Zesty Shrimp Canapés
These Zesty Shrimp Canapés are the perfect blend of elegance and flavor, making them an exquisite choice for any gathering. With a flaky, buttery crust cradling a rich and creamy shrimp filling, each bite bursts with zestiness and a subtle kick. Enhanced by fresh herbs and a drizzle of honey, these delightful appetizers not only look stunning but also offer an unforgettable taste experience. Easy to prepare and perfect for impressing your guests, these canapés can serve as a festive appetizer or a sophisticated first course.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pillsbury refrigerated pie crusts
1 (15 ounces) (softened as directed)
cream cheese
12 ounces (softened)
chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon (freshly chopped)
honey
4 teaspoons (none)
hot pepper sauce
2 teaspoons (or more if desired; use crushed red pepper flakes if preferred)
cooked, deveined, peeled medium shrimp
24 (prepared)
fresh parsley sprig
as needed (for garnish)
fresh basil or rosemary sprig
as needed (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
Unroll the Pillsbury refrigerated pie crusts on a clean, flat surface.
3
Using a sharp knife, cut each crust into 12 squares, each measuring approximately 2 1/2 inches.
4
Discard any scraps of dough.
5
Take two mini muffin pans and turn them upside down, preparing them to form 24 pastry cups.
6
Carefully press each square of dough over the top of each inverted muffin cup, shaping it gently to fit.
7
Using a fork, prick the tops and sides of the dough to allow steam to escape, and fold/pinch the corners to form cups.
8
Place the muffin pans in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the pastry cups turn golden brown.
9
Remove from the oven and let cool for about 5 minutes.
10
Gently remove the pastry cups from the muffin pans and place them on cooling racks.
11
Allow the cups to cool completely, which will take approximately 30 minutes.
12
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped parsley, honey, and hot pepper sauce. Mix until smooth and well combined.
13
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of this luscious mixture into each cooled pastry cup.
14
Top each filled cup with one cooked, deveined shrimp.
15
Cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes, or until the canapés are nicely chilled.
16
Garnish each canapé with a sprig of fresh parsley and a twist of lime peel before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Shrimp Canapés?
Zesty Shrimp Canapés are elegant appetizers featuring a flaky, buttery pastry crust filled with a creamy, zesty shrimp mixture and topped with a whole shrimp.
How many canapés does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 24 individual shrimp canapés.
What temperature should the oven be for the pastry cups?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C) before baking the pastry crusts.
How do I form the pastry cups using a muffin pan?
Turn two mini muffin pans upside down and press the dough squares over the top of the inverted muffin cups to shape them.
What size should I cut the pie crust squares?
Each crust should be cut into 12 squares, each measuring approximately 2 1/2 inches.
How long do the pastry cups need to bake?
Bake the pastry cups for 8 to 10 minutes or until they are golden brown.
Why do I need to prick the dough with a fork?
Pricking the tops and sides of the dough with a fork allows steam to escape, preventing the pastry from puffing up too much.
How long should the pastry cups cool before filling?
Allow the cups to cool for about 5 minutes on the pan, then move them to cooling racks for approximately 30 minutes to cool completely.
What is the base of the creamy filling?
The filling base is made from 12 ounces of softened cream cheese.
What ingredients are mixed with the cream cheese?
The cream cheese is mixed with chopped parsley, honey, and hot pepper sauce.
How much honey is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 teaspoons of honey to add a touch of sweetness to the filling.
Can I substitute the hot pepper sauce?
Yes, you can use crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer them over liquid hot pepper sauce.
What type of shrimp is required?
You will need 24 cooked, deveined, and peeled medium-sized shrimp.
How much filling goes into each pastry cup?
Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into each cooled cup.
Do these canapés need to be chilled before serving?
Yes, cover and refrigerate the assembled canapés for about 30 minutes until they are nicely chilled.
What garnishes can I use for the shrimp canapés?
Garnish with fresh parsley sprigs, a twist of lime peel, or sprigs of fresh basil or rosemary.
Is this a spicy recipe?
It has a 'subtle kick' from the hot pepper sauce, which can be adjusted to your preference.
What kind of pie crust should I use?
The recipe specifies using refrigerated pie crusts, such as the 15-ounce Pillsbury brand.
Is this considered a finger food?
Yes, these are bite-sized appetizers designed to be eaten as finger food.
What flavor profile can I expect?
The flavor profile is a mix of buttery crust, creamy filling, zesty heat, and a hint of sweetness from honey.
Do I need to grease the muffin pans?
The instructions do not specify greasing, as the pie crust dough is usually buttery enough to prevent sticking to the outside of the pan.
What type of parsley is best for this recipe?
Fresh flat-leaf parsley is recommended for the filling and garnish.
Can I use large shrimp instead of medium?
Medium shrimp fit best inside the 2 1/2 inch pastry cups, but large shrimp can be used if they are trimmed or positioned carefully.
Are the pastry cups crunchy?
Yes, when baked at 425°F, the pie crust squares become golden and flaky.
What should I do with dough scraps?
The recipe suggests discarding the scraps to ensure 24 uniform squares.
How do you prepare the lime garnish?
The lime garnish should be prepared as a thin twist of the peel.
Is this recipe good for parties?
Yes, it is described as an exquisite choice for any gathering and a festive appetizer.
Does the recipe require salt?
No additional salt is listed in the ingredients, as the cheese and crust typically provide enough seasoning.
How many pie crusts come in the 15-ounce package?
Standard 15-ounce packages usually contain two refrigerated pie crusts.
Can I serve these immediately after assembly?
It is recommended to chill them for 30 minutes first to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to set.