If you are craving a snack that’s irresistibly crispy, creamy, and packed with flavor, this Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite. Imagine succulent minced shrimp mingling with cream cheese and a hint of Cajun spice, all lovingly spread on golden toasted baguette slices and finished with bubbly Parmesan and Fontina cheese. It is a delightful fusion of textures and tastes that never fails to impress guests or satisfy a seafood craving at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each simple ingredient plays a vital role in capturing the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in this dish. From the crunchy bread base to the creamy, spiced shrimp topping, these essentials come together beautifully to create an unforgettable appetizer.
- French baguette: The crisp, slightly chewy bread base that holds all the fantastic toppings together.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps toast the bread to golden perfection.
- Shrimp: Fresh, peeled, deveined, and minced for that tender seafood bite in every mouthful.
- Onion and celery: Provide a fresh crunch and aromatic depth to complement the shrimp.
- Garlic: Infuses the mixture with a warm, savory punch that’s simply irresistible.
- Cajun seasoning: Brings a mild, smoky heat that elevates the dish’s flavor profile.
- Black pepper and kosher salt: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.
- Cream cheese: Creates a luscious, creamy texture that binds the shrimp mixture together.
- Parmesan and Fontina cheeses: Provide a beautifully melted, golden topping with rich, tangy flavors.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Add a final spark of heat when sprinkled just before serving.
- Green onion: Offers a fresh, bright garnish that ties the dish together visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Baguette
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and arranging the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil to ensure each piece crisps up beautifully. Toast them in the oven for about 5 to 7 minutes until they develop a light golden color, which will create the perfect crunchy base for your shrimp topping.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp Mixture
While your bread is toasting, combine the minced shrimp, finely chopped onion, celery, and garlic in a bowl. Add the Cajun seasoning, freshly cracked black pepper, and a pinch of kosher salt. This blend of fresh, aromatic ingredients brings a wonderful depth of flavor to the shrimp, making each bite lively yet balanced.
Step 3: Add Cream Cheese
Next, gently fold in the cream cheese cubes to the shrimp mixture. This creamy addition marries all the ingredients together, resulting in a rich but light texture that will hold perfectly on the baguette slices without being too runny.
Step 4: Assemble the Shrimp Toast
Spread the shrimp mixture evenly over each toasted baguette slice. The thickness of this layer is key for maximum flavor without overwhelming the crispiness of the bread underneath.
Step 5: Top with Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle shaved Parmesan and Fontina cheeses generously on top of each shrimp-topped slice. Place the tray back in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for bubbly, melted cheese with slightly golden edges and a fully cooked shrimp mixture that smells irresistible.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the toasts from the oven and immediately sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat and thinly sliced green onions for a fresh, vivid pop of color. These final touches transform your dish from amazing to absolutely unforgettable.
How to Serve Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with crushed red pepper flakes adds that little kick to awaken your palate, while fresh green onions introduce a crisp freshness that balances the creamy, spicy shrimp. Feel free to add a few sprigs of parsley or a squeeze of lemon for an extra burst of brightness.
Side Dishes
This Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing sides like a crisp green salad or a tangy coleslaw. For a heartier meal, steamed veggies or a simple cucumber and tomato salad with vinaigrette complement the rich flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your shrimp toast into party perfection by cutting baguette slices into bite-sized pieces and serving with cocktail picks. Arrange them on a beautiful platter with colorful garnishes to make the presentation pop. You can also try topping with a dollop of homemade aioli or a drizzle of sriracha for a modern twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. The shrimp mixture will retain its flavor, but the bread might lose some of its crispness, so be sure to re-toast before serving again.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked shrimp toasts on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to one month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover shrimp toast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes to regain some crispness and warmth. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw and thoroughly drain them to avoid excess moisture, which could make the toast soggy.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the French baguette with gluten-free bread or crispbread, and the recipe will taste just as delicious with the same creamy and crunchy textures.
How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this recipe?
The Cajun seasoning adds a mild to moderate heat that balances beautifully with the creamy and cheesy elements. You can adjust the amount to suit your spice preference or omit red pepper flakes to tone it down.
Can I prepare the shrimp mixture ahead of time?
Yes, preparing the shrimp mixture a few hours in advance is fine and can enhance the flavors as they meld together. Just remember not to spread it on the bread until you’re ready to bake to keep the toast crispy.
What cheeses can I use if I don’t have Parmesan or Fontina?
Try swapping with similar melting cheeses like mozzarella, Gruyère, or even a sharp cheddar. The key is to use cheeses that melt well and bring a complementary flavor to the shrimp topping.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved appetizer for any occasion. The harmony of spicy, creamy shrimp paired with crunchy, golden bread and rich melted cheese is simply irresistible. Give it a go, and get ready to impress yourself and your friends with a dish that feels both fancy and comfortingly familiar.
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
This Baked Shrimp Toast recipe features a delightful combination of minced shrimp mixed with aromatic vegetables and spices, layered on toasted baguette slices and topped with creamy cheeses. Baked to golden perfection, these toasts offer a savory appetizer or snack that’s both crispy and flavorful, perfect for gatherings or an elegant starter.
Ingredients
For the Baguette Toast:
- 1 small French baguette, cut into ½-inch thick slices
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the 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, to taste
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into small cubes
For the Topping:
- 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 slices and baking the shrimp toasts.
- Toast Baguette Slices: Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides lightly with olive oil. Toast them in the oven for about 5 to 7 minutes until they turn slightly golden and crisp. Remove from oven and set 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 kosher salt to taste. Mix all ingredients thoroughly to evenly distribute the seasoning.
- Add Cream Cheese: Gently fold in the cream cheese cubes to the shrimp mixture to create a creamy texture that will help bind the filling while adding richness.
- Assemble Toasts: Evenly spread the creamy shrimp mixture over each toasted baguette slice, ensuring good coverage for maximum flavor in every bite.
- Add Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle shaved Parmesan and Fontina cheeses evenly atop the shrimp mixture to add a melty, savory layer.
- Bake the Toasts: Place the assembled shrimp toasts back into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the shrimp mixture is thoroughly cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the toasts from the oven and immediately sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes and thinly sliced green onions for a fresh, spicy finish. Serve warm.
Notes
- The minced shrimp can be processed in a food processor for faster preparation but avoid over-processing to maintain texture.
- If you prefer less heat, adjust the Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes accordingly.
- Make sure to toast the baguette slices well before adding the shrimp mixture to prevent sogginess.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and cheeses with vegan alternatives.
- Serve these toasts immediately after baking for the best flavor and texture.
