Shrimp Cocktail Bar with Homemade Dipping Sauces

The following recipe and photography for this post were provided by local blogger Abby Thome of The Thome Home.

Why just set out shrimp and cocktail sauce when you can make an out-of-this-world shrimp cocktail bar with loads of flavor? The simplicity of utilizing Heinen’s premium shrimp makes this appetizer a breeze to prepare, especially during busy seasons like the holidays.

For your guests dipping pleasure, I suggest offering a few sauce options. My classic cocktail sauce, rich walnut pesto and firecracker sauce with a kick are the perfect accompaniment to cold shrimp.

The firecracker sauce is paired with fresh sliced pineapple, providing a sweet bite to offset the spice of the fiery heat. Pair the walnut pesto with freshly-grated parmesan cheese, and don’t forget to set a warmed Heinen’s French baguette off to the side.

Let your guests layer the dipping sauces and shrimp cocktail for a new way to approach this party favorite!

Walnut Pesto

How to Assemble a Shrimp Cocktail Bar

Just before serving, put a layer of ice down on a serving tray for the shrimp to rest on and stay cold!
Arrange the dipping sauces (see recipes below) next to the shrimp and add your own variety of toppings.
Warm the French baguette in the oven at 200°F for 10 minutes and slice before serving!

Ingredients

For the Classic Cocktail Sauce

1 cup Heinen’s ketchup
1 heaping Tbsp. Dick's horseradish

For the Firecracker Sauce

1/4 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
1/2 cup Heinen's brown sugar
1 1/2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1 tsp. Heinen's garlic powder
1/4 tsp. Heinen's red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp. kosher salt

For the Walnut Pesto

2 oz. basil
1/3 cup Heinen’s grated 24-month aged Parmigiano Reggiano
1 tsp. Heinen's garlic powder
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/2 cup walnuts
1/2 cup Heinen's extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. ground pepper

Instructions

For the Classic Cocktail Sauce

Whisk together all of the ingredients. Pour into a small saucepan and warm through for 3-5 minutes on low heat. Serve immediately.

For the Firecracker Sauce

Whisk together all of the ingredients. Pour into a small saucepan and warm through, 3-5 minutes on low heat. Serve immediately.

For the Walnut Pesto

In a food processor, blend together all of the ingredients listed above. Pour into an airtight container until ready to serve.

Assembled Shrimp Cocktail Bar