Shrimp toasts are fresh chopped shrimp, onion, celery, and garlic, all nested in a luscious sauce made from cream cheese, Parmesan, and Fontina cheese with just a hint of Cajun spice. They are fabulous for entertaining, and I love to serve these bite-sized goodies with Mini Quiche and Toasted Ravioli.
Shrimp Toast with a Twist
With the right recipes, entertaining can be pretty fun and rewarding. Honestly, who doesn’t love people bragging about what a great cook they are? These Shrimp Toasts are a take-off on the Chinese Fried Shrimp Toast, only they are baked and have a Cajun twist. They are flavor-packed and extremely easy to make. My friends and family love this dish.
How do you make Shrimp Toast?
Start by toasting the French baguette slices under the broiler on low for 3-5 minutes on each side or until lightly browned. Now grab a skillet and heat just a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp, onion, and celery while stirring frequently. After 1 minute, add the garlic, pepper, and Cajun seasoning while stirring constantly.
Turn the heat as low as it will go and add the cream cheese, Parmesan, and Fontina cheese. Stir until the cheese is blended and almost fully melted. Now, top the toasted baguette slices evenly with the shrimp mixture. Season with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper and place in the oven for about 10 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Sprinkle with scallions or fresh chopped cilantro. For best results, serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- Broilers are very unpredictable, so if at all possible, broil it on low. Use my cooking times only as a reference, and check on the baguette slices frequently.
- Buy good quality wild-caught shrimp if possible. You can purchase either fresh or frozen. However, if frozen, plan ahead by thawing in the refrigerator or in a plastic seal bag that is dunked in very cold water.
- To peel the shrimp, pull on the legs, and the shell will begin to peel away. Now take a small pairing knife and make a shallow cut down the center of the shrimp back to the top edge of where the tail was. To remove the black intestine, run the cool water over the back of the shrimp and rub so the vein will rinse out easily.
- This recipe moves very quickly, and it is essential that you keep up so the shrimp are not overcooked. Therefore have everything close by, including the seasonings, cubed cream cheese, and shaved Fontina and Parmesan cheese.
- If you can not find shaved Fontina and Parmesan, shave what you need off a block with a vegetable peeler.
Storage and Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat on a baking sheet loosely covered with aluminum foil at 325 degrees for 5-7 minutes or just until warm. Or reheat in an air fryer at 350 degrees for 1-2 minutes.
More Appetizers to Love
Baked Shrimp Toast
Ingredients
- 1 small french baquette cut in 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
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 4 ounces cream cheese cut in 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
Instructions
- Turn the broiler on low. Put bread slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes or until lightly browned. Turn slices over and put them back under the broiler to lightly brown the other side.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp, onion, and celery. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently. Add the garlic and sprinkle the skillet with the Cajun seasoning and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to very low. Add cream cheese, Parmesan, and Fontina. Stir until the cheese is blended and almost fully melted. Season with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper
- Top the toasted baguette crusts evenly with the shrimp mixture. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper and place in a 400-degree oven for 10 minutes or until lightly browned and bubbly. Sprinkle with green onions. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Broilers are very unpredictable, so if at all possible, broil it on low. Use my cooking times only as a reference, and check on the baguette slices frequently.
- Buy good quality wild-caught shrimp if possible. You can purchase either fresh or frozen. However, if frozen, plan ahead by thawing in the refrigerator or in a plastic seal bag that is dunked in very cold water.
- To peel the shrimp, pull on the legs, and the shell will begin to peel away. Now take a small pairing knife and make a shallow cut down the center of the shrimp back to the top edge of where the tail was. To remove the black intestine, run the cool water over the back of the shrimp and rub so the vein will rinse out easily.
- This recipe moves very quickly, and it is essential that you keep up so the shrimp are not overcooked. Therefore have everything close by, including the seasonings, cubed cream cheese, and shaved Fontina and Parmesan cheese.
- If you can not find shaved Fontina and Parmesan, shave what you need off a block with a vegetable peeler.
Nutrition
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Sarah Niday
What can I substitute for the Fontina cheese? I couldn’t find it In my store!
Beth Pierce
Try gruyere or havarati.
Kinsley
What a great appetizer! All my friends raved about them. Next time I will add just a little more Cajun seasoning. We like things with a little kick around here.
Amelia
Absolutely delicious!! My family asks for this on a regular basis!! Great for gamedays and movie nights.
Renata B
I suppose every good cook wants to be recognized for the food they put on the table. These shrimp toasts were so tasty and aestheically pleasing. My friends loved them and I was the perfect hostess. Thanks for sharing the recipe, Beth!
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Renata!
Nadia
I am in love with these shrimp toasts. They are so yummy. Perfect on crostini. Thanks for the new party favorite.
Mary Lou
This Baked shrimp toast is delicious…I love the Cajun twist. I am going to use this recipe for the superbowl. I know my friends and family will love it.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Mary Lou! Enjoy!
Tisha D
Absolutely scrumptious. I made them for the playoff games and everyone loved them! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Tess
These baked shrimp toast are so good with the perfect balance of spices and texture. They were a big hit for brunch with your chile relleno casserole, French toast casserole, and fresh fruit. Next time I am going to use the stuffing in portobello mushrooms for a main course.
Beth Pierce
That sounds delicious, Tess! I need to try that myself.
Kali
What a delicious twist on Asian shrimp toasts and so much better. My guests really loved these. These will on regular rotation at our cocktail parties.
JRC
This makes a yummy lunch recipe! I paired it with some fruit and a glass of Riesling. My sweetie and I really loved the meal.
Susie
The combination of fresh chopped shrimp, onion, celery, and garlic was a flavor explosion. We loved the toasts with the Cajun twist. So much flavor. Your idea of pairing them with Mini Quiche and Toasted Ravioli for entertaining is pure genius. Can’t wait to try this delightful trio at my next gathering!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Susie! I hope you enjoy them all! They are all so delicious!
Sage
I made these for New Years and everyone loved them! They are our new favorite party appetizer. Thanks for the recipe!
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Sage!
Yara
These little shrimp toasts are super tasty. Love the sweetness of the little shrimps, with a bit of crunch from veggies and a good cheesy sauce too! I am going to make them again for Superbowl Sunday!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Yara! We are making them too!
Harold
This shrimp toast recipe is absolutely divine. We loved it so much. All my guests ranted and raved. Thanks for sharing!
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Harold!
Katie
Your Baked Shrimp Toast recipe is a flavor explosion! 😋 Love the Cajun twist – gives it that extra kick. Thanks for the pro tips on broiling and choosing quality shrimp. 🦐 Keep those delicious recipes coming!
Beth Pierce
Will do! Thanks, Katie!
Heather W
I tried this with some smoked salmon and it was very good. I imagine that it would also be good with lobster and crab. Thanks for the great and versatile recipe.
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Heather!
Savannah
We love this baked shrimp toast. It’s the perfect appetizer for formal and casual parties, and I love the Cajun twist. So much flavor. Thanks for the recipe,
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Savannah!
Sandra
Tried this over the weekend and it was a hit! What a yummy appetizer!
Janelle C
Wow I was a little leery on this one but it turned out so good! Yum!! These are going to be on the menu for Superbowl Sunday!
Beth Pierce
My thoughts exactly!
Gabriella
These were SO GOOD and easy to make too. They will definitely be making appearances at all our gatherings. I can’t with to share them with friends and family!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Gabriella!
Melissa R
Great appetizer! Easy to make and so delicious – made this recipe over the weekend and everyone was raving over it!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Melissa! I am so glad that everyone liked the shrimp toast.
Audrey
We love trying appetizers like this for movie night – the kids asked me to make this one again next time! I’m going to have to double the recipe too – they went fast!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Audrey! So glad that the kids liked them. Kids are hard to please!
M’Lou Thompson
I made this for my Wine Down Wednesday crew and it was a hit! They’re anxious for a repeat.
Beth Pierce
So glad that they liked them and what a fun name for a group.
Connie
I think this wonderful appetizer could be made using small phyllo dough pastry cups as well.
Beth Pierce
I agree! Thanks for the tip Connie!
Mel G.
These were fantastic. I cooked the onion and celery until soft, and left out the green onions. Everyone raved about them. Definitely going in my favorites!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Mel! I am so glad that everyone enjoyed them!
Donna
Hello everyone, I would like to make this appetizer for a party this weekend. I just wondered if the shrimp needs to be cooked in the pan with the onions, celery, etc? Wouldn’t the shrimp be cooked enough when you bake the appetizers in the oven? I don’t want to overcook the shrimp. Would love to know if anyone tried that.
Jayne
I would like to hear an answer to that also
michele albert
Can I make this ahead of time, and have everything ready to assemble?
Beth Pierce
Yes you can make it up to 24 hours in advance. Store the shrimp mixture in an airtight container in the fridge. Remove from the fridge about 30-40 minutes before assembling to bring to room temperature.
Phyllis
Has anyone tried this using crawfish?
Aydin
Delicious! Everyone loved them! Didn’t have any Cajun seasoning, so just substituted my homemade Tasso seasoning. Thanks for sharing!
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine. That sound very interesting.
Tawn Glass
Has anyone made these and frozen them until ready to reheat?
Roxana
I love shrimp and this is such a nice idea. The flavors are perfect. And paired with cheese this makes a quick and filling snack.
Gina
Delicious little bites! Love these on sourdough!
Dannii
What a great way to use shrimp. I love the addition of Cajun seasoning too.
Savita
Seems like a great game-day snack.
Jenn
I made these for a party and now that’s all anyone will talk about! The flavors were so amazing and I liked the touch of Cajun flavor – it really made the shrimp pop!
Don
Never ever change posted recipes. Respect the kindness of the person who has made the post. All good!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Don! So glad that you liked the shrimp toasts! I wish I had some right now because they are yummy!!
Heather
I do not like Cajun seasoning..how about paprika and cumin? Anyone have some suggestions?
Soniya
Wow! This baked shrimp toast looks and sounds so delicious!
Kechi
This is such a yummy and delicious appetizer! So simple, yet, looks incredibly flavorful! I want this asap!!
Toni
Everyone at my house loved this! So delicious and flavorful!
Maria
Now those are some top-tier appetizers! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Alison
These look amazing! The combination of the shrimp, spices, and touch of parmesan makes for the perfect party appetizer!
Kristyn
I am excited to make these for guests! We tried it & fell in love!! It’s a great way to use shrimp!
Katie
Made this for the family and it was a hit!
Melissa
Wow – great recipe my husband and I enjoyed yourr recipe last weekend!
Tawnie Kroll
We are so happy to have found this recipe. We make it all the time now and everyone LOVES it. Such a great appetizer!
Jo
Thanks for sharing! It’s a really great toast recipe!! ❤
rika
These shrimp toast looks so good! I love shrimp, can’t wait to make this for snack time.
Genevieve
This looks like a delicious appetizer! Great for movie nights!
Anjali
Yum! What a fun and easy appetizer!! I feel like my whole family would love these!
Cheryl Chapman
thank you for your recipes
Nicole
Can I make the mixture ahead of time, store it the fridge, top and broil the toast right before the party?
Tessa
Nicole – Did you try this? I am interested in making it ahead too.
Nicole Da Silva
Hi Tessa, I did try it (I am sure this is way too late), but it came out AMAZING. I will always make that part ahead and just top the toast with the par cooked mixture.
Betty
Nicole can you make a natch ahead & refrigerate?
Can you also make a batch & freeze.
Kristyn
I have never tried this, but it looks so good!! I am exited to make it! Love all the flavors!
Matt Taylor
Two things I love are shrimp and toast! This is so easy to make and amazing!
Cyd
I LOVE shrimp and this shrimp toast is such a good appetizer. I love serving it for neighbors when we gather for weekend happy hours!
M
I cook the shrimp in the shell then peel before adding the cheese. Yes it’s messier, but cooked shrimp are easier to peel. The shells add so much flavor, and they also protect the shrimp from getting over cooked and rubbery.
Beth Pierce
Thanks for the tip.
Patricia
These look like fun little treats! I love the Cajun seasoning that you included! Great for parties or get togethers!
Tiffany La Forge-Grau
These are such a delicious idea! Shrimp is so easy to cook and makes for some awesome appetizers.
Demeter
I know this will be a hit at tonight’s party! Such a great appetizer to add to the line up, thanks!
Sara Welch
What a delicious appetizer! Definitely going to be a hit for New Year’s Eve; looks too good to pass up!
Meghan
Shrimp toast is such a fun recipe – really good for NYE too!