Description
Baked Shrimp Toast is a savory appetizer featuring minced shrimp mixed with cream cheese and aromatic vegetables, spread over toasted baguette slices, topped with Parmesan and Fontina cheeses, and baked to a golden, bubbly finish. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, this recipe combines creamy, cheesy, and mildly spicy flavors with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 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, 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 baking the shrimp toast.
- 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 5–7 minutes until they are slightly golden and crisp. Remove from the 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 these ingredients thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Add Cream Cheese: Fold the cream cheese cubes gently into the shrimp mixture, creating a creamy and cohesive blend that will hold together on the bread.
- Assemble on Bread: Spread the creamy shrimp mixture evenly over each toasted baguette slice, ensuring full coverage.
- Add Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle shaved Parmesan and Fontina cheeses generously over the shrimp mixture on each slice to add a rich, melty topping.
- Bake: Return the topped baguette slices to the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes until the cheese melts fully and becomes bubbly and lightly browned, and the shrimp mixture is cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the shrimp toasts from the oven and immediately sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes and thinly sliced green onions for a touch of heat and fresh flavor before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh shrimp and finely mince them to ensure the mixture spreads evenly.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes.
- The baguette slices can be toasted ahead of time to save preparation time during assembly.
- This appetizer pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine or a light beer.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat briefly in the oven to retain crispness.
