Cheesy Shrimp Toast Recipe
If you’ve ever craved the marriage of melty cheese and succulent seafood on a crisp, golden slice of bread, Cheesy Shrimp Toast is your new go-to recipe. This irresistible creation is packed with tender shrimp, creamy mayo, gooey mozzarella, and zippy aromatics, all baked until bubbly and delightfully crunchy. Whether you’re looking for the ultimate party snack, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or simply want to spoil yourself with something special, Cheesy Shrimp Toast hits every note—comforting, savory, and completely satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Cheesy Shrimp Toast is how a handful of simple ingredients come together to deliver so much flavor. Each item works its magic—whether adding richness, a burst of color, or a pop of freshness—to make every bite memorable.
- Shrimp: Go for raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp; chopping them finely ensures every bite gets savory seafood goodness and cooks quickly.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella gives each toast its signature stretchy, gooey top layer and luscious texture.
- Mayonnaise: Acts as the creamy binder and adds a rich decadence that holds the entire mixture together.
- Green Onions: These add a fresh, peppery crunch that cuts through the richness and brightens up the toast.
- Garlic: A single clove, minced, infuses every mouthful with robust, fragrant flavor; more if you love garlic!
- Soy Sauce: Contributes savory umami notes that deepen the overall taste without overpowering the delicate shrimp.
- Sesame Oil: A few drops of this fragrant oil lend a hint of toasty, nutty complexity.
- Black Pepper: Just the right amount of gentle heat and earthy undertones to tie it all together.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who like a bit of a kick, these amp up the flavor and add a nice, subtle warmth.
- Baguette or Thick Sliced Bread: The base for your Cheesy Shrimp Toast; choose something sturdy to hold all the delicious toppings.
- Chopped Parsley or Sesame Seeds (optional): Sprinkle these on for color, crunch, or just a little extra flair right before serving.
How to Make Cheesy Shrimp Toast
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step not only guarantees an even bake and easy cleanup but also helps ensure your toasts get perfectly crispy on the bottom without sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Cheesy Shrimp Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped shrimp, shredded mozzarella cheese, creamy mayonnaise, green onions, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re craving a little spice. Stir everything together until the mixture is evenly blended and glossy; you want all the flavors to meld so no single ingredient outshines the others.
Step 3: Top the Bread
Slice your baguette or thick bread diagonally for the best surface area and a professional look. Pile the shrimp mixture generously onto each piece, making sure you reach all the edges—this maximizes those crispy, golden bites you’ll love in Cheesy Shrimp Toast.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Arrange all your assembled toasts on the prepared baking sheet, then slide them into your hot oven. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the shrimp are cooked through and the cheese is gorgeously melted and bubbling. If you’re a fan of extra golden cheese, switch on the broiler for a final 1–2 minutes—but keep an eye on them so nothing gets too toasty!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once your Cheesy Shrimp Toast is bubbling and irresistible, bring it out and let it cool for a minute or two. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or sesame seeds adds visual pop and a hint of flavor. Serve warm, and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Cheesy Shrimp Toast
Garnishes
A fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley not only provides a burst of vibrant green but also balances the rich flavors with its brightness. Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty crunch that pairs perfectly with the subtle sesame oil in the filling. Feel free to get creative—thinly sliced jalapeños or a touch more red pepper flakes can take your Cheesy Shrimp Toast up a notch if you’re into a spicy twist!
Side Dishes
Cheesy Shrimp Toast makes a showstopping appetizer, but it’s equally lovely alongside a crisp salad with citrusy vinaigrette, a bowl of light soup, or a refreshing Asian-style slaw. If you’re hosting a brunch, pair these toasts with scrambled eggs or a plate of fresh fruit for a spread that’s both impressive and unfussy.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice each toast into smaller pieces for party-ready bites, or style them on a pretty platter with extra garnishes on the side so guests can DIY their own toppings. For an extra luxe touch, serve with tiny lemon wedges or dips such as sweet chili sauce or garlicky aioli. Whether you serve Cheesy Shrimp Toast whole, halved, or in mini-form, it’s guaranteed to steal the spotlight on any table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Cheesy Shrimp Toast left over (though I’ll warn you, that’s rare), let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to two days and still taste amazing after a quick reheat.
Freezing
For longer storage, assemble the toasts but hold off on baking. Arrange the prepped toasts in a single layer on a tray and freeze until firm, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the original baking time. This makes Cheesy Shrimp Toast the ultimate make-ahead entertaining hack!
Reheating
Bring leftovers back to their crispy best by reheating in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Avoid the microwave if you can—the oven keeps the bread from turning soggy and does wonders for that melty cheese.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp instead of raw?
Raw shrimp are ideal for this recipe since they finish cooking in the oven and stay tender, but if you only have pre-cooked shrimp on hand, chop them up and reduce the baking time by a minute or two—just be mindful not to overbake so the shrimp don’t get rubbery.
What kind of bread works best for Cheesy Shrimp Toast?
A crusty baguette or thick-sliced artisanal bread is perfect, as it holds up well to all those luscious toppings without going soggy. Soft sandwich bread can work in a pinch but won’t have the same crisp edges or satisfying bite.
Is there a cheese substitute I can use?
Mozzarella gives that beautiful melt and stretch, but you’re welcome to try Monterey Jack for a little extra kick, or even a mix with cheddar for deeper flavor. Just avoid anything too hard or crumbly; you want cheese that melts smoothly.
Can I make Cheesy Shrimp Toast gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free baguette or bread as the base, and double-check that your soy sauce is certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy a bite.
How spicy is this recipe?
With the red pepper flakes being optional, you’re in control of the heat. Leave them out for a milder toast, or add an extra pinch if you want some kick. The basic version has just a gentle warmth that most people love.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Shrimp Toast is a total crowd-pleaser, whether you’re hosting friends, planning a cozy night in, or looking for a unique appetizer that’s bursting with flavor. Give it a try and watch as everyone raves about this crispy, cheesy, irresistible snack—you’ll definitely want it on repeat!
Print
Cheesy Shrimp Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Shrimp Toast is a delicious appetizer featuring a flavorful mixture of shrimp, cheese, and seasonings spread on crunchy bread slices and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Additional:
- 1 baguette or 4 slices of thick bread, sliced diagonally
- Chopped parsley or sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the mixture: In a bowl, combine chopped shrimp, mozzarella cheese, mayonnaise, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well.
- Spread on bread: Spread the mixture evenly onto each bread slice, covering the surface completely.
- Bake: Arrange the toasts on the baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes until shrimp is fully cooked and cheese is melted.
- Broil: For a golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes. Remove from oven and cool slightly.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley or sesame seeds if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh or thawed frozen shrimp, finely chopped for even cooking.
- Great as an appetizer, brunch item, or party snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 toasts
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
