If you have ever savored the delightful crunch and rich savory flavor of shrimp toast at a favorite restaurant, wait until you try this homemade version. This Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe brings that deliciousness into your own kitchen with a perfect balance of creamy shrimp topping and golden, crispy bread. It’s a wonderful appetizer that feels fancy but is actually quite simple to prepare, making it ideal for both casual gatherings and special occasions. The combination of tender shrimp, creamy cheese, and just the right touch of seasoning baked to bubbly perfection will have you hooked from the first bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this dish, and luckily, they are straightforward yet packed with flavor. Each item plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding creaminess, freshness, or a touch of zest.
- 8 ounces raw shrimp: Peeled and deveined for that fresh, sweet seafood taste that is the star of the show.
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Adds smoothness and helps bind the mixture together beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon softened cream cheese: Brings a soft, tangy richness that complements the shrimp perfectly.
- 2 green onions, finely chopped: Offers a mild onion flavor plus a pop of green color and freshness.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Injects subtle warmth and aromatic depth to the topping.
- 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce: Gives a salty, umami boost that elevates the entire flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil: Adds a nutty fragrance and authentic Asian-inspired touch.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper: Provides gentle heat without overwhelming the palate.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the dish.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Brings brightness and a slight tang to keep the flavors lively.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional): Adds fresh color and a herbaceous note.
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a gooey, golden topping that seals in the deliciousness.
- 1 baguette or French bread, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces: The perfect crunchy base that holds up well under the shrimp mixture.
- Olive oil spray or melted butter: For brushing the bread to ensure it crisps up beautifully in the oven.
How to Make Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Shrimp
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when your shrimp toasts are assembled. Finely chop the raw shrimp into small pieces or pulse them just a couple of times in a food processor until coarsely minced—this creates the ideal texture, giving you tiny bites of shrimp nestled in every mouthful.
Step 2: Mix the Shrimp Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped shrimp with mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, chopped green onions, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, ground white pepper, salt, lemon juice, and optional parsley. Stir until everything is fully incorporated and the mixture feels creamy yet still has some texture from the shrimp and onions. This layer of flavor is what makes each bite so exciting.
Step 3: Prepare the Bread
Grab your bread slices and brush each one lightly with olive oil or melted butter. This step not only helps the bread crisp up nicely but also adds a subtle richness that perfectly supports the shrimp topping without overpowering it. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet to get ready for assembly.
Step 4: Assemble the Toasts
Spoon a generous amount of the shrimp mixture onto each bread slice, spreading it all the way to the edges for full coverage and maximum flavor. Don’t be shy with the topping—it’s the heart of the dish! Next, evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each piece to create a golden, melty finish after baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the shrimp is cooked through and the tops are beautifully golden and bubbly. You can even broil for a minute or two at the end if you want an extra crisp and lightly browned top. Serve these warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
How to Serve Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little garnish doesn’t just make your shrimp toasts look stunning, it also enhances the flavor. Try sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or a few sliced green onions on top for a fresh, vibrant contrast. A light drizzle of a chili oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice directly on the toasts can add an exciting zing that wakes up the palate.
Side Dishes
These Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe bites are excellent on their own but pair beautifully with crunchy Asian slaw or a fresh cucumber salad to add cool, crisp textures alongside the warm, rich shrimp. A light miso soup or steamed edamame make lovely complementary starters or accompaniments as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special occasion, serve the shrimp toasts on a decorative platter garnished with lemon wedges and sprigs of parsley. You can also thread a small skewer lightly through each piece to make them easy finger food. If you want to go extra fancy, layer the shrimp topping onto small crispy wonton wrappers instead of bread for bite-sized hors d’oeuvres.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover shrimp toasts, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. While they are still good, it’s best to reheat them soon to maintain their crispy texture and keep the shrimp topping flavorful and moist without drying out.
Freezing
These toasts are best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen if necessary. Place a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When frozen, they should be used within one month for optimum freshness. Keep in mind the bread texture may soften slightly after freezing.
Reheating
To revive your leftover or thawed shrimp toasts, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place them on a baking sheet. Warm for about 8 to 10 minutes until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid microwaving as it will make the bread soggy and the toppings rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp by chopping it finely and mixing it with the other ingredients. However, you should reduce the baking time slightly to prevent overcooking the shrimp and drying it out.
What type of bread works best for shrimp toast?
A sturdy bread like a baguette or French bread sliced about half an inch thick holds up best. It crisps nicely without becoming soggy under the shrimp topping, giving you the perfect crunch and support.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This traditional recipe uses regular wheat bread, so it is not gluten-free by default. However, you can substitute with gluten-free bread of a similar texture to keep it accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I prepare the shrimp mixture ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix the shrimp topping up to one day in advance and store it tightly covered in the refrigerator. Prepare the bread and bake just before serving for the freshest and crispest result.
How can I add extra crunch to my Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe?
For added crunch, sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs on top along with the cheese before baking, or broil the baked toasts for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the top crisps up nicely. This little touch adds a delightful texture contrast.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe is a total winner when it comes to balancing ease, flavor, and that satisfying crunch we all crave in appetizers. Whether you’re serving it at a party, family dinner, or just treating yourself, it never fails to impress. So gather those simple ingredients, dive in, and get ready to enjoy your new favorite seafood toast that feels special every time you take a bite!
Print
Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 toasts
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make baked shrimp toast featuring a flavorful shrimp mixture atop crisp baguette slices, perfect as a savory appetizer or party bite.
Ingredients
Shrimp Mixture
- 8 ounces raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon softened cream cheese
- 2 green onions (finely chopped)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Bread and Garnish
- 1 baguette or French bread (sliced into 1/2-inch pieces)
- Olive oil spray or melted butter for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the shrimp toast evenly.
- Prepare Shrimp: Finely chop the raw shrimp into small pieces or pulse in a food processor until coarsely minced, creating the base of the shrimp topping.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped shrimp with mayonnaise, cream cheese, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, salt, lemon juice, and parsley if using. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
- Prepare Bread: Lightly brush each bread slice with olive oil spray or melted butter to enhance crispiness and flavor during baking. Arrange the slices evenly on a baking sheet.
- Assemble Toasts: Spoon a generous amount of the shrimp mixture onto each bread slice, spreading it to the edges. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of each piece.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the shrimp is fully cooked and the tops are golden and bubbly, indicating that the cheese has melted perfectly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the shrimp toast warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- You can use pre-cooked shrimp if desired; just chop it finely and reduce the baking time slightly to prevent overcooking.
- For an extra crunchy top, broil the shrimp toast for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking until the cheese turns golden brown.
- These toasts are best served fresh but can be prepped ahead and baked just before serving to save time.
