Name: Pimento Cheese Shrimp Toast Appetizer Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 ounces whipped cream cheese; 1 ½ tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; ¼ teaspoon dry mustard; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar, shredded (about 6 oz block); 1 cup cooked shrimp, coarsely chopped; ½ cup diced roasted red peppers (or jarred pimentos); ¼ cup scallions, diced, plus more for garnish; 1 loaf baguette, thinly sliced (16-20 slices) and lightly toasted; Pickled red onions (optional, for serving)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 89 reviews

If you are looking for a show-stopping, flavorful, and downright addictive bite to impress your friends or elevate your next gathering, the Pimento Cheese Shrimp Toast Appetizer Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful Southern-inspired dish combines creamy, tangy pimento cheese with succulent shrimp, all nestled on perfectly toasted baguette slices that offer a satisfying crunch. Each mouthful bursts with a harmonious mix of sharp cheddar, roasted red peppers, and subtle spices that create a vibrant fusion of taste and texture. It’s easy to prepare, irresistibly delicious, and guaranteed to become a favorite at any party or casual get-together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round wooden platter lined with crinkled parchment paper holds ten pieces of baked seafood on toast, each piece topped with a creamy golden mix that has orange and red bits and is sprinkled with thin green onion slices. Around the platter, there are four lemon wedges placed at different points. A small glass jar filled with bright pink pickled onions sits near the top left corner of the platter. To the right, three gold forks rest on a light-colored cloth with wrinkles, and a small glass bowl with green herbs sits above the platter. The whole setting is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Pimento Cheese Shrimp Toast Appetizer Recipe is in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role—cream cheese adds creaminess, sharp cheddar brings a bold bite, shrimp gives it satisfying protein and sweetness, while roasted red peppers add a pop of color and subtle sweetness. Together, they build layers of flavor that will have your guests coming back for more.

4 ounces whipped cream cheese: Provides a smooth, creamy base that’s easy to mix.
1 ½ tablespoons mayonnaise: Adds richness and helps bind the mixture.
1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: Brings a savory depth of umami flavor.
¼ teaspoon dry mustard: Offers a subtle tangy warmth to enhance the cheese.
¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a hint of aromatic savoriness.
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Gives a gentle spicy kick, optional for those who like a little heat.
1 ½ cups sharp cheddar, shredded: Delivers the signature sharpness and melts beautifully.
1 cup cooked shrimp, coarsely chopped: Adds tender, briny seafood flavor and texture.
½ cup diced roasted red peppers (or jarred pimentos): Introduces sweetness and vibrant color.
¼ cup scallions, diced plus more for garnish: Provides fresh, mild onion notes and a pop of green.
1 loaf baguette, thinly sliced and lightly toasted: Serves as the crunchy base that contrasts perfectly with the creamy topping.

How to Make Pimento Cheese Shrimp Toast Appetizer Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pimento Cheese Mixture

Begin by combining the whipped cream cheese, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper if you’re using it, in a small food processor. This technique helps achieve a perfectly smooth and well-blended base for your pimento cheese. If whipped cream cheese isn’t on hand, regular cream cheese works too—just add a splash of mayo or half-and-half for the right texture. Once blended, transfer this creamy foundation into a bowl and fold in shredded sharp cheddar, chopped shrimp, diced roasted red peppers (or pimentos), and scallions. Mix everything thoroughly to combine all those mouthwatering flavors.

Step 2: Chill and Adjust Seasoning

Pop the fully mixed pimento cheese shrimp blend into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling the mixture allows the flavors to meld beautifully and firms up the cheese so it’s easier to scoop onto your toasts later. Before moving on, taste your mixture and tweak any seasonings if needed—you might want a bit more tang or a pinch more spice depending on your preference.

Step 3: Toast the Baguette Slices

While the mixture chills, slice your baguette into thin pieces—aim for 16 to 20 slices. Lightly toast these slices until they’re golden and crisp; this ensures they’ll hold up nicely under the rich topping without getting soggy. The crunchiness of the toast is an essential textural contrast to the creamy and tender toppings, so don’t skip this step!

Step 4: Assemble and Broil

Preheat your oven’s broiler, placing a rack roughly 5 inches from the heat source. On a foil-lined baking sheet, spoon generous dollops of your chilled pimento cheese shrimp mixture onto each toasted baguette slice, spreading gently if needed. Broil them just long enough—about 2 to 3 minutes—until the tops develop a gorgeous golden brown crust. Watch carefully to avoid burning! Remove from oven, sprinkle with extra chopped scallions for freshness and color, and serve immediately with pickled red onions or your favorite accompaniments.

Alternate Method: Serve Warm Dip Style

If you prefer, scoop the mixture into an oven-safe dish and broil the dip itself at high heat for about 3 to 5 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. This style is perfect for a communal appetizer, letting guests ladle the glorious cheesy shrimp dip onto toasted baguette slices at will.

How to Serve Pimento Cheese Shrimp Toast Appetizer Recipe

A close-up image shows a woman's hand holding a small toasted bread piece with a scoop of creamy spread being applied on top with a silver spoon held by another woman's hand. The spread is thick and textured, mixed with small red and green bits, resembling finely chopped vegetables or herbs. In the background, there is a metal baking sheet with multiple small dollops of the same creamy mixture placed evenly. Underneath, a clear glass bowl is filled with the leftover creamy spread, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh scallions sprinkled on top not only brighten the flavor but add a lovely pop of green, making every bite feel fresh. You can also try finely chopped chives for a slightly different mild onion flavor. A few pickled red onions on the side add a tangy contrast that cuts through the richness superbly and jazzes up the presentation.

Side Dishes

This appetizer pairs beautifully with crisp garden salads, light vegetable crudités, or simple pickles that cleanse the palate between bites. I also love serving it alongside a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with citrus—effortlessly elevating your entire snacking experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning party platter, arrange the pimento cheese shrimp toasts on a rustic wooden board garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. Try layering the topping between small cucumber rounds or endive leaves for finger-friendly variations. The versatility allows you to get creative and impress with your presentation as much as taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the pimento cheese shrimp mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the toasted baguette slices separate to preserve their crunch; you can re-toast them lightly before serving again.

Freezing

While the cheese and shrimp mixture can technically be frozen, you might lose some of the delightful texture, especially the freshness of the shrimp. For best flavor and texture, I recommend preparing fresh whenever possible. If you must freeze, wrap tightly and consume within one month.

Reheating

To reheat the assembled toasts, place them under the broiler for just a couple of minutes until warmed through and lightly browned on top. Avoid heating for too long to keep the shrimp tender and cheese creamy without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use fresh shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh shrimp works wonderfully, just be sure to cook and cool it before chopping and mixing into the pimento cheese. This keeps the texture perfect and safe to eat.

What if I don’t have a food processor?

No worries! You can mix the cream cheese, mayo, and seasonings vigorously with a whisk or fork until smooth, then fold in the remaining ingredients by hand.

Can I substitute the cheddar cheese?

Sharp cheddar gives this recipe its classic flavor punch, but you could try using Monterey Jack or a smoked cheese for a fun twist. Just adjust seasoning as flavors vary.

Is there a way to make this appetizer vegan?

For a vegan version, use plant-based cream cheese and mayonnaise, skip the shrimp replacing it with chopped artichoke hearts or hearts of palm, and select vegan cheese alternatives. The texture and flavor will be different but still delicious.

How spicy is this dish?

The cayenne pepper is optional and added mild warmth. You can adjust or omit it entirely depending on your heat preference, making this appetizer as gentle or zesty as you like.

Final Thoughts

The Pimento Cheese Shrimp Toast Appetizer Recipe is one of those indulgent yet approachable dishes that instantly becomes a crowd favorite. It’s creamy, tangy, slightly spicy, and packed with delightful layers that impress every time. Whether you’re hosting an elegant dinner party or just craving a delicious snack, this recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal fuss. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your go-to appetizer for all occasions!