These Baked Shrimp Toasts are the perfect harmony of creamy, cheesy shrimp on golden, crunchy bread. It’s a snack that screams indulgence without all the fuss of deep frying. With savory garlic, a hint of spice, and gooey mozzarella, each bite is an explosion of flavor you’ll keep going back for.
Ideal for entertaining guests or upgrading your afternoon snack, these shrimp toasts are simple to prepare and impossible to resist. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, side dish, or party platter, they bring the wow factor with minimal effort. Perfect for those who crave restaurant-style bites from the comfort of home.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1/4 cup mayonnaise
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
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2 green onions, thinly sliced
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1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
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1 French baguette or 6 slices of sandwich bread
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a food processor, pulse the shrimp until finely chopped but not pureed.
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Transfer chopped shrimp to a bowl. Add mayonnaise, garlic, sesame oil, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, green onions, and mozzarella cheese. Mix until fully combined.
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Slice the baguette diagonally into 1/2-inch slices or use sandwich bread and cut into halves or quarters.
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Lightly spread softened butter on each slice of bread.
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Generously top each piece with the shrimp mixture, spreading evenly.
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Arrange on the baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes or until the shrimp is cooked through and the tops are golden brown.
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For an extra crispy top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
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Serve hot, garnished with additional green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Introduction to Baked Shrimp Toast
Baked Shrimp Toast is a delightful fusion appetizer that combines the richness of creamy shrimp with the satisfying crunch of oven-toasted bread. Originating from Chinese-American cuisine and evolving over time into an Asian-fusion favorite, shrimp toast is beloved for its savory flavor and crispy texture. This dish is traditionally deep-fried, but the baked version offers a healthier, mess-free alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture. It’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy seafood and are looking for an easy yet impressive appetizer to serve at gatherings, dinner parties, or casual snack sessions.
What Makes Baked Shrimp Toast So Special?
What sets this dish apart is its textural contrast and flavorful combination. You get the crunch of the bread base paired with a luscious, umami-rich shrimp topping that’s seasoned just right. When baked, the topping develops a golden brown, slightly bubbly finish while keeping the inside tender and creamy. The garlic and sesame oil infuse a subtle Asian flair, and the melted cheese adds indulgence to every bite.
In many cultures, seafood is associated with celebration, prosperity, and indulgence. Baked Shrimp Toast captures those sentiments in an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing form. Whether served as a starter or a part of a larger spread, it always steals the show.
The Healthier Twist: Why Bake Instead of Fry
Traditional shrimp toast is fried until golden and crisp, which, while delicious, significantly increases the fat and calorie content. Baking the toast not only lightens the dish but also makes it much more accessible to home cooks who might not want to deal with hot oil and post-frying cleanup.
The baking process allows for more consistent cooking, giving the shrimp time to gently firm up while the cheese melts to perfection and the bread toasts beautifully. It’s a win-win for health-conscious food lovers who still crave that indulgent taste and texture.
Ideal Occasions to Serve Shrimp Toast
This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to occasions. It works beautifully as:
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A sophisticated yet simple party appetizer
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A holiday finger food platter option
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A starter for dinner gatherings with an Asian fusion theme
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A quick and indulgent afternoon snack
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A classy brunch option served alongside salad or soup
Its ease of preparation and quick cooking time make it an ideal option for those last-minute hosting needs or planned events where you want something flavorful but stress-free.
Perfect Pairings with Baked Shrimp Toast
Pairing your shrimp toast with the right sides or drinks can elevate the experience. Here are a few ideas:
Drinks: A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs well with the rich shrimp mixture. Light lagers or sparkling sake are also great options.
Sides: For a more substantial spread, serve alongside light salads (like cucumber sesame salad or Asian slaw), miso soup, or a tangy dipping sauce made from soy, vinegar, and a hint of chili.
Toppings: Fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or chives can be sprinkled on top before serving for a burst of color and brightness. A drizzle of spicy mayo or sweet chili sauce adds another layer of flavor.
Customizing Your Shrimp Toast
One of the joys of this recipe is its adaptability. Depending on dietary preferences or what ingredients you have on hand, there are countless ways to personalize the dish:
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Cheese Variations: Mozzarella is melty and mild, but you can use sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor or cream cheese for an even creamier bite.
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Bread Options: Baguettes provide a firm, crunchy base, but brioche or sourdough can be used for a richer flavor. Sandwich bread works great for bite-sized party toasts.
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Spice Levels: Adjust the heat by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes or include a dash of Sriracha in the mixture.
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Protein Alternatives: While shrimp is the star, you could experiment with crab meat, finely chopped scallops, or even minced chicken for a twist.
The Cultural Fusion of Shrimp Toast
Though commonly associated with Chinese takeout menus in the West, shrimp toast is actually a product of culinary fusion. It takes the concept of a Western bread base and fuses it with traditional Chinese-style shrimp paste. Over time, it’s been reinvented in places like Japan, Korea, and Thailand, each adding their unique regional ingredients like miso, scallions, or chili paste.
The baked version featured here continues this legacy of adaptation. It brings in Western techniques (like baking instead of frying and using cheese) and marries them with unmistakably Asian ingredients such as sesame oil, green onions, and garlic.
Tips for Success
To get the most out of your Baked Shrimp Toast, here are a few expert tips:
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Use fresh shrimp: Fresh, raw shrimp will give the best texture and flavor. Avoid pre-cooked shrimp, which can become rubbery when baked again.
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Don’t over-process the shrimp: You want a slightly chunky texture to give body and bite to the mixture, not a paste.
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Pre-toast your bread (optional): For an extra crisp base, you can lightly toast the bread before adding the shrimp mixture.
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Broil for the finish: A quick broil at the end of baking can add that irresistible golden top and a bit of extra crunch.
Storage and Reheating
While Baked Shrimp Toast is best served fresh out of the oven, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes to restore the crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy and ruin the texture.
If preparing ahead for a party, you can assemble the toasts a few hours in advance and store them (uncooked) in the fridge. When guests arrive, simply bake and serve.
Why This Dish Deserves a Spot in Your Recipe Repertoire
Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook looking for something new, Baked Shrimp Toast is a recipe worth adding to your arsenal. It’s easy to make, delivers bold and satisfying flavor, and can be adjusted to suit many tastes and occasions.
It also serves as a great introduction to Asian-inspired cooking for those who may not be familiar with the flavor profiles. With garlic, sesame oil, cheese, and shrimp all in one bite, it’s hard not to fall in love.
Conclusion
Baked Shrimp Toast is more than just an appetizer—it’s an experience. From the very first bite, it combines contrasting textures and flavors in a way that feels gourmet, yet is simple enough to pull off any night of the week. With minimal ingredients, flexible customization, and a healthier baked approach, it satisfies both the casual snacker and the refined palate alike.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing for a holiday gathering, or just indulging in a personal seafood treat, this dish is sure to be a hit. It’s a testament to how a few humble ingredients can come together to create something unforgettable.
So next time you need a recipe that wows without the stress, turn to this deliciously golden, cheesy, shrimp-packed toast—you won’t regret it.