties and potlucks.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include cream of mushroom soup, softened cream cheese, unflavored gelatin, mayonnaise, scallions, baby shrimp, and celery.
How many cans of shrimp do I need?
You will need two 6-ounce cans of baby shrimp, totaling 12 ounces.
Do I need to drain the shrimp?
Yes, the baby shrimp should be thoroughly drained before being folded into the mixture.
What kind of soup is used as the base?
One 10 3/4 ounce can of cream of mushroom soup is used.
How do I prepare the gelatin?
Sprinkle 1/4 ounce of unflavored gelatin over 3 tablespoons of cold water and let it soften for 5 minutes before adding it to the warm soup mixture.
Is the cream cheese used cold?
No, the 6 ounces of whole cream cheese should be softened at room temperature for easier mixing.
Which brand of mayonnaise is recommended?
The recipe recommends using Best Foods or Hellman's mayonnaise for the best flavor profile.
How should the scallions be prepared?
One bunch of scallions should be chopped, including both the white parts and the green tops.
What is the recommended size for the mold?
A 4-cup mold is the ideal size for this seafood mousse recipe.
How do I ensure the mousse doesn't stick to the mold?
Lightly oil the 4-cup mold before transferring the seafood mixture into it.
How long does the mousse need to refrigerate?
The mousse should be refrigerated for several hours or overnight to allow it to set firmly.
What is the best way to unmold the mousse?
Place the mold in a shallow dish of warm water for a few seconds to loosen it, then invert it onto a serving plate.
What should I serve with the seafood mousse?
It is traditionally served with a variety of crunchy crackers arranged around the plate.
Does this recipe contain crab?
While the description mentions crab flavors, the specific ingredient list uses 12 ounces of baby shrimp.
How should the celery be cut?
The celery should be finely chopped to add a subtle crunch without overpowering the creamy texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, making it the day before is recommended so the flavors can meld and the mousse sets perfectly.
What heat setting should I use for the soup and cheese?
Combine the cream of mushroom soup and cream cheese over low heat, whisking until smooth.
Is this a cooked or chilled appetizer?
While the base involves heating soup and cheese, the final product is a chilled, gelatin-set mousse.
Can I garnish the dish?
Yes, you can garnish the finished mousse with additional chopped scallions for a pop of color.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized under Spreads.
How much gelatin is required?
One envelope, which is approximately 1/4 ounce of unflavored gelatin, is required.
Is there a specific way to fold in the ingredients?
Gently fold the mayonnaise mixture into the cream cheese blend, then carefully fold in the shrimp to avoid overmixing.
How much water is needed for the gelatin?
Exactly 3 tablespoons of cold water are used to soften the gelatin.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, its elegant presentation and creamy texture make it a showstopper for cocktail parties.
Can I use a different type of seafood?
While the recipe calls for shrimp, you could potentially substitute with canned crab meat as suggested by the description.
What is the texture of the finished mousse?
The mousse is lush and creamy with defined layers and a firm, set consistency from the gelatin.
Is the celery amount specific?
Yes, use 1 cup of finely chopped celery for the proper balance of flavor and texture.
Should I use a whisk or a spoon for the base?
A whisk is recommended when combining the soup and cream cheese to ensure the mixture is completely smooth.
Can I use low-fat mayonnaise?
The recipe specifies standard mayonnaise, preferably Best Foods or Hellman's, for the best results, but low-fat may alter the setting and richness.