In the heart of the South, where flavorful food reigns supreme, I discovered a delightful recipe that instantly captured my imagination: Baked Shrimp Toast with Cajun Cream Cheese. With savory minced shrimp blended harmoniously into a creamy, cheesy topping, this appetizer brings a satisfying touch to any gathering. It’s not just quick—taking mere minutes to prepare—but it also brings that comforting Southern flair to your table. Perfect for entertaining or enjoying cozy nights in, every bite promises to transport you to a warm, breezy evening on the porch. Are you ready to elevate your appetizer game with this irresistible dish? Let’s dive in! Why is Baked Shrimp Toast a Must-Try? Quick to Prepare: This recipe comes together in just minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or busy weeknights. Flavor Explosion: With a melty blend of cheeses and the bold kick of Cajun seasoning, each bite is a delicious adventure for your taste buds. Versatile Choice: Serve it as a delightful appetizer at parties or enjoy it as a light meal alongside a fresh salad, just like my Caesar Shrimp Wraps. Crowd Pleaser: This dish’s creamy, savory goodness ensures it’ll be a hit with friends and family alike, satisfying both shrimp lovers and comfort food enthusiasts. Customizable: Feel free to switch up the ingredients by using crab or lobster for a twist, or even try different breads for new textures, much like the options in my Loaded Baked Potato recipe. You’ll undoubtedly want seconds of this crispy, decadent Baked Shrimp Toast! Baked Shrimp Toast Ingredients For the Toast • French Baguette – A sturdy base for the shrimp mixture; slice into ½ inch pieces for optimal crispiness. • Olive Oil – Adds flavor and moisture; choose high-quality extra virgin for the best taste. For the Shrimp Mixture • Shrimp – Wild-caught is best for flavor and sustainability; use thawed if frozen for this baked shrimp toast. • Onion – Brings sweetness to the dish; finely chop for even distribution throughout. • Celery – Offers a crunchy texture that lightens the mix; chop finely to match the onions. • Garlic – Enhances the overall flavor profile significantly; mince for maximum aroma. • Cajun Seasoning – Provides the essential spicy kick; adjust to taste, starting with ¼ teaspoon. For the Creamy Topping • Cream Cheese – Adds richness and serves as the base; cube it for easier melting. • Parmesan Cheese – Lends a nutty flavor and helps bind the mixture; grate fresh for the best results. • Fontina Cheese – Creaminess is key; if unavailable, Gruyere or Havarti make great substitutes. For Seasoning and Garnishing • Kosher Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning to taste; opt for freshly cracked pepper for enhanced flavor. • Crushed Red Pepper – Adds extra heat if desired; sprinkle sparingly on top before serving. • Green Onion – Freshness and color for garnishing; slice thinly for a delicate touch. This luscious Baked Shrimp Toast with its creamy Cajun twist is sure to become a favorite at your gatherings! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Baked Shrimp Toast Step 1: Preheat and Toast the Bread Begin by preheating your broiler to low. While it’s heating, slice a French baguette into ½ inch pieces, then lightly brush each side with high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler for about 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are golden brown and crispy. Step 2: Sauté Aromatics In a medium skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add finely chopped onion and celery, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant and slightly softened. Next, add minced garlic and continue sautéing for another minute, stirring frequently until the garlic is aromatic. This will lay a flavorful foundation for your baked shrimp toast. Step 3: Cook the Shrimp Add minced shrimp to the skillet, cooking for an additional minute while stirring regularly until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Introduce Cajun seasoning at this point, allowing the spices to infuse into the shrimp mixture. Cook for another 30 seconds to ensure the shrimp absorbs all the delicious flavors for your baked shrimp toast. Step 4: Create the Creamy Mixture Lower the heat and add the cubed cream cheese, grated Parmesan, and Fontina cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt and blend into a creamy mixture. This step should take about 2-3 minutes, creating a rich and savory topping that will beautifully complement the toasted bread. Step 5: Assemble the Shrimp Toast Once the shrimp mixture is creamy, season it with kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper if desired. Gently mix to combine, then evenly spoon this luscious shrimp blend onto each toasted baguette slice. Step 6: Bake to Perfection Preheat your oven to 400°F and transfer the loaded baguette slices to a baking dish. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the toppings are golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning; you want your baked shrimp toast to be perfectly crisp! Step 7: Garnish and Serve Once baked, remove the shrimp toast from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions for a pop of freshness and color. Serve your delicious Baked Shrimp Toast immediately, warm, and ready to wow your guests with its creamy, spiced goodness! How to Store and Freeze Baked Shrimp Toast Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or air fryer to maintain texture. Freezer: Avoid freezing baked shrimp toast, as the cream cheese base doesn’t freeze well and may alter the texture upon thawing. Preparation Tips: If prepping ahead, you can prepare the shrimp mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before assembly and baking. Serving Fresh: For the best flavor and texture experience, serve your baked shrimp toast warm right after baking; they’re a crowd favorite! Baked Shrimp Toast Variations & Substitutions Feel free to give this dish your personal touch with these fun and delicious twists! Seafood Swap: Substitute shrimp with crab or lobster for an upscale delight that enhances the seafood flavor profile. Imagine sinking your teeth into rich, buttery bites that take your appetizer to a new level. Bread Options: Use crusty Italian bread or sourdough instead of baguette. These alternatives provide different flavors and textures, making each serving uniquely satisfying. Veggie Boost: Add fresh spinach or artichoke to the shrimp mixture for a flavor kick and added nutrition. This creates a delightful contrast of colors and flavors, making your toast even more stunning. Heat Level Adjustment: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the Cajun seasoning or omit the crushed red pepper. You can always serve it with hot sauce on the side for those looking to spice things up! Dairy-Free Delight: Swap cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream or a vegan spread. You’ll still enjoy a creamy texture without the dairy, perfect for those with dietary restrictions. Cheese Alternatives: If Fontina is unavailable, try Gruyere or Havarti for a similar melting quality. These cheeses will keep your topping rich and flavorful. Topping Twist: Experiment with different herbs like dill or cilantro to brighten the flavors of the shrimp mixture. Fresh herbs will elevate your dish, giving it a garden-fresh taste. Serving Styles: Serve on mini sliders or in lettuce wraps for a fun finger food option. This way, you can enjoy your Baked Shrimp Toast in a different form at your next gathering! Explore these alternatives to discover your favorite version of this delightful appetizer. And if you love shrimp, you might also want to try my Shrimp Boil Foil recipe for another crowd-pleasing option. Enjoy your cooking journey! Make Ahead Options These Baked Shrimp Toasts are a fantastic choice for meal prep, saving you valuable time on busy weeknights or entertaining evenings! You can prepare the shrimp mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cook the shrimp with the aromatics, cheese, and seasonings as instructed, then refrigerate it in an airtight container. For the baguette, slice and oil it, but toast it just before serving to maintain its crispiness. When you’re ready to enjoy, spoon the chilled shrimp mixture over the bread and bake at 400°F for about 10 minutes until golden and bubbly. This way, you can present restaurant-quality Baked Shrimp Toast with minimal effort! What to Serve with Baked Shrimp Toast? Serving a delightful array alongside this creamy, flavorful appetizer enhances your dining experience, inviting warmth and joy to your table. Crispy Garden Salad: A mix of fresh greens with a light dressing adds a refreshing crunch that balances the rich flavors of the toast. Pairing a salad with vibrant colors invigorates the meal. Zesty Coleslaw: This crunchy, tangy accomplice offers a lovely contrast, perfectly complementing the savoriness of the baked shrimp while lifting up the overall flavor profile. Steamed Asparagus: With its subtle flavor and crisp texture, asparagus provides an elegant touch and a fresh green element to your plate, enhancing the Southern charm. Garlic Bread: A classic side, garlic bread offers similar cozy richness, making every bite an irresistible combination of bold flavors and comforting textures. Cajun-Spiced Sweet Potato Fries: These add a satisfying crunch with a hint of sweetness, echoing the Cajun flavors and enhancing the overall theme of your meal. White Wine Spritzer: For drinks, a crisp, cold white wine spritzer refreshes the palate between bites, complementing the baked shrimp toast without overpowering its flavor. Chocolate Mousse: Round out the meal with a light dessert like chocolate mousse. Its creaminess and rich sweetness offer the perfect whimsical ending, leaving your guests smiling. Homemade Lemonade: A pitcher of fresh lemonade provides a refreshing balance to the dish, perfectly quenching thirst and brightening the flavors of your entire gathering. Expert Tips for Baked Shrimp Toast Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest shrimp possible; wild-caught shrimp will enhance the flavor of your baked shrimp toast significantly. Cheese Melting: Cut cream cheese into small cubes for easier melting; this will help create a smooth, creamy topping effortlessly. Watch the Broiler: Broil with care! Keep a close eye on the bread to avoid burning; flip the slices halfway for an even golden crust. Prep Ahead: Prepare your ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process; this prevents the shrimp from overcooking when you’re ready to assemble. Bold Seasoning: Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste; start with a smaller amount and increase if you enjoy a spicier baked shrimp toast. Baked Shrimp Toast with Cajun Cream Cheese Recipe FAQs What kind of shrimp should I use for Baked Shrimp Toast? Opt for wild-caught shrimp whenever possible, as they offer a richer flavor and firmer texture. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, but if you choose frozen, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. How should I store leftovers of Baked Shrimp Toast? To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating gently in the oven or an air fryer helps maintain that crispy texture. Can I freeze Baked Shrimp Toast? I recommend avoiding freezing this dish. The cream cheese base does not freeze well, which may result in a change in texture upon thawing. If you want to prepare in advance, consider making the shrimp mixture and refrigerating it for up to 24 hours before baking. How do I know if my shrimp is cooked properly? Cooked shrimp should be pink and opaque, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes in the pan. If you see any dark spots or if they curl tightly, it’s a sign they’ve been overcooked. Keeping a careful watch during cooking will help you avoid this! What can I substitute for the Cajun seasoning? If you’re looking to switch things up, you can use Old Bay seasoning or even a homemade mix with paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Just start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste, depending on how spicy you like your Baked Shrimp Toast. Can I make the shrimp mixture ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the shrimp mixture a day in advance. Simply store it in the fridge in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, assemble the shrimp toast and bake for that fresh, warm goodness. Crispy Baked Shrimp Toast with Creamy Cajun Twist Indulge in Baked Shrimp Toast with a creamy Cajun twist. A delightful appetizer that is quick to prepare and full of flavor. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 25 minutes mins Servings: 4 slicesCourse: LunchCuisine: SouthernCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Toast1 loaf French Baguette sliced into ½ inch pieces2 tablespoons Olive Oil high-quality extra virginFor the Shrimp Mixture1 pound Shrimp wild-caught, thawed if frozen1 medium Onion finely chopped1 stalk Celery finely chopped2 cloves Garlic minced0.25 teaspoon Cajun Seasoning adjust to tasteFor the Creamy Topping8 ounces Cream Cheese cubed0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese grated0.5 cup Fontina Cheese or Gruyere/HavartiFor Seasoning and Garnishingto taste Kosher Saltto taste Black Pepper freshly crackedto taste Crushed Red Pepper optional2 tablespoons Green Onion thinly sliced Equipment Baking sheetmedium skilletBroilerOven Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your broiler to low, slice the French baguette, and brush each side with olive oil. Toast in the broiler for 3-5 minutes until golden brown.In a medium skillet, heat olive oil and sauté chopped onion and celery for about 1 minute. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.Add minced shrimp and cook until pink and opaque. Stir in cajun seasoning and cook for another 30 seconds.Lower heat and add cream cheese, parmesan, and fontina to the skillet. Stir until melted into a creamy mixture, about 2-3 minutes.Season the shrimp mixture with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper. Spoon onto toasted baguette slices.Preheat oven to 400°F, transfer the slices to a dish and bake for 10 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.Garnish with green onions and serve warm. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 15gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg NotesUse the freshest ingredients for the best flavor, and adjust seasoning to your taste. Prepare shrimp mixture ahead of time for convenience. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
