Description

A bite-sized shrimp appetizer served on seasoned saltine crackers with cream cheese and pepper jelly. This delightful treat balances heat, sweetness, and tang, perfect for gatherings and celebrations.

Ingredients

1 sleeve saltine crackers (about 35)

¼ cup olive oil

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper

½ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

¼ teaspoon black pepper

24 jumbo peeled, deveined raw shrimp (about 1 lb.)

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus more for garnish

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)

1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives, plus more for garnish

1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, plus more for garnish

½ cup cream cheese, at room temperature

¼ cup red pepper jelly, at room temperature

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Instructions

Stack crackers upright in an airtight container in a single layer. In a bowl, whisk olive oil, onion powder, crushed red pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Pour over crackers. Let sit 10 minutes, flip, repeat until oil is absorbed (about 30 minutes total).
Mix shrimp with kosher salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp in a single layer for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and firm. Transfer to a bowl, cool for 5 minutes. Add parsley, lemon juice, chives, and dill. Stir to coat evenly.
Arrange 24 seasoned crackers on a platter. Spread 1 teaspoon cream cheese on each. Top with 1 shrimp and ½ teaspoon pepper jelly. Garnish with additional herbs. Serve immediately.

Notes

Adjust spice levels by altering crushed red pepper and cayenne in crackers.
Try goat cheese or mascarpone as alternatives to cream cheese.
Swap pepper jelly with fruit jellies like apricot or mango.
Use crab, scallops, or grilled chicken instead of shrimp.
Store crackers and shrimp separately if preparing ahead.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 3 crackers
Calories: 210
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 80mg