Why You’ll Love this Creamy Shrimp and Olive Log
If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that takes minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, this Creamy Shrimp and Olive Log is about to become your new best friend. The creamy cheese base perfectly complements the savory shrimp, while those pimento-stuffed olives add just the right briny kick.
I love how this recipe needs to chill overnight, meaning you can make it ahead for parties. No last-minute kitchen stress. The beautiful olive slice decoration makes it look like I spent hours on presentation, when really, it took minutes. Pair it with buttery Triscuits for that perfect textural contrast. Who needs complicated appetizers?
What Ingredients are in Creamy Shrimp and Olive Log?
The ingredients for this Creamy Shrimp and Olive Log might seem simple at first glance, but together they create the most luxurious, flavor-packed appetizer you’ll ever serve.
There’s something magical about how the tangy cream cheese mingles with the sweet shrimp and briny olives. The chili sauce adds just enough zip without overwhelming the delicate seafood flavors. I particularly love how the green onions and lemon juice brighten everything up, making each bite taste fresh and lively.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cooked, peeled, and minced shrimp (or slightly more if desired)
- 3 tablespoons chili sauce (such as Nance’s)
- 2 tablespoons chopped pimento-stuffed olives
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup sliced pimento-stuffed olives (for garnish)
- Nabisco Triscuits, for serving
When shopping for this recipe, quality matters more than you might think.
Try to find fresh shrimp rather than frozen if possible, though good-quality frozen shrimp will work in a pinch. For the cream cheese, make sure it’s properly softened to room temperature—cold cream cheese will leave you with lumps that are nearly impossible to smooth out.
And don’t skimp on the chili sauce; it’s what gives this appetizer its distinctive tang. The recipe doesn’t specify, but I’d recommend using the small cocktail shrimp rather than large ones, as they’re easier to incorporate throughout the log for consistent flavor in every bite.
How to Make this Creamy Shrimp and Olive Log
Making this showstopper appetizer couldn’t be easier, and it’s one of those recipes that actually tastes better when made ahead. Start by stirring 8 ounces of softened cream cheese until completely smooth—this is essential for the perfect texture. Room temperature cream cheese blends much better than cold, so I always leave mine out for at least 30 minutes before starting. Work out any lumps with a spatula or wooden spoon until you’ve got a silky-smooth base.
Next comes the fun part: fold in 1 cup of cooked, peeled, and minced shrimp (or a bit more if you’re a shrimp lover like me), 3 tablespoons of jarred chili sauce, 2 tablespoons of chopped pimento-stuffed olives, 2 tablespoons of chopped green onions, and 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice. Mix everything thoroughly, making sure the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese. The mixture should be fairly stiff but spreadable, with beautiful specks of green, red, and pink throughout.
Now for the artistic moment—shape your mixture into a log on a serving platter or piece of plastic wrap. I find it helpful to use slightly damp hands to prevent sticking.
Once formed, press the 1/2 cup of sliced pimento-stuffed olives decoratively all over the outside of the log. This not only looks gorgeous but adds extra briny flavor in every bite. Cover your masterpiece tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to let those flavors mingle and develop. The waiting is the hardest part, but trust me, it’s worth it!
When ready to serve, surround your beautiful log with crispy Triscuits and watch your guests enjoy with delight.
Creamy Shrimp and Olive Log Substitutions and Variations
While this recipe is delicious as written, countless variations can transform this creamy shrimp log to suit your taste preferences or pantry contents.
Don’t have shrimp? Try canned crab or flaked smoked salmon instead. Not a fan of green olives? Black olives work beautifully, or go bold with capers or diced pickles for that briny kick.
I sometimes swap the chili sauce for sriracha when I’m craving heat, or stir in fresh herbs like dill or chives. For a Mediterranean twist, mix in a spoonful of pesto and some sun-dried tomatoes.
Serving with crackers is classic, but have you tried cucumber rounds or endive leaves?
What to Serve with Creamy Shrimp and Olive Log
Although the creamy shrimp and olive log stands confidently as an appetizer star, pairing it with complementary items creates a more impressive spread.
I love serving it with various crackers beyond just Triscuits—water crackers, butter crackers, or even bagel chips work beautifully.
For a complete appetizer board, I’ll add fresh cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and celery sticks.
These crisp veggies offer a revitalizing contrast to the creamy log. Sometimes I’ll include a small bowl of extra olives or pickled vegetables nearby.
On hot summer evenings, I’ve found this log pairs wonderfully with a chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of this recipe? Make it a day ahead, and the flavors deepen beautifully.
Trust me on this one—refrigeration isn’t just convenient, it’s transformative.
And while Triscuits are my preferred vehicle for this creamy concoction, water crackers or crostini work wonderfully too.
Creamy Shrimp and Olive Log
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, stir the softened cream cheese until completely smooth and free of lumps.
- Fold in the minced shrimp, chili sauce, chopped pimento-stuffed olives, green onions, and lemon juice until thoroughly combined.
- With slightly dampened hands, shape the mixture into a log on a serving platter or piece of plastic wrap.
- Press the sliced pimento-stuffed olives decoratively around the outside of the log.
- Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow flavors to develop.
- When ready to serve, arrange Triscuits around the log for spreading.
