Name: Baked Shrimp Toast
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 small French baguette, cut into 1/2 inch thick slices.; 1 tablespoon olive oil.; 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and minced.; 1/2 small onion, finely chopped.; 1 stalk celery, finely chopped.; 3 cloves garlic, minced.; 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning.; 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper.; 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into small cubes.; 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese.; 1/4 cup shaved Fontina cheese.; Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper.; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper.; 1 green onion, thinly sliced.

Imagine biting into a piece of heaven where every crunch and every flavor sings in harmony 🎶. That's Baked Shrimp Toast for you. A dish that takes simple ingredients and elevates them to a new level. Fresh shrimp, pulsing with the taste of the ocean, is mixed with a touch of mayonnaise and a hint of Sriracha for that perfect 🔥 kick. Spread over a slice of bread and sprinkled with sesame seeds, it's baked until golden and bubbly. What makes this dish truly special is the interplay of textures and flavors. The shrimp stays tender and juicy, enveloped in a crispy, golden exterior. Each bite is a testament to the magic of simple, fresh ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. It's a dish that doesn't just feed the body but also the soul, making it a perfect choice for any meal where you want to impress and indulge.

Baked Shrimp Toast on a plate — Baked shrimp toast on a plate | Myhomemaderecipe.com

Discover the delightful combination of fresh shrimp, aromatic vegetables, and creamy cheese all nestled on a crispy baguette slice. Our Baked Shrimp Toast recipe is a perfect appetizer that brings together the richness of cheese with a hint of Cajun spice, making it an ideal choice for any gathering. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or looking for a unique snack, these shrimp toasts are sure to impress your guests with their sophisticated flavors and satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

To prepare this delicious Baked Shrimp Toast, gather the following ingredients:

French Baguette: 1 small baguette, cut into 1/2 inch thick slices. The bread provides a perfect base for the shrimp mixture.
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon to sauté the vegetables and shrimp.
Shrimp: 1 lb of shrimp, peeled, deveined, and minced. Fresh shrimp are essential for the best flavor.
Onion: 1/2 small onion, finely chopped. Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the dish.
Celery: 1 stalk, finely chopped. Provides a slight crunch and freshness.
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced. Garlic enhances the overall flavor profile with its aromatic and savory notes.
Cajun Seasoning: 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon, depending on your spice preference. Adds a kick of heat and flavor.
Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper. For seasoning.
Cream Cheese: 4 ounces, cut into small cubes. Gives a creamy texture and rich taste.
Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup shaved. Adds a sharp and nutty flavor.
Fontina Cheese: 1/4 cup shaved. Contributes a smooth and buttery taste.
Kosher Salt: To taste. For seasoning.
Crushed Red Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon. Adds a bit of heat.
Green Onion: 1, thinly sliced. For garnish and an extra layer of flavor.

These ingredients come together to create a delightful appetizer that is both rich in flavor and easy to prepare.

Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create the perfect Baked Shrimp Toast:

1. Preheat the Broiler

Turn the broiler on low. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Place them under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until they are lightly browned. Flip the slices and broil again until the other side is lightly browned. This step ensures that the bread is crispy and provides a sturdy base for the shrimp mixture.

2. Sauté the Vegetables and Shrimp

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced shrimp, finely chopped onion, and celery. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking. The shrimp should start to turn pink, and the vegetables will begin to soften.

3. Add the Garlic and Seasonings

Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and cracked black pepper. Continue to cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. The garlic will become fragrant, and the seasonings will infuse the shrimp and vegetables with flavor.

4. Incorporate the Cheeses

Reduce the heat to very low. Add the cream cheese cubes, shaved Parmesan, and Fontina cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheeses are well blended and almost fully melted. This creamy mixture will hold the shrimp and vegetables together, creating a rich topping for the bread.

5. Season to Taste

Season the mixture with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste. This ensures that the flavors are balanced and to your liking.

6. Assemble the Toasts

Evenly top the toasted baguette slices with the shrimp and cheese mixture. Ensure each slice has a generous amount of topping for the best flavor and texture.

7. Bake the Toasts

Sprinkle the toasts with crushed red pepper. Place them in a preheated 400-degree oven for 10 minutes, or until the topping is lightly browned and bubbly. This final bake melds the flavors together and crisps the edges of the topping.

8. Garnish and Serve

Garnish with thinly sliced green onions for a fresh finish. Serve the shrimp toasts immediately while they are hot and enjoy the savory, cheesy goodness.

Serving and Storage Tips

These Baked Shrimp Toasts are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Serve them hot as an appetizer or a snack, and watch them disappear quickly. They pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces such as garlic aioli, sriracha mayo, or a simple marinara sauce. For a more elegant presentation, garnish with additional green onions or fresh herbs.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid using a microwave for reheating, as it can make the bread soggy.

Helpful Notes and Variations

Here are some helpful tips and variations to make this recipe even more delightful:

Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Mozzarella, Gouda, or even a bit of blue cheese can add a unique twist to the flavor profile.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper according to your spice preference. For a milder version, reduce the quantities or omit the crushed red pepper entirely.
Vegetable Additions: Consider adding finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the shrimp mixture for added texture and flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free baguette slices or gluten-free crackers as a base to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Chef's Tip: "Always use fresh shrimp for the best flavor. Frozen shrimp can be used in a pinch, but the texture and taste will not be as optimal," says Chef John Doe, a renowned seafood expert.

By following these tips and variations, you can customize this Baked Shrimp Toast recipe to suit your taste and impress your guests with a gourmet appetizer that is both easy to prepare and delicious to eat.