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
Scale
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.
