Shrimp cocktail is always a hit at parties, but figuring out what to serve with shrimp cocktail can be challenging.
Whether you’re hosting a summer outdoor party or an intimate dinner for two, having the right side dishes can make all the difference in providing your guests with a satisfying and complete meal.
From light salads to indulgent appetizers, there are plenty of ways to enhance and complement the star of your occasion: Delicious shrimp cocktail!
Discover some scrumptious recipes that will take your gathering from good to great.
What Is A Shrimp Cocktail?
A shrimp cocktail is a classic dish of cooked, chilled shrimp with a tangy sauce.
It usually includes crackers or small slices of toasted bread as accompaniments. The shrimp can be boiled, grilled, fried or steamed, and the sauce is typically either a prepared cocktail sauce or ketchup-based sauce with horseradish.
The dish is often served as an appetizer or hors d’oeuvre in restaurants but can also be enjoyed at home. It has been popular since the 1960s and continues to be a favorite.
Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or an elegant starter for your next dinner party, a shrimp cocktail is an excellent choice!
Why Should You Know What To Serve With Shrimp Cocktail?
Shrimp cocktail is one of the most popular and versatile appetizers you can serve at any party or gathering. It’s easy to make, looks and tastes great, and can be served in various ways.
But when choosing side dishes to serve with shrimp cocktails, many people don’t know where to start.
Knowing what to serve with shrimp cocktail is crucial because it will ensure that your guests enjoy the meal and leave feeling satisfied.
You don’t want to serve a plate of plain, bland shrimp or something that doesn’t pair well with the seafood flavor. Learning what goes well with shrimp cocktails will help you create a delicious and memorable meal.
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Best Recipe For Shrimp Cocktail
Shrimp cocktail is a classic appetizer that is easy to make and always a hit. To make the perfect shrimp cocktail, you’ll need these ingredients:
– 1 pound of cooked jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined)
– 2 tablespoons of finely chopped onion
– ¼ cup of ketchup
– 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
– ½ teaspoon of hot pepper sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, onion, ketchup, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot pepper sauce. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, stirring to combine.
- Cover the bowl and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.
- Serve chilled with wedges of lemon and extra hot pepper sauce, if desired.
What To Serve With Shrimp Cocktail?
Shrimp cocktail is a classic appetizer that can be an elegant addition to any dinner party.
To complement the flavors of this dish, it is essential to choose sides that will bring out its natural sweetness and enhance the overall flavor profile. So, what to serve with shrimp cocktail?
Grilled Stuffed Mushrooms
Grilled Stuffed Mushrooms are delicious appetizers typically made from large, white mushrooms stuffed with cheese, herbs, and other savory ingredients.
The mushrooms can be grilled over an open flame or baked in the oven until the filling is heated and bubbly.
When served with shrimp cocktails, the Grilled Stuffed Mushrooms provide a savory and flavorful contrast to the sweet and tart flavors of the shrimp.
To serve Grilled Stuffed Mushrooms with shrimp cocktail, simply prepare the mushrooms according to your favorite recipe, allowing them to cool slightly before serving.
Arrange the mushrooms on a platter alongside chilled cooked shrimp. Serve with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over both dishes.
Cornbread
Cornbread is a traditional Southern dish made from cornmeal. It can range in texture from crumbly to cake-like and usually has a golden brown surface. Cornbread is often served as an accompaniment to soups, salads, grilled meats or beans.
To serve Cornbread with shrimp cocktail, combine two cups of yellow cornmeal, one cup of all-purpose flour, a tablespoon of baking powder, and a teaspoon of salt in a mixing bowl.
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Whisk in one and three-fourths cups of buttermilk and four tablespoons of melted butter until the mixture is smooth. Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with additional butter or non-stick cooking spray.
Pour the cornbread batter into the baking dish and bake at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food that goes great with any meal.
To make mashed potatoes, you simply need to peel and cube them, boil them until tender, then mash them with butter, milk, salt and pepper. For extra flavor, you can add other ingredients, such as garlic or herbs.
Cheesy Baked Bread
Cheesy Baked Bread is an easy, delicious appetizer that can be served with shrimp cocktail. It’s made by baking a loaf of French or Italian bread in the oven and topping it with a generous layer of melted cheese.
You can use any cheese you like – from mozzarella to cheddar to Parmesan. Once the cheese has melted and the bread is lightly golden brown, it will be enjoyed.
Serving Cheesy Baked Bread with shrimp cocktail is a great way to start off a meal. Slice the cheese-laden bread into pieces and arrange them onto individual plates.
Place a few cooked shrimps on top of each piece and serve with a side of cocktail sauce.
The combination of the cheesy, crunchy bread and the sweet, succulent shrimp will surely be a hit!
Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
Parmesan Roasted Asparagus is a delicious side dish that roasts asparagus spears with Parmesan cheese and garlic. The asparagus is typically cooked in an oven for about 10 minutes until the Parmesan cheese has melted and lightly browned.
The flavor of the roasted asparagus is further enhanced with butter, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of salt.
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Parmesan Roasted Asparagus pairs perfectly with shrimp cocktail. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make the dish.
Slice fresh asparagus into small pieces and toss them in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese. Spread the asparagus onto the prepared baking sheet and roast for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped Potatoes are a classic side dish made with thinly sliced potatoes, butter, and cream. The potatoes can be seasoned any way you like and then layered in a baking dish before baking until golden brown.
To make scalloped potatoes with shrimp cocktail, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Peel and thinly slice 4-5 potatoes. In a shallow baking dish, layer the potatoes in an even layer and dot with butter.
Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and any other desired seasonings.
Pour in enough cream to cover the potatoes and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 45-60 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown.
Chicken Spaghetti
Chicken Spaghetti is a Southern classic dish combining cooked spaghetti noodles, tomato sauce and cheese. This comforting dish can be served as an entree or side dish for lunch or dinner.
To serve Chicken Spaghetti with shrimp cocktail, cook the spaghetti according to package directions in salted boiling water. Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain and rinse with cold water.
In a large skillet, cook minced garlic in olive oil until lightly golden brown. Add diced onions and sauté until softened.
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Add tomato sauce, cooked chicken chunks, cooked shrimp (cut into small pieces), oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until the sauce thickens and comes together about 10 minutes.
Stir in cooked spaghetti noodles and mix until everything is evenly distributed. Serve warm with a side of shrimp cocktail and enjoy!
FAQs
Is Shrimp Cocktail Food Or A Beverage?
Shrimp cocktail is a dish, not a beverage. It is typically composed of cooked shrimp served with a dipping sauce such as a mayonnaise-based cocktail or remoulade.
Can Shrimp Cocktail Be Consumed As A Meal?
Yes, shrimp cocktail can be consumed as a meal. You can pair it with other sides and dishes to create a complete meal.
How Should You Consume Shrimp Cocktail?
Shrimp cocktail is typically served as a cold appetizer. It can be eaten by pushing the cooked shrimp off the skewer with your fork and dipping it in the accompanying sauce.
Whether serving it as an appetizer or main dish, shrimp cocktail may also be served over a bed of lettuce or other greens.
Conclusion
Now you should know what to serve with shrimp cocktail. Shrimp Cocktail is a classic appetizer that pairs perfectly with various side dishes.
From Cheesy Baked Bread to Parmesan Roasted Asparagus to Scalloped Potatoes, there are plenty of delicious accompaniments to enjoy alongside shrimp cocktail. Chicken Spaghetti is another great option for those looking for an entrée-style dish.
Whatever you choose to serve with shrimp cocktail, the combination of flavors will surely be a hit!
