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creamy shrimp and olives

Creamy Shrimp and Olive Log

This elegant appetizer combines tender shrimp with cream cheese and briny olives for a make-ahead showstopper. The creamy base perfectly balances with savory seafood and tangy accents, creating an impressive yet effortless party starter that improves with overnight chilling.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 day
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 145
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
  • 1 cup cooked, peeled, and minced shrimp preferably cocktail-sized
  • 3 tablespoons chili sauce such as Nance's
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice fresh
  • 2 tablespoons chopped pimento-stuffed olives
  • 1/2 cup sliced pimento-stuffed olives for garnish
  • Triscuits for serving

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Serving platter

Method
 

  1. Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
  2. In a mixing bowl, stir the softened cream cheese until completely smooth and free of lumps.
  3. Fold in the minced shrimp, chili sauce, chopped pimento-stuffed olives, green onions, and lemon juice until thoroughly combined.
  4. With slightly dampened hands, shape the mixture into a log on a serving platter or piece of plastic wrap.
  5. Press the sliced pimento-stuffed olives decoratively around the outside of the log.
  6. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow flavors to develop.
  7. When ready to serve, arrange Triscuits around the log for spreading.

Notes

For best results, make this appetizer a full day ahead - the flavors truly deepen and meld with time. The texture should be firm enough to hold its shape but soft enough to spread easily on crackers.
Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This appetizer doesn't freeze well due to the cream cheese base.
For variation, try substituting canned crab or smoked salmon for the shrimp, or add fresh herbs like dill or chives for a different flavor profile.