Ah, the magic of gatherings—where laughter mingles with the aroma of delicious bites. If you’ve ever been caught in a conversation about the latest Netflix binge while simultaneously trying to prevent your dog from snatching a snack off the coffee table, you’ll appreciate this next-level appetizer. Picture this: a shrimp cheese ball, creamy yet bold, like a jazz solo on a quiet night, waiting to steal the spotlight at your next get-together.
Steps
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Add the shrimp and cook, stirring frequently, for about 4 minutes until they turn pink and are opaque.
- Once cooked, drain any excess juices and transfer the shrimp to a plate to cool down. Chop the cooled shrimp into roughly ¼-inch pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, softened cream cheese, minced onion, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, hot sauce, garlic powder, salt, and Old Bay Seasoning. Mix everything thoroughly using a rubber spatula until the ingredients are well integrated.
- Transfer the shrimp and cheese mixture onto a plate and shape it into a ball. Cover the cheese ball with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour until it becomes firm.
- Prior to serving, remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and coat it with chopped pecans about 10 minutes before serving to allow it to slightly soften for easier spreading. Serve with crackers.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (or 2-¼ cups chopped pre-cooked shrimp)
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened (two 8-ounce packages)
- ½ cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1-½ teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
- ? cup chopped pecans
FAQ
- Can I make the Shrimp Cheese Ball in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the cheese ball ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe instructions but hold off on coating it with chopped pecans. Store it in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in a resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to three days. Add the pecan coating about 10 minutes before serving.
- Is it possible to use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?
- Although cooking your own shrimp is recommended, pre-cooked shrimp can be used as well. You will need approximately 2-¼ cups of chopped cooked shrimp for this recipe.
- How should I serve the Shrimp Cheese Ball?
- The Shrimp Cheese Ball is best served with crackers. Ensure it has softened slightly after being refrigerated for easier spreading.
- What is the total preparation and cooking time for this recipe?
- The preparation time includes 1 hour and 30 minutes, which accounts for the time needed for the cooked shrimp to cool and for the cheese ball to firm up in the refrigerator. The actual cooking time is about 5 minutes.
- What are some other shrimp appetizers I might enjoy?
- If you enjoy shrimp appetizers, you might like Shrimp Cocktail, Shrimp Salad, or Roasted Garlic Parmesan Shrimp.
Tips
- Prepare the cheese ball ahead of time by storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Add the pecan coating just ten minutes before serving to ensure freshness and texture.
- If you’re short on time, opt for pre-cooked shrimp. You’ll need around 2-¼ cups of chopped shrimp, but cooking your own can enhance the flavor.
- Allow the cheese ball to slightly soften after removing it from the refrigerator, making it easier to spread and more enjoyable with crackers.
Equipment
- Large Skillet – For cooking the shrimp.
- Mixing Bowl – To combine all the ingredients.
- Rubber Spatula – For stirring the ingredients together.
- Airtight Container – To store the cheese ball if making ahead.
- Plastic Wrap – For covering the cheese ball during refrigeration.
