If you are craving an appetizer that’s bursting with flavor and utterly addictive, this Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Picture golden baguette slices toasted to perfection, topped with a luscious, creamy shrimp mixture spiced just right, all baked until bubbly and irresistible. This dish perfectly balances textures and flavors, making every bite an experience to savor, whether it’s for a casual get-together or an elegant appetizer to impress guests. Trust me, once you try this Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe, it will be on your regular rotation of go-to recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in making this dish sing. From the fresh shrimp providing a sweet and tender base, to the creamy cheeses that bring richness and depth, every item is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture.
- French baguette slices: The perfect sturdy base that toasts crisp, adding that delightful crunch.
- Olive oil: Used to brush the bread, delivering a mild fruitiness and beautiful golden color.
- Shrimp: Peeled, deveined, and minced, they offer fresh seafood flavor and a delicate texture.
- Onion and celery: Finely chopped for a subtle aromatic crunch that balances the shrimp perfectly.
- Garlic: Minced to infuse a warm, savory depth in each bite.
- Cajun seasoning: Adds a gentle kick and smoky spice that lifts the whole dish.
- Black pepper and Kosher salt: For seasoning that sharpens and highlights all the flavors.
- Cream cheese: Cubed to fold in creamy richness that binds the shrimp mixture beautifully.
- Parmesan and Fontina cheese: Shaved on top for a melty, savory crust that’s simply divine.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Sprinkled finishing touch for a touch of heat that wakes up the palate.
- Green onion: Thinly sliced for fresh color and a mild onion bite in the final presentation.
How to Make Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Toast the Baguette
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice your French baguette into half-inch thick pieces and arrange them on a baking sheet. Lightly brush both sides of these slices with olive oil. Toast the bread in the oven for about 5 to 7 minutes until just golden and crisp. This gives them a sturdy base that won’t sog when topped later, while adding a fantastic toasty aroma.
Step 2: Mix the Shrimp Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine your minced shrimp with finely chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic. Season this mixture with Cajun seasoning, freshly cracked black pepper, and salt to taste. This is where the magic of flavor begins: those aromatics and spices perfectly complement the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
Step 3: Add Cream Cheese for Richness
Gently fold in the cubed cream cheese, ensuring the mix becomes creamy yet maintains some texture. This step is essential for binding the ingredients together and delivering a velvety bite once baked.
Step 4: Assemble the Toasts
Spread the creamy shrimp mixture generously and evenly over each toasted baguette slice. Make every morsel count — you want enough topping to enjoy every bite.
Step 5: Add the Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle shaved Parmesan and Fontina cheeses atop the piled shrimp mixture. Then slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbling, and just starting to turn golden, while the shrimp mixture has firmed up beautifully.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Once out of the oven, finish with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat and a scattering of thinly sliced green onions for freshness and color contrast. These final touches elevate the Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe to an irresistible appetizer you can’t wait to devour.
How to Serve Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take this dish to the next level. Adding green onions not only gives a pop of color but also a slight bite that cuts through the richness. Crushed red pepper flakes offer a gentle heat that complements the creamy shrimp perfectly. You can also consider a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a bright, zesty finish.
Side Dishes
Baked shrimp toast pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides like a fresh green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette or crunchy cucumber salad. For heartier accompaniments, steamed or grilled vegetables and a chilled glass of white wine enhance the seafood flavors without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, consider arranging the toasts on a large platter garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. You can also serve them as bite-sized pieces at cocktail parties or pair with a dipping sauce like a spicy aioli for an extra flavor twist. Experiment with colorful edible flowers or microgreens to impress your guests visually as well as on the taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days without losing their delightful texture and flavor. Just be sure to cool the toasts completely before storing to avoid any sogginess.
Freezing
While Baked Shrimp Toast is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the prepared shrimp mixture separately in a sealed container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the fridge and assemble fresh to bake. Freezing the bread after baking is not recommended as it tends to become soggy when reheated.
Reheating
To reheat, place the toasts back on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes. This method helps maintain the crispiness of the bread while warming the shrimp topping evenly. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that satisfying crunch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture, which can make the mixture too watery.
Can I substitute other cheeses for Parmesan and Fontina?
Absolutely! Mildly flavored melting cheeses like mozzarella or Gruyère work well, but Parmesan adds a distinctive nutty sharpness that really enhances the overall flavor.
Is the Cajun seasoning essential?
While not mandatory, Cajun seasoning adds a lovely smoky warmth. If you prefer milder flavors, you can reduce the amount or replace it with a pinch of paprika and garlic powder.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the baguette for gluten-free bread or sturdy gluten-free crackers, though the texture will differ slightly from the original.
How do I prevent the shrimp mixture from being too runny?
Ensuring the shrimp is well minced and draining any excess liquid from vegetables helps. Folding in cream cheese slowly allows it to bind the mixture and keep it creamy but firm.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe is one of those dishes that brings people together effortlessly. It’s flavorful, fun to make, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re whipping it up for a casual snack or a special occasion, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
Print
Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Baked Shrimp Toast is a flavorful appetizer featuring a creamy, spicy shrimp mixture spread over toasted baguette slices, topped with melted Parmesan and Fontina cheeses. This easy-to-make dish offers a delightful combination of textures and bold flavors, perfect for entertaining or a special snack.
Ingredients
Bread & Oil
- 1 small French baguette, cut into ½-inch thick slices
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Shrimp Mixture
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and minced
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into small cubes
Toppings
- ¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup shaved Fontina cheese
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for toasting the baguette and baking the shrimp toast.
- Toast Baguette Slices: Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides lightly with olive oil. Toast in the preheated oven for 5 to 7 minutes until the bread is slightly golden and crisp. Remove the toasted slices and set them aside.
- Prepare Shrimp Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the minced shrimp, finely chopped onion, celery, minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, freshly cracked black pepper, and salt to taste. Mix all ingredients thoroughly to blend flavors.
- Add Cream Cheese: Fold in the cream cheese cubes gently with the shrimp mixture to create a creamy, cohesive filling.
- Assemble Shrimp Toasts: Evenly spread the creamy shrimp mixture over each toasted baguette slice.
- Add Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle shaved Parmesan and Fontina cheeses generously over the shrimp-topped baguette slices.
- Bake: Place the assembled toasts back in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the shrimp mixture is cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the toasts from the oven, then sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes and thinly sliced green onions. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the Cajun seasoning or add more crushed red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute the French baguette with other crusty bread slices such as sourdough or Italian bread.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep it tender and prevent rubbery texture.
- These toasts can be prepared ahead by assembling and refrigerating before baking.
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor, but frozen shrimp can be used if thoroughly thawed and drained.
