If you love a crunchy, savory bite that bursts with flavor, you are going to fall head over heels for this Shrimp Toast Recipe. Imagine tender, seasoned shrimp mixed with creamy cheese and crisp veggies, all piled high on toasted baguette slices with a golden, bubbly topping. It’s the perfect appetizer, snack, or even a fun party treat that combines texture and taste in the most delightful way. Once you try this Shrimp Toast Recipe, it just might become your new go-to for impressing friends or treating yourself to something truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six steps to make a shrimp dish on a white marbled surface. The first step has ingredients arranged neatly in small white bowls, including chopped green onions, red peppers, shredded cheese, shrimp, and spices. The second step shows a black baking tray with 18 slices of toasted golden brown bread. The third image shows a black cast iron pan with chopped green onions, red peppers, and celery being cooked. The fourth step adds raw shrimp on top of the cooked vegetables in the pan. In the fifth image, the shrimp are mixed and cooked with added seasonings. The last image shows the cooked shrimp and vegetable mix in the pan, now topped with two mounds of creamy white and orange shredded cheese. A wooden board with bread slices and a white and blue towel are placed nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Shrimp Toast Recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create a delicious balance of flavors, colors, and textures. Each one plays an important role, from the crunch of the baguette to the creamy richness of the cheeses and the bright pop of shrimp and vegetables.

Baguette slices: A 16-inch French baguette sliced into 16 portions provides the perfect crunchy base.
Olive oil: Used to brush bread for toasty crispiness and to sauté veggies and shrimp for richness.
Medium shrimp: 1 pound, peeled, deveined, and roughly chopped for tender, flavorful seafood bites.
Red bell pepper: 1/3 cup diced for sweetness and a splash of vibrant red color.
Green onions: 6 medium, thinly sliced to add a fresh, mild onion flavor and garnish.
Seafood seasoning: 1 teaspoon (like Old Bay) to bring a subtle, savory kick.
Granulated garlic: 1 teaspoon for that unmistakable garlicky warmth.
Salt and lemon pepper: Each 1/2 teaspoon to enhance brightness and balance seasoning.
Chive and onion cream cheese: 4 ounces softened to give a velvety, tangy base to the shrimp mixture.
Hot sauce: A few dashes for a gentle heat that wakes up every bite.
Colby jack cheese: 1 1/2 cups shredded and divided for melty, gooey deliciousness.
Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup shredded to infuse a nutty, savory finish.
Smoked paprika: A dusting on top for a subtle smoky aroma and beautiful color.

How to Make Shrimp Toast Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Bread

First, preheat your oven to the broil setting and get a large sheet pan ready by brushing it with olive oil or applying cooking spray. Lightly brush both sides of each baguette slice with olive oil, then arrange them on your pan. Broil for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until the slices are perfectly toasted with a golden crisp. This crunchy base is crucial because it holds all the delicious toppings without getting soggy.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables and Shrimp

While the bread is toasting, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced red bell pepper and sliced green onions, and cook them just until they start to soften—about 2 minutes. This step helps release their natural sweetness and aromatic flavor. Then add the chopped shrimp, cooking them for about 2 minutes until they turn pink and are fully cooked through. This quick sauté keeps them tender and juicy.

Step 3: Season and Combine the Filling

Sprinkle in your seafood seasoning, granulated garlic, salt, and lemon pepper to the skillet, stirring everything together well so the seasoning blends evenly. Next, add the softened chive and onion cream cheese, 1/2 cup of the Colby jack cheese, the Parmesan cheese, and a few dashes of hot sauce. Stir until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined into a creamy, delicious filling. Then turn off the heat and remove the skillet from the stove.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Using a tablespoon, divide the shrimp mixture evenly onto each toasted baguette slice, spreading it generously. Top each piece with the remaining shredded Colby jack cheese and dust the tops lightly with smoked paprika for an inviting smoky touch. Lower your oven temperature to 400°F and bake the shrimp toasts for 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese melts and the tops turn a golden, bubbly masterpiece. For an extra golden crust, feel free to finish with a quick broil, watching closely to prevent burning.

How to Serve Shrimp Toast Recipe

A two-layer white square serving stand holds golden-brown baked muffins filled with a creamy mixture. The top layer has two muffins garnished with small pieces of green onion and thin white onion rings, showing a slightly crispy and textured surface with orange and yellow tones. The bottom layer displays several similar muffins, all topped with chopped green onions and hints of red bits inside, giving a slightly rough and inviting look. In the background, there is a blurred white marbled surface with soft natural light, and a glass of light yellow liquid adds to the cozy setting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A scatter of the reserved fresh green onions adds a lovely burst of color and a subtle crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy shrimp topping. You can also add a small squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of extra smoked paprika for an eye-catching presentation and a fresh flavor lift.

Side Dishes

Shrimp toast is delightfully versatile, making it a wonderful appetizer or snack. Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette to balance the richness, or serve alongside a bowl of hot Asian-style soup for a comforting, cohesive meal. Fresh cucumber slices or pickled vegetables also complement the dish beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress guests or elevate your presentation, try arranging the shrimp toasts on a long serving board, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh herbs. For a party platter, use mini baguette slices and create bite-sized shrimp toasts, making them easy to enjoy while mingling. A drizzle of sriracha or a side of sweet chili sauce can add a fun dipping option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, simply place the shrimp toasts in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 2 days, allowing you to enjoy the deliciousness later without sacrificing flavor or texture too much.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for shrimp toast because the bread may become soggy and the cheese texture can alter after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term use.

Reheating

To reheat, place the shrimp toasts on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes. This will help restore some of the crunchiness to the bread and re-melt the cheese, making your leftovers feel fresh and delightful again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Shrimp Toast Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely, pat them dry to remove excess moisture, and proceed as directed. This helps maintain the right texture and prevents your shrimp toast from becoming soggy.

What can I substitute for chive and onion cream cheese?

You can use plain cream cheese mixed with finely chopped chives and a small amount of onion powder if you don’t have the flavored version on hand. This DIY mix will give you a similar creamy and aromatic component.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Shrimp Toast Recipe?

While shrimp is the star here, you could swap it for finely chopped mushrooms or a seasoned blend of minced vegetables to create a vegetarian-friendly topping. Just be sure to season well and adjust cooking times accordingly.

How spicy is the hot sauce in the recipe?

The amount of hot sauce is minimal, providing just a gentle kick that complements rather than overwhelms the shrimp. You can adjust the dashes to your heat preference or omit it altogether if you prefer a milder taste.

Can I make these Shrimp Toasts ahead of time for a party?

You can prepare the shrimp mixture a few hours before serving and keep it refrigerated, but it’s best to toast and bake the bread close to serving time. This preserves the ideal crunch and freshness that make this Shrimp Toast Recipe so irresistible.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the way warm, golden shrimp toasts can brighten any table. This Shrimp Toast Recipe is easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to bring smiles to those who get to enjoy it. Whether for a cozy night in or a festive gathering, I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new favorite appetizer to share again and again.

Shrimp Toast Recipe