Baked Shrimp Toast is a crispy, cheesy, and garlicky appetizer that makes a perfect finger food for parties, game days, or a flavorful snack. Juicy shrimp are mixed with a creamy cheese blend and spread over buttery baguette slices, then baked until golden and bubbly. This easy dish can be made ahead and broiled for an extra-crispy finish.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped

• 1 small baguette or 8–10 slices of French bread

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 green onions, finely chopped

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp butter, melted

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prep Bread:
   Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch slices. Arrange on the baking sheet and brush each with melted butter.

3. Make Shrimp Mixture:
   In a bowl, mix chopped shrimp, mayo, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, green onions, soy sauce, lemon juice, and black pepper until well combined.

4. Assemble Toasts:
   Spread 1–2 tablespoons of shrimp mixture onto each bread slice. Add extra cheese on top if desired.

5. Bake:
   Bake for 12–15 minutes until shrimp are cooked and cheese is bubbly and golden. Broil for 1–2 minutes if extra crispness is desired.

6. Serve:
   Garnish with parsley and serve immediately. Great with lemon wedges or dipping sauces like sweet chili or marinara.

Nutrients (Estimated per slice)

• Calories: ~180–200 kcal

• Protein: ~10g

• Fat: ~12g

• Carbohydrates: ~10g

• Sugar: ~1g

• Sodium: ~300mg

• Fiber: ~1g

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is designed to hit all the high notes of a great appetizer—crispy, creamy, salty, and just a bit tangy. The secret lies in the shrimp mixture: finely chopped shrimp are folded into a luscious base of mayonnaise, mozzarella, Parmesan, and aromatic add-ins like garlic and green onions. A touch of soy sauce and lemon juice gives the mix a salty-sour balance that enhances the sweetness of the shrimp and cuts through the richness of the cheese.

When spread onto a thin slice of buttery baguette and baked, the cheese mixture melts and fuses into the bread, while the shrimp become tender and juicy. The edges of the toast crisp up beautifully, especially if you finish them under the broiler for that irresistible crunch. The result is a snack that’s satisfying to bite into and bursting with umami-packed flavor.

The Perfect Party Appetizer

Baked Shrimp Toast shines as an appetizer because it’s as easy to eat as it is to serve. Each slice is bite-sized, hand-held, and packed with flavor, making it ideal for entertaining. It holds up well on a buffet table, and it’s just as delicious warm as it is at room temperature. Whether served on a game day platter, at a cocktail party, or as part of a holiday spread, it stands out as a gourmet option that doesn’t require fancy ingredients or equipment.

Guests love it because it’s indulgent without being heavy—thanks to the baked method instead of frying—and each slice packs a surprising amount of flavor in a compact bite.

Flavor and Texture Profile

From the first bite, Baked Shrimp Toast delivers a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy richness and crisp, toasted edges. The mozzarella provides a satisfying melt, while Parmesan brings a sharper, nutty edge that pairs beautifully with the mild, sweet flavor of shrimp. The minced garlic and green onions add layers of aromatic depth, and the lemon juice lends just enough acidity to brighten every bite.

Texture-wise, it’s an exciting contrast between the soft, juicy shrimp filling and the crunchy base. Brushing the baguette slices with melted butter before baking creates an extra layer of golden flavor and helps the bread stay crispy even after baking.

Nutritious and Satisfying

While it feels indulgent, this shrimp toast also provides a solid dose of protein and essential nutrients. Shrimp are naturally low in calories and fat, but high in protein, selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine. The cheeses add calcium and protein, while the use of green onions and garlic introduces anti-inflammatory compounds and flavor without extra calories.

You can also make small tweaks to lighten it up if desired. Using reduced-fat mayo or part-skim cheese will help lower fat content without sacrificing creaminess. If you prefer a lower-carb option, try spreading the shrimp mixture on halved zucchini rounds or bell pepper slices and baking them in the same way.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Friendly

One of the best features of this recipe is its make-ahead versatility. You can prep the shrimp mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Alternatively, fully assemble the toast slices and refrigerate them on a baking tray until you’re ready to bake. This makes entertaining much easier, especially when you’re juggling multiple dishes.

For longer storage, the assembled (but unbaked) shrimp toast can also be frozen. Just place the topped bread slices on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to an airtight container. Bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Baked Shrimp Toast looks beautiful served on a wooden platter or slate board, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or fresh herbs. A few lemon wedges on the side not only brighten the presentation but allow guests to add a citrusy zing to their bite. You can also serve it with a variety of dipping sauces like:

• Sweet chili sauce

• Garlic aioli

• Spicy Sriracha mayo

• Creamy herb dip

• Marinara sauce for an Italian twist

If you’re creating a party spread, shrimp toast pairs beautifully with cocktail shrimp, mini spring rolls, caprese skewers, or cheese-stuffed mushrooms for a balanced and diverse menu.

Customizations and Variations

This recipe is endlessly versatile. Want more spice? Add a dash of cayenne or a spoonful of Sriracha to the shrimp mix. Prefer a Mediterranean flavor? Swap the soy sauce for a splash of lemon juice and fold in chopped olives and feta cheese. You can even replace the mozzarella with fontina, gouda, or cheddar depending on your preferences.

Not a fan of mayo? Substitute it with softened cream cheese or a Greek yogurt-based spread for a tangier version. Gluten-free? Use gluten-free baguette or sliced sweet potatoes as the base.

You can also elevate this dish by using larger slices of rustic sourdough, cut into quarters for a heartier appetizer—or even serve them as open-faced toasts for lunch alongside a crisp salad.

A Go-To for Every Season

While shrimp toast feels right at home in summer spreads thanks to its seafood base, it’s also a perfect winter appetizer for game days or holiday gatherings. It’s warm, rich, and satisfying—exactly what people crave when the weather is cooler. Because it bakes quickly and doesn’t require fancy ingredients, it’s easy to pull together even on short notice.

It’s also ideal for potlucks and brunches, where finger foods with universal appeal tend to shine. Kids and adults alike gravitate toward these cheesy, crispy slices, and they make a wonderful addition to any appetizer rotation.

Conclusion

Baked Shrimp Toast is a bold, flavorful, and comforting appetizer that delivers restaurant-level satisfaction in a few easy steps. With its rich, cheesy topping and crispy baguette base, it checks every box for the ultimate finger food. Whether you’re planning a dinner party, watching the game, or just looking to try something new, this dish is sure to become a repeat favorite.

Its versatility, make-ahead convenience, and crowd-pleasing flavor profile make it one of the most valuable additions to any cook’s appetizer repertoire. Once you try it, you’ll see why shrimp toast is a classic that deserves a permanent spot at the table—crunchy, creamy, and completely crave-worthy.