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
Scale
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.
