This Shrimp Ball recipe, dated January 1973 and penned by Elva Treyz, is a vintage appetizer that brings back the charm of mid-century party fare. Rich with cream cheese, flavorful shrimp, and the crunch of celery, onions, and crispy bacon, it’s an indulgent and savory dish often served with crackers at holiday gatherings and family get-togethers. The Worcestershire and garlic powder add subtle depth, balancing creamy and umami flavors. It's a nostalgic bite into a time when handwritten recipes and food traditions were passed down on colorful stationery.
Ingredients
- 24 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 3 lbs cooked (chopped or shredded shrimp)
- 1 ½ cups celery (chopped )
- ½ cup onion (chopped )
- 1 Dash Worcestershire sauce
- 8 slices fried and crumbled bacon
- 1 ½ tsp garlic powder
- Crackers (for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Shrimp
- Cook and finely chop or shred the shrimp if not pre-cooked.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add chopped shrimp, celery, onion, Worcestershire sauce, bacon, and garlic powder.
- Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
Step 3: Shape the Ball
- Divide the mixture in half (if too large to manage) and form into one or two balls.
- Wrap each in plastic wrap.
Step 4: Chill
- Refrigerate for 30–60 minutes to firm up before serving.
Step 5: Serve
- Unwrap and place on a serving platter. Serve chilled with crackers.
Tips
- Add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Replace bacon with smoked paprika for a lighter version.
- Serve with crackers, celery sticks, crostini, or cucumber slices.
- Add chopped parsley or green onion for color.
- Chill longer for a firmer, more sliceable ball.
- Roll the finished ball in chopped nuts (almonds or pecans) for crunch.
Transcription of the Original Recipe
Read or copy the transcription
Jan. 1973 Here's what's cookin': Shrimp Ball Serves: Recipe from the kitchen of: Elva Treyz 24 oz. cream cheese 3 lb. chopped or shredded cooked shrimp 1½ cups chopped celery ½ " " onion dash of worcestershire sauce 8 slices fried crumbled bacon garlic powder Mix together & form ball - serve with Crax
From Transcription to Instructions
We love this little card's blunt charm, but the original directions really stop at "Mix together & form ball – serve with Crax." So in the instructions we spelled that out into a few small steps: smooth the softened cream cheese first, then fold in the chopped shrimp and the celery, onion, bacon and garlic powder so everything mixes evenly; form one (or two) balls, wrap and chill 30–60 minutes to firm up, then unwrap and serve chilled with crackers. Those extra steps just make the order and timing easier to follow while keeping the recipe itself intact.
Nutrition
Calories: 165kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 8gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 63mgSodium: 310mgPotassium: 85mgSugar: 2gVitamin A: 445IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 0.4mg
