If you’re looking for an irresistible party appetizer or a tasty snack that’s packed with flavor and texture, this Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe will quickly become your go-to. Imagine crispy toasted baguette slices topped with a luscious blend of minced shrimp, cream cheese, and aromatic herbs, baked to golden perfection with melted Parmesan and Fontina cheeses. It’s a dish that beautifully balances the freshness of seafood with creamy richness and a delightful crunch, perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in a cozy night at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but each one is essential for creating layers of flavor and perfect texture in your Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe. From the fresh shrimp to the sharp cheeses, every component brings something special to your plate.
- French baguette slices: Provides the perfect crunchy base that soaks up toppings without getting soggy.
- Olive oil: Adds a light richness and helps toast the bread evenly to a golden crisp.
- Minced shrimp: The star of the dish, offering fresh seafood flavor with a tender bite.
- Finely chopped onion: Adds subtle sweetness and a bit of crunch for balance.
- Finely chopped celery: Offers a fresh, crisp contrast to the creamy mix.
- Minced garlic: Injects that irresistible aromatic depth into the shrimp mixture.
- Cajun seasoning: Introduces a gentle kick that elevates the dish’s flavor profile.
- Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity.
- Cream cheese cubes: Creates a luscious, creamy texture that binds the shrimp mixture beautifully.
- Shaved Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty accent when melted on top.
- Shaved Fontina cheese: Brings mellow, buttery richness that enhances the topping.
- Kosher salt: Balances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Offers optional heat and a pop of color when sprinkled on top.
- Thinly sliced green onion: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish with a mild onion bite.
How to Make Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Toast the Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange your baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush them lightly on both sides with olive oil. Toast these in the oven for about 5 to 7 minutes until each slice is a beautiful golden color with just the right amount of crunch. This step is crucial to give the base a crisp texture that holds up perfectly once the shrimp topping goes on.
Step 2: Combine the Shrimp Mixture
While your bread is toasting, grab a mixing bowl and combine the minced shrimp, finely chopped onion, celery, and garlic. Stir in the Cajun seasoning, freshly cracked black pepper, and kosher salt to taste. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly will ensure every bite bursts with a harmonious blend of flavors and a little hint of spice.
Step 3: Fold in the Cream Cheese
Add the cream cheese cubes to the shrimp mixture and fold gently until everything is evenly combined. This creamy addition transforms the shrimp topping into a smooth, luscious blend, providing richness and helping the mixture spread easily over your toasted baguette slices.
Step 4: Top and Add Cheese
Spread the shrimp and cream cheese mixture evenly over each piece of toasted baguette. Once topped, generously sprinkle shaved Parmesan and Fontina cheeses over the shrimp mixture. These cheeses melt beautifully in the oven, creating a bubbly, golden layer that perfectly complements the savory topping beneath.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your prepared toasts for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the shrimp mixture is fully cooked through. This step locks in the flavors and ensures the shrimp topping is warm, creamy, and irresistibly tasty.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle your toasts with crushed red pepper flakes and thinly sliced green onions to add color, mild heat, and freshness right before serving. These simple garnishes bring your Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe to the next level, both visually and flavor-wise.
How to Serve Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Bright garnishes like sliced green onions and crushed red pepper flakes add instant appeal and an extra layer of flavor. You can also try a light drizzle of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a citrusy twist that complements the rich shrimp topping.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh, crisp salad or a tangy slaw to balance the richness of the shrimp toast. Roasted vegetables or a light soup also make fantastic accompaniments for a well-rounded meal or appetizer spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the shrimp toasts on a wooden or slate board for an elegant presentation. You can arrange them in a circular pattern around a zesty dipping sauce like a spicy aioli or a citrusy vinaigrette to elevate your table setting and make sharing even more fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the toasts separate from garnishes to preserve freshness and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
While these toasts are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the shrimp mixture (without the toasted bread) in a sealed container for up to one month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, toast fresh baguette slices, and assemble before baking.
Reheating
To reheat, place the assembled shrimp toasts on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8 to 10 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving to retain that crisp texture on the bread.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before mincing to avoid excess moisture that could make the topping too wet.
What can I substitute for Cajun seasoning?
If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, a mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and dried oregano will work well to mimic the flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free bread slices instead of the baguette. The rest of the recipe remains the same and will taste just as delicious.
Can I prepare the shrimp mixture ahead of time?
Definitely! You can mix the shrimp topping up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just assemble and bake fresh when you’re ready to serve.
How spicy is this Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe?
The spice level is moderate thanks to the Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes, but you can always adjust to your preference by using less seasoning or skipping the red pepper flakes.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe is one of those delightful treats that’s surprisingly easy to make but feels special every time you serve it. Its mix of textures, savory seafood, and creamy cheese is a winning combination that will impress family and friends alike. So, grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and enjoy this cozy, flavorful starter that’s bound to become a cherished favorite.
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
Delicious and elegant Baked Shrimp Toast featuring a creamy mixture of minced shrimp, cream cheese, aromatic vegetables, and a blend of cheeses atop toasted baguette slices. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack, baked to golden perfection with a hint of Cajun seasoning and a touch of spice from crushed red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
Bread and 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
Cheeses and 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 bread and baking the shrimp toast.
- Toast the Baguette Slices: Arrange the sliced baguette on a baking sheet. Lightly brush both sides of each slice with olive oil. Toast them in the oven for about 5 to 7 minutes until they turn slightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Prepare Shrimp Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced shrimp, finely chopped onion, celery, minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, freshly cracked black pepper, and salt to taste. Mix these ingredients thoroughly.
- Add Cream Cheese: Add the cream cheese cubes to the shrimp mixture and gently fold everything together until you achieve a creamy, well-combined texture.
- Assemble the Shrimp Toasts: Evenly spread the creamy shrimp mixture on top of each toasted baguette slice, ensuring each piece gets a good amount of the topping.
- Add Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle shaved Parmesan and Fontina cheeses generously on top of the shrimp mixture on each slice.
- Bake the Toasts: Place the assembled shrimp toasts back into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheeses are melted, bubbly, and the shrimp mixture is cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the shrimp toasts from the oven and immediately sprinkle the tops with crushed red pepper flakes and thinly sliced green onions for a fresh and spicy finishing touch. Serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference.
- Minced shrimp can be prepared by finely chopping raw shrimp with a knife or briefly pulsing in a food processor.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp mixture while baking to keep the texture tender.
- This dish can be served as an appetizer or a light snack for parties and gatherings.
- For a milder flavor, omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use gluten-free baguette if you need a gluten-free version of this recipe.
