Description
Cheesy Shrimp Toast is a delightful appetizer featuring succulent shrimp sautéed with garlic, combined with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, then baked atop crusty bread slices until golden and bubbly. Perfect for sharing and quick to prepare, this recipe balances savory seafood flavors with creamy cheese and a hint of fresh lemon.
Ingredients
Shrimp Mixture
- 1/2 pound fresh or frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Bread
- 1 baguette or ciabatta loaf, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the shrimp toasts.
- Sauté Garlic and Shrimp: In a skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then, add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and are fully cooked through, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Mix Shrimp and Cheese: Remove the shrimp from heat and chop slightly if desired. In a bowl, combine the cooked shrimp with shredded mozzarella, cheddar cheese, and lemon juice, mixing until well incorporated.
- Prepare Bread Slices: Arrange the sliced baguette or ciabatta pieces on a baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced evenly for even baking.
- Top and Bake: Generously spread the cheesy shrimp mixture on each bread slice. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the toasts for a bright, fresh flavor. Serve warm as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor, but frozen shrimp works fine if thawed properly.
- For extra crispiness, toast the bread slices lightly before adding the shrimp mixture.
- Adjust the amount of garlic according to your taste preferences.
- Serve with a squeeze of additional lemon juice for an extra zing.
- Can be made ahead by preparing the shrimp mixture and assembling just before baking.