Elevated Shrimp Cocktail Spread
This delightful Shrimp Cocktail Spread elevates the classic 80's party appetizer, transforming it into a sophisticated dish perfect for any gathering. Featuring creamy, smooth cream cheese, and zesty cocktail sauce, all blended with succulent shrimp and fresh green onions. It's perfect for a large crowd, offering a flavorful and easy-to-spread topping for your choice of crackers or crisp breads. Adjust the sauce to your desired consistency and enjoy a taste of nostalgia with a modern twist. Perfect for shrimp lovers who appreciate a hearty share of seafood goodness.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
cream cheese
16 ounces (room temperature)
cocktail shrimp
12 ounces (drained or 1/4 lb fresh cooked, diced)
green onions
2 (sliced thin)
seafood cocktail sauce
12 ounces (bottle)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, two-thirds of the shrimp, sliced green onions, and half of the bottle of cocktail sauce.
2
Stir the mixture thoroughly until it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency, adding more cocktail sauce as needed.
3
Transfer the shrimp and cheese mixture to a decorative serving bowl.
4
Spread a thin layer of the remaining cocktail sauce evenly over the top of the spread, fully covering it.
5
Arrange the leftover shrimp decoratively over the sauce layer, enhancing the appetizer's presentation.
6
Refrigerate until well chilled to blend flavors and firm up the consistency.
7
Serve with your preferred selection of crackers or crispbreads and enjoy.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Elevated Shrimp Cocktail Spread?
It is a sophisticated version of the classic 80s appetizer featuring cream cheese, cocktail sauce, shrimp, and green onions.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to provide approximately 8 servings, making it ideal for a small gathering or party.
What type of shrimp should I use?
You can use 12 ounces of drained cocktail shrimp or 1/4 pound of fresh cooked, diced shrimp.
How do I prepare the cream cheese for the spread?
The 16 ounces of cream cheese should be brought to room temperature to ensure a smooth and easy blending process.
How much cocktail sauce is required?
The recipe calls for a 12-ounce bottle of seafood cocktail sauce, used both inside the mixture and as a decorative topping.
How are the green onions prepared?
You should use two green onions and slice them thinly before incorporating them into the spread.
What is the first step in making the spread?
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, two-thirds of the shrimp, the sliced green onions, and half of the cocktail sauce.
How do I achieve the right consistency?
Stir the mixture thoroughly and add more cocktail sauce as needed until it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
How do I finish the presentation of the dish?
Spread a thin layer of the remaining cocktail sauce over the top and arrange the leftover shrimp decoratively on top of that.
Should the spread be served cold?
Yes, the spread should be refrigerated until well chilled to help the flavors blend and to firm up the consistency.
What are the best items to serve with this spread?
This spread is best enjoyed with your preferred selection of crackers or crispbreads.
Can I use fresh shrimp instead of canned cocktail shrimp?
Yes, fresh cooked and diced shrimp is a great alternative and adds a fresh taste to the appetizer.
Is this a good recipe for a large crowd?
Absolutely, its creamy texture and hearty amount of seafood make it a flavorful and easy-to-spread option for many guests.
Can I adjust the amount of cocktail sauce?
Yes, the recipe allows you to add more sauce as needed to reach your preferred spreadable consistency.
Why is this recipe called 'Elevated'?
It transforms a nostalgic 80's party appetizer into a sophisticated modern dish with improved presentation and flavor balance.
How many main ingredients are in this recipe?
There are four main ingredients: cream cheese, cocktail shrimp, green onions, and seafood cocktail sauce.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, provided the shrimp are fully cooked and thoroughly drained or patted dry before mixing.
How long does it take to prepare?
The preparation is quick as it only involves mixing and layering, though you must factor in time for chilling.
What tags describe this recipe?
This recipe is tagged as an appetizer, seafood, shrimp spread, party food, and an easy cream cheese recipe.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level depends on the brand of cocktail sauce you choose; you can use a zesty version for more heat.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, preparing it in advance and letting it chill in the refrigerator actually improves the flavor profile.
What kind of bowl is best for serving?
A decorative serving bowl is recommended to enhance the appetizer's presentation once the sauce and shrimp layers are added.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, though the texture may be slightly different, low-fat cream cheese can be substituted.
How should I store leftovers?
Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I add extra vegetables?
While green onions are traditional, some people enjoy adding finely diced celery for extra crunch.
Is this a gluten-free appetizer?
The primary ingredients are gluten-free, but you should check your cocktail sauce label and serve with gluten-free crackers.
How many calories are in this spread?
Specific calorie information is not provided in the raw data, but it is a rich, cream-cheese-based appetizer.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, the recipe can easily be doubled for very large gatherings or holiday parties.
Do I need to chop the shrimp?
If using larger shrimp, they should be diced; if using small cocktail shrimp, they can be left whole.
What is the key to a smooth spread?
The key is ensuring the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before mixing.