Description
Crispy golden Shrimp Toast Delight whispers classic Cantonese street charm with its perfectly seasoned shrimp and buttery bread. Crunchy edges and delicate seafood flavors create an irresistible appetizer you’ll savor down to the last delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, peeled, deveined, and minced
Bread and Base:
- 1 small French baguette, sliced into ½ inch thick pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cheese and Dairy:
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, cut into small cubes
- ¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup shaved Fontina cheese
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler to low temperature and position an oven rack near the top of the oven.
- Arrange bread slices on a baking sheet, creating a single layer for even toasting. Broil each side until achieving a delicate golden-brown color, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, preparing for the shrimp mixture’s preparation.
- Introduce minced shrimp, finely chopped onion, and diced celery into the heated skillet. Sauté the ingredients while continuously stirring to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Incorporate minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, and black pepper into the skillet. Continue stirring to distribute the seasonings and develop robust flavors.
- Reduce skillet temperature to its lowest setting, creating ideal conditions for cheese integration.
- Gently fold cream cheese, Parmesan, and Fontina into the shrimp mixture, stirring until the cheeses melt smoothly and blend harmoniously.
- Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Carefully spread the shrimp and cheese mixture across the toasted bread slices, ensuring even distribution.
- Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the prepared toasts for an added layer of zesty heat.
- Transfer the prepared toasts to a preheated 400-degree oven, baking for 8-10 minutes until the topping becomes lightly caramelized and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly sliced green onions, adding a vibrant and fresh finishing touch.
Notes
- Broiling bread creates a crisp base that prevents soggy toasts and enhances overall texture.
- Quick cooking maintains shrimp’s delicate flavor and prevents overcooking, which can make them rubbery.
- Low heat when adding cheeses ensures smooth melting without burning or separating the mixture.
- Crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle kick that complements the rich, creamy shrimp topping.
- Fontina and Parmesan cheeses provide complex, nutty undertones that elevate the standard cream cheese base.
- Green onion garnish brings fresh brightness and a pop of color to the finished appetizer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 90mg