Description
This Shrimp On The Brain Cracker Spread is a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy party dip that combines the flavors of shrimp, cream cheese, and cocktail sauce, molded into a fun brain shape perfect for Halloween or any spooky-themed gathering. It’s served chilled and pairs wonderfully with crisp, sturdy crackers for spreading.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 package unflavored gelatin
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions
- 2 cups cooled, cooked shrimp, roughly chopped
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
- Cocktail sauce, for topping and serving
- Crisp, sturdy crackers, for serving
Instructions
- Dissolve gelatin: In a small bowl, whisk together the unflavored gelatin and 1/4 cup water until completely dissolved. Set aside to prevent lumps and prepare for integration into the dip mixture.
- Combine cream cheese and soup: In a large skillet over medium heat, stir together the softened cream cheese and cream of mushroom soup until the mixture is smooth and completely incorporated, ensuring a creamy base.
- Add gelatin mixture: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the dissolved gelatin mixture thoroughly until fully combined, giving the dip the ability to set properly once refrigerated.
- Fold in remaining ingredients: Gently fold in the sliced green onions, roughly chopped cooked shrimp, mayonnaise, and hot sauce to evenly distribute flavors without breaking up the shrimp too much.
- Prepare mold: Lightly spray the inside of a brain-shaped mold with non-stick cooking spray to facilitate easy removal of the spread once set.
- Chill the mixture: Pour the dip mixture into the prepared mold, cover tightly with cling wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight until completely set and firm.
- Unmold and garnish: When ready to serve, carefully turn the mold right side up onto a serving plate to release the brain-shaped dip. Spread cocktail sauce over the top to create a ‘bloody’ effect for a spooky presentation. Optionally, insert a small steak knife or cheese knife into the top for added dramatic effect.
- Serve: Serve the ‘Shrimp On The Brain’ cracker spread with extra cocktail sauce and crisp, sturdy crackers for dipping and spreading during your party or gathering.
Notes
- This dip is a creamy shrimp party spread with a devilishly spooky brain shape perfect for Halloween or themed parties.
- Using a brain-shaped mold enhances presentation but a similar mold can be used if unavailable.
- The gelatin ensures the dip sets firmly for easy spreading and serving.
- Cocktail sauce adds both flavor and visual appeal to mimic a ‘bloody’ topping.
- Pairs well with sturdy crackers that can hold the creamy dip without breaking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of recipe (about 1/2 cup)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
