If you love seafood with a crispy, flavorful twist, you are going to absolutely adore this Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of tender shrimp, creamy tangy notes, and just the right amount of spice, all packed onto a crisp slice of bread that is baked to golden perfection. This dish is the perfect bite-sized appetizer or a fun snack that feels both fancy and comforting. Trust me, once you try making this Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe, it’ll become one of your go-to crowd-pleasers for gatherings or even a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple and straightforward, the ingredients in this Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe come together to create a symphony of texture and flavor. Each one plays an essential role—from the juicy shrimp to the crispy bread and carefully chosen spices that add a gentle kick and depth.
- Shrimp (1/2 pound): Fresh or thawed shrimp, peeled and deveined, provide the main luscious seafood flavor.
- Butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Adds richness and helps marry the flavors of the topping.
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Brings creaminess and helps bind the shrimp mixture together.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Gives a subtle tangy sharpness that cuts through the richness.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds brightness and a fresh citrus zing.
- Garlic (2 teaspoons, minced): Infuses an aromatic warmth that enhances the shrimp’s natural flavor.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances and heightens all the other tastes.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just enough spice to keep things lively.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a mild smoky flavor and a beautiful reddish hue.
- Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Brings a gentle heat to elevate the shrimp topping.
- White bread (4 slices, crusts removed): These form the crispy, soft base perfect for holding the shrimp topping.
- Parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): A fresh herbaceous note and appealing green color.
- Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Creates a bubbly, golden crust with a nutty flavor when baked.
How to Make Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Shrimp
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While waiting, peel and devein the shrimp, then chop them into fine pieces. This ensures every bite is perfectly textured and flavorful.
Step 2: Combine the Shrimp Mixture
In a medium bowl, add the chopped shrimp and pour in the melted butter. The butter adds a luscious richness that binds the ingredients. Then mix in mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir thoroughly until your shrimp mixture is creamy, spicy, and bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Prepare Your Bread
Remove the crusts from your white bread slices using a serrated knife. Lay the bread on a flat surface and gently press or roll each slice flat. Flattening the bread helps it hold the shrimp mixture better and crisps up nicely while baking.
Step 4: Assemble the Toasts
Spread your shrimp mixture evenly over each flattened bread slice, smoothing it into a nice even layer with a spoon. Then sprinkle chopped parsley over the topping for a fresh flavor burst and scatter grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top to create a golden, savory crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the prepared bread slices on a baking sheet, making sure not to overlap them. Bake in your oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bread edges turn a gorgeous golden brown and the shrimp mixture is cooked through and bubbling with flavor.
Step 6: Cooling and Serving
Once baked, carefully remove the shrimp toasts from the oven and allow them to cool for a couple of minutes. This step is crucial to maintain their structure and prevent burns, plus it lets the flavors settle beautifully.
How to Serve Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like extra chopped parsley or a light drizzle of lemon juice can brighten up the dish right before serving. Adding a pinch of paprika or even a few chili flakes can add an extra punch if you enjoy spice.
Side Dishes
Baked shrimp toast pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or pickled vegetables for balance. You might also want to serve it alongside a bowl of hot and sour soup for a full Asian-inspired meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, cut the shrimp toast into smaller, bite-sized squares and arrange them on a vibrant platter with dipping sauces like sweet chili or a tangy soy sauce blend. Adding edible flowers or microgreens on top can transform these toasts into an elegant appetizer everyone will remember.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days to keep the bread from becoming soggy and to maintain the shrimp’s fresh flavor.
Freezing
While it’s possible to freeze baked shrimp toast, the texture of the bread may suffer upon thawing. If you want to freeze, do so before baking, tightly wrap the prepared toasts, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as usual.
Reheating
Reheat leftover baked shrimp toast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This helps the bread regain its crispiness while warming the shrimp topping evenly. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the bread gummy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly as long as you thaw and drain them well before chopping and mixing. This helps avoid excess moisture, which can make the toast soggy.
Is it necessary to remove the crusts from the bread?
Removing the crusts is traditional for shrimp toast, giving a uniform texture and preventing any tough edges. However, if you prefer, you can leave them on for extra crunch.
Can I substitute the white bread with something else?
White bread is preferred due to its soft, neutral flavor and ability to crisp well. But you can try sandwich bread or brioche for a richer taste. Just be mindful of thickness when flattening.
How spicy is this Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe?
The recipe delivers a mild to moderate kick from cayenne and paprika, which can be adjusted up or down based on your heat preference. Feel free to omit cayenne if you prefer milder flavors.
What dipping sauces go well with shrimp toast?
Sweet chili sauce, soy sauce mixed with a splash of rice vinegar, or even a garlic aioli pair wonderfully with baked shrimp toast, complementing its crispy, savory profile.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to try this Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe. It’s one of those special dishes that’s simple to make but impressively delicious, perfect for treating yourself or delighting friends. Once you get a taste of that crispy crust combined with savory, spicy shrimp, you’ll understand why it’s a keeper in my kitchen. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy every bite of this fantastic shrimp toast!
Print
Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in crispy, golden baked shrimp toast topped with a flavorful blend of shrimp, butter, mayonnaise, and spices, finished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. This easy appetizer combines creamy and savory elements perfectly baked to a crunchy finish.
Ingredients
Shrimp Mixture
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Bread
- 4 slices white bread, crusts removed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the shrimp toasts perfectly.
- Prepare Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp thoroughly, then chop them into small, bite-sized pieces to create an even topping.
- Combine Shrimp and Butter: Place the chopped shrimp into a medium bowl. Melt the butter either in the microwave or on the stovetop, then mix it into the shrimp to add richness.
- Add Flavorings: To the shrimp mixture, add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is flavorful.
- Prepare Bread: Remove the crusts from each slice of white bread using a serrated knife. Place the slices on a cutting board and flatten them gently with a rolling pin or your palm for a better base.
- Spread Mixture: Evenly spread the shrimp topping over each flattened bread slice. Use a spoon to smooth the mixture into an even layer for consistent cooking.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top of the shrimp mixture, followed by an even layer of grated Parmesan cheese to enhance flavor and add a golden crust when baked.
- Bake: Arrange the prepared shrimp toasts on a baking sheet in a single layer without overlapping. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bread edges turn golden brown and the shrimp topping is cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove from oven and allow the shrimp toasts to cool for a couple of minutes before serving to enjoy the perfect blend of warm, crispy, and creamy textures.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp are well chopped for an even mixture and easy spreading.
- Flattening the bread helps create a crispy base that holds the topping without getting soggy.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
- Parmesan cheese adds a deliciously crispy crust; for a different flavor, try substituting with another hard cheese like Asiago.
- Serve as an appetizer or a light snack with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
