If you love the savory magic that happens when succulent shrimp meets crispy, golden bread, Baked Shrimp Toast will absolutely steal your heart. This dish fuses creamy, garlicky shrimp with the crunch of perfectly toasted bread, all crowned with melty mozzarella cheese and a hint of brightness from lemon and green onion. It’s unfussy enough for a weeknight snack yet impressive enough to serve at parties. Trust me, once you try Baked Shrimp Toast, you’ll never look at seafood appetizers the same way again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something special about how a short, confident list of quality ingredients can transform into such a flavorful dish. Every item here matters, bringing its own unique taste, texture, or punch of color to your final plate.
- Shrimp (8 oz, raw, peeled, deveined): Fresh or frozen shrimp add unbeatable juiciness and delicate seafood flavor to every bite.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): A creamy binder that locks in all the flavors and keeps the shrimp mixture moist.
- Green Onions (2, finely chopped): These mild alliums lend a gentle sharpness and a pop of green color.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Just enough to give depth and a savory backbone without overpowering.
- Soy Sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds umami saltiness that rounds out the seafood flavors.
- Sesame Oil (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a beautiful toasty aroma that hints at Asian inspiration.
- White Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Lighter and subtler than black pepper, perfect for seafood.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances every note in the spread; taste before adding more!
- Lemon Juice (1 teaspoon): Balances everything with a dash of acidity and freshness.
- Sugar (1/2 teaspoon): Just a hint to round out the flavors and mellow any sharpness.
- Thick White Bread (4 slices, such as Texas toast): Strong and fluffy enough to hold all the creamy shrimp topping.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1/2 cup): Melts into a golden, bubbly layer that makes each bite irresistible.
- Chopped Parsley (1 tablespoon, optional): For a fresh, herby finishing touch and a pop of color.
How to Make Baked Shrimp Toast
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Get started by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, making cleanup a breeze and ensuring nothing sticks. With the oven nice and hot, your Baked Shrimp Toast will crisp up beautifully.
Step 2: Chop the Shrimp
In a food processor, give the raw shrimp a few quick pulses until they’re finely chopped but still have some texture. You’re aiming for a coarse chop, not a paste—this keeps your shrimp toast juicy and satisfying.
Step 3: Mix up the Shrimp Spread
Transfer the chopped shrimp to a bowl. Add in the mayonnaise, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, salt, lemon juice, and sugar. Stir it all together until well combined, making sure everything’s evenly distributed for every perfect bite of Baked Shrimp Toast.
Step 4: Assemble the Toasts
Lay out your thick slices of white bread. Evenly spread the luscious shrimp mixture on top, getting right to the edges so every corner is covered. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella generously over the top for that signature gooey finish.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange your prepared slices on the lined baking sheet. Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the shrimp is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden. For extra color and crunch, broil them for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, keeping an eye so they don’t burn.
Step 6: Add Freshness and Serve
When they’re hot and ready, pull the Baked Shrimp Toast out of the oven and, if you like, sprinkle over chopped parsley. This adds a lovely contrast in color and a hint of herbaceous flavor to each slice—then serve without delay!
How to Serve Baked Shrimp Toast
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but don’t be afraid to add a light dusting of sesame seeds or a squeeze of extra lemon juice before serving. A few sliced green onions also kick up the presentation and flavor. The right garnishes make your Baked Shrimp Toast look as bright and fresh as it tastes!
Side Dishes
Baked Shrimp Toast pairs beautifully with crisp, vibrant salads—think arugula with a citrus vinaigrette or a simple cucumber salad. For a party spread, serve your toasts alongside a sweet chili dipping sauce or a light soup for a well-rounded appetizer plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Baked Shrimp Toast slices into triangles or strips for easy sharing, or use a biscuit cutter for fun, bite-sized circles. For a fancier touch, nestle them on a serving board lined with herbs and fresh lemon wedges, or layer atop a bed of microgreens for an eye-catching appetizer presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Baked Shrimp Toast, store the cooled slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to 2 days—just make sure they’re completely cool before sealing to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked shrimp toasts. Arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to ensure the shrimp cooks through.
Reheating
To bring Baked Shrimp Toast back to life, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid the microwave to keep the bread crisp rather than chewy.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for Baked Shrimp Toast?
It’s best to use raw shrimp, as they cook perfectly in the oven and keep the topping moist. Pre-cooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery with further baking.
Can I make Baked Shrimp Toast without a food processor?
Absolutely! Just chop the shrimp very finely with a sharp knife—aim for a rough mince so you keep a bit of that nice, chunky texture.
Is there a gluten-free way to make Baked Shrimp Toast?
Yes—simply use your favorite gluten-free sliced bread. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so this swap makes the dish accessible to everyone.
What other cheeses can I use instead of mozzarella?
Go for cheddar if you want a bolder flavor, or try Monterey Jack for extra meltiness. You can even experiment with a bit of parmesan sprinkled on top for a savory kick.
How do I know when the shrimp is fully cooked?
The shrimp topping will turn opaque and pink, and the cheese will be melted and slightly golden. Just avoid overbaking, and you’ll have juicy, tender shrimp every time.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Baked Shrimp Toast enough for anyone craving an appetizer that’s both easy and memorable. With its creamy, crispy, savory profile, it never fails to win rave reviews at gatherings—or disappears quickly at my own family table. Give this recipe a try and get ready to impress your friends and taste buds alike!
Print
Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Shrimp Toast recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors, featuring a savory shrimp mixture spread over slices of bread and baked to perfection. With a cheesy topping and a hint of Asian-inspired seasonings, it’s a perfect appetizer or light meal.
Ingredients
For the shrimp mixture:
- 8 oz raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
For assembling:
- 4 slices thick white bread (like Texas toast)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the shrimp mixture: Pulse the shrimp in a food processor until finely chopped. Mix with mayonnaise, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, salt, lemon juice, and sugar.
- Assemble the toast: Spread the shrimp mixture on each bread slice. Top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Place the slices on the baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes until shrimp is cooked and cheese is melted. Optionally, broil for extra browning.
- Serve: Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Swap mozzarella for a stronger cheese like cheddar if desired.
- Serve with a salad for a light meal option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
