Cheesy Shrimp Toast is the ultimate quick-fire, crowd-pleasing dish, perfect for sharing with friends or making any weeknight feel just a little bit special. Imagine succulent bits of shrimp melded with creamy mayo, gooey cheeses, and a pop of fresh green onion—all bubbling atop crisp, golden slices of baguette. This recipe is a breeze to pull together, but every bite tastes like you spent hours fussing over it. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or sneak a few slices for a meal, get ready for requests for seconds (and thirds)!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cheesy Shrimp Toast lies in its short but powerful ingredient list. Each component is chosen to maximize texture, flavor, and irresistible meltiness. Here’s what you’ll need and why every element matters.
- Raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped (1/2 pound): The main event—tender, sweet, and the perfect base for absorbing all those savory flavors.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Adds creamy richness and ties all the ingredients together for that luscious, spreadable texture.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): For glorious melt and stretch, mozzarella is essential—it gives every bite that cheesy pull.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Delivers a salty, nutty punch and deepens the savory notes in the filling.
- Green onions, finely chopped (2): Brings a burst of color and mild onion flavor, brightening up the seafood and cheese.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): The classic flavor booster, adding fragrant, mouthwatering zing.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Balances out the richness and keeps the flavors lively.
- Paprika (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a touch of color and a subtle, smoky warmth that elevates every bite.
- French baguette or similar crusty bread, sliced in half lengthwise (1): Sturdy enough for the toppings, the bread crisps up perfectly in the oven and stays chewy in the center.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1 tablespoon): Ensures the bread toasts up golden and flavorful beneath the filling.
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley, red pepper flakes: For freshness, color, or a pop of heat—totally up to you!
How to Make Cheesy Shrimp Toast
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, chop the shrimp finely—they should be small enough to nestle into the topping without overwhelming the bread. Mince the garlic and slice the green onions, so everything is ready to stir together in a snap.
Step 2: Mix the Shrimp Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, mayonnaise, mozzarella, Parmesan, green onions, garlic, black pepper, and paprika. Give everything a thorough mix so the shrimp is well-coated and the cheeses are evenly distributed. If you love a little brightness, now’s the perfect moment to squeeze in a bit of fresh lemon juice.
Step 3: Prepare the Bread
Slice your baguette in half lengthwise and lay the pieces cut side up. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the bread—this is your secret weapon for crisp, golden edges and rich flavor. Make sure you get butter all the way to the edges for maximum deliciousness.
Step 4: Top and Assemble
Spoon the shrimp-cheese mixture generously onto the buttered bread halves. Don’t be shy—spread right to the edges to ensure every bite is loaded with flavor. Place the prepared bread on a baking sheet, ready to hit the oven.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Pop your baking sheet into the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the shrimp is cooked through and the cheese is fully melted and bubbling. For those irresistible golden spots on top, slide the bread under the broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end—just keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Let the Cheesy Shrimp Toast cool for just a moment, then slice into generous pieces while still warm. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a flourish and a hint of heat.
How to Serve Cheesy Shrimp Toast
Garnishes
Topping your Cheesy Shrimp Toast with a shower of fresh parsley gives a burst of color and a whisper of herbal freshness that cuts through the cheesy richness. If you like a little kick, a scatter of red pepper flakes works wonders, offering just the right amount of heat to wake up your palate.
Side Dishes
Because this toast is so rich and satisfying, it’s best paired with light, crisp sides. A fresh green salad with a bright vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or even a simple tomato and cucumber salad will balance the flavors and offer refreshing contrast. If you’re serving a crowd, a platter of crisp, raw veggies and a tangy dip alongside makes it a real party hit.
Creative Ways to Present
For appetizers, slice Cheesy Shrimp Toast into bite-sized pieces and layer them on a big platter for easy grabbing. Hosting brunch? Serve larger slabs alongside poached eggs or a zesty arugula salad. You can even cut the topped baguette into long strips and serve “toast fries” with extra dipping sauce—kids and adults will love the playful twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Cheesy Shrimp Toast, wrap the cooled pieces tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors meld as they sit, making leftovers just as crave-worthy the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the baked and cooled Cheesy Shrimp Toast slices on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to one month. When you’re ready, just grab as many slices as you need and reheat straight from the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, place the slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again, about 8 to 10 minutes. Skip the microwave if you can—it can make the bread a bit soggy. A hot oven brings back that just-baked crispness!
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp instead of raw?
You can, but for best flavor and texture, stick with raw shrimp—pre-cooked shrimp can become rubbery when baked. If pre-cooked shrimp is all you have, chop it finely and reduce the baking time just enough to melt the cheese fully.
Is there a good substitute for mayonnaise?
If you’re not a mayo fan, try swapping in sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. Either will bring tangy creaminess, though the flavor profile will be slightly different—just as delicious!
Can I make Cheesy Shrimp Toast gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free baguette or crusty bread. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can serve this up worry-free to friends with dietary restrictions.
What other cheeses work well in this recipe?
Feel free to mix things up with shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even Gruyère for extra flavor. As long as the cheese melts smoothly, it will work beautifully in your Cheesy Shrimp Toast.
How can I scale up the recipe for a party?
It’s easy! Just double or triple all the ingredients, grab a couple of extra baguettes, and assemble on a large baking sheet. The process stays the same, and you’ll have enough to feed a whole crowd with minimal fuss.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something simple, savory, and guaranteed to impress, Cheesy Shrimp Toast is your new best friend. It’s quick, fuss-free, and packed with so much flavor in every bite. Give it a try—you’ll discover just how fun and satisfying it is to whip up an appetizer everyone will talk about long after the last slice disappears!
Print
Cheesy Shrimp Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a delicious twist on traditional garlic bread with this Cheesy Shrimp Toast recipe. Crispy baguette topped with a savory shrimp and cheese mixture, baked to perfection for a flavorful appetizer or light meal.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Mixture:
- 1/2 pound raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
For Assembly:
- 1 French baguette or similar crusty bread, sliced in half lengthwise
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley, red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the shrimp mixture: In a medium bowl, mix shrimp, mayonnaise, cheeses, green onions, garlic, pepper, and paprika.
- Assemble the toast: Spread butter on baguette halves, top with shrimp mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until shrimp is cooked and cheese is melted.
- Broil: For a golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes.
- Serve: Slice and garnish with parsley or red pepper flakes.
Notes
- You can add a splash of lemon juice to the shrimp mixture for brightness.
- This recipe works well as an appetizer or alongside a salad for a light meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
