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Shrimp cheese ball on an oval white serving platter with crackers and grapes

Shrimp Cheese Ball


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5 from 2 reviews

Description

This easy and flavorful Shrimp Cheese Ball is always a crowd-pleasing appetizer!


Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined*
  • 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup minced yellow onion
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 11/2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (more or less, to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
  • 2/3 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium high heat.  Add shrimp and cook, stirring frequently, for approximately 4 minutes, or until shrimp have just turned pink and are opaque.
  2. Drain off juices (if any) and transfer to a plate to cool.
  3. Chop shrimp into about 1/4-inch pieces.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, stir together chopped shrimp, cream cheese, onion, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, hot sauce, garlic powder, salt and Old Bay Seasoning using a rubber spatula until well-combined.
  5. Transfer cheese mixture to a plate and form into a ball.
  6. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.  Remove from refrigerator and coat with chopped pecans 10 minutes before serving (allowing time to slightly soften so it spreads easier).
  7. Serve with crackers.

Notes

  • *If using pre-cooked shrimp, use 2-1/4 cups chopped shrimp.
  • To make ahead:  Prepare as instructed (do not coat with chopped pecans).  Store in an airtight container (or cover in plastic wrap, then place in a resealable plastic bag) in the fridge for up to 3 days.  Remove from the fridge and coat with chopped pecans about 10 minutes before serving.
  • Prep time includes time for cooked shrimp to cool and refrigeration time of 1 hour for cheese ball to firm.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Saute
  • Cuisine: American