The shrimp and cream cheese appetizer is a very popular preparation in several Latin American countries, especially in Mexico, where it is usually enjoyed as a fresh and delicious starter at social gatherings and celebrations. Its origin is linked to coastal cuisine, where seafood is a main ingredient due to the proximity to the ocean. In other Latin American countries, this dish may vary slightly in name and presentation; for example, in Colombia and Venezuela it is commonly known as "picadillo de camarones" or simply as a shrimp cocktail, although the cream cheese base is usually a more particular touch of Mexican gastronomy.
This appetizer combines the smoothness and creaminess of cream cheese with the fresh and slightly citrusy flavor of the cocktail sauce, which is generally made with ketchup, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce, among other ingredients. The cooked shrimp add a firm texture and a delicious seafood flavor. It is ideal to serve with crackers or tortilla chips, providing a crunchy contrast that completes the culinary experience.
