Cajun Shrimp Toast
Shrimp Toast Recipe – Our version of the famous Cajun Shrimp Toast appetizer from The Salty Dog Cafe features tender, spicy shrimp baked with melty cheese on crunchy bread.
Why We Love Shrimp Toast
Not to be confused with the Chinese recipe for shrimp toast with prawns, shrimp paste, soy sauce, sesame oil, sesame seeds, ginger garlic cloves, etc…
This is an appetizer I first discovered at the popular Hilton Head, South Carolina restaurant called The Salty Dog Café. Classic Southern Shrimp Toast is made with warm bread with a golden brown toasted crust, covered in spicy shrimp and melted cheese. So there is that perfect balance of crisp, tender, and melty goodness in every bite.
Heaven!
Our copycat shrimp bread recipe takes less than 30 minutes to prepare and is perfect to make for a decadent snack or casual dinner party starter. (How versatile is that?!) But don’t be surprised if everyone asks for more and more of this “appetizer” dish!
Ingredients Needed
- French baguette – or other crusty bread
- Raw shrimp – any size
- Olive oil – or any high-heat and neutral-flavored oil
- Cajun seasoning – store-bought or homemade
- Mayonnaise – regular or low-fat
- Parsley – chopped
- Lemon – zested
- Garlic powder
- Shredded cheese blend – like cheddar and Monterey Jack
- Parmesan cheese – grated
Cook’s Notes: You can also add chopped scallions for a fresh garnish on top! Although the cajun seasoning offers a bit of heat, you can also add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for extra spice.
How to Make Cajun Shrimp Toast with Cheese
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the shrimp on the baking sheet. Drizzle the tops with olive oil and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Toss well to coat.
Spread the shrimp out in a single layer and roast for 5 to 7 minutes, until pink.
Pro Tip: The shrimp should still be in the shape of Cs, not Os… Remember that O is for overcooked and OH NO!
If using large shrimp, cut them in halves (or in thirds) then place them in a mixing bowl. If using smaller shrimp, just transfer them to the mixing bowl as-is.
Discard the parchment paper then cut the French baguette in half lengthwise, and through the center, to create four pieces. Place the baguette pieces on the baking sheet cut-side-up.
To the mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, lemon zest, and garlic powder.
Toss the shrimp well, then taste and add additional Cajun seasoning if desired.
Spread the shrimp mixture over the four baguette pieces.
Sprinkle a quarter cup of shredded cheese over the top of each baguette. Then sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top of each piece as well.
Get the Complete (Printable) Shrimp Toast Recipe Below. Enjoy!
Bake the shrimp toast in the oven for 5 to 8 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the edges of the bread look crusty.
Remove them from the oven and sprinkle with the remaining parsley. (You can also garnish with fresh chopped green onions if you prefer.)
Shrimp Toast Recipe Variations
- Substitute French baguette with hoagie rolls, brioche rolls, or even hot dog buns in a pinch!
- This easy appetizer recipe can also be made with scallops. Or use precooked crab for an even faster version.
- Swap Cajun seasoning for Old Bay seasoning for a more East Coast-style shrimp toast.
- This recipe uses a combination of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. But feel free to use other shredded cheeses you prefer – like Colby, Mexican or Italian cheese blends, or just all cheddar cheese.
- Skip parsley and top the shrimp toast with fresh chopped cilantro for southwestern flavor.
Serving Suggestions
There is no limit to what to serve with shrimp toast!
This savory cheesy dish is delicious to enjoy for a light lunch or anytime snack. Pair with a fresh salad or soup… We love a crunchy steakhouse salad with romaine and a warm bowl of Clam Chowder.
Shrimp toast is also great to get a dinner party started as a tasty appetizer. Serve before your favorite seafood and southern main dishes like Cornmeal-Crusted Fried Catfish, Pan Seared Scallops, or fresh oysters.
Frequently Asked Questions
French baguette is the traditional bread used to make shrimp toast. But you can also use hoagie or brioche rolls, or even hot dog buns.
Absolutely! Similar to other bread dishes, shrimp toast is great to air fry. Line the basket with a piece of aluminum foil (to avoid cheesy spillovers) and preheat the air fryer to 375° F. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until the edges of the bread are crisp and the cheese is melty and golden.
These shrimp bread snacks are best to enjoy warm and fresh from the oven.
They will keep well for a day or so in the refrigerator. Reheat briefly in the oven or air fryer until the cheese has melted again. However, be aware that, while tasty, the shrimp will likely be overcooked.
Looking for More Easy Appetizer Recipes?
- Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
- Shrimp Cocktail Wonton Cups
- Grilled Octopus Bruschetta
- Bahamian Conch Fritters
- Hot Cajun Shrimp Dip
Shrimp Toast Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 french baguette or 2 hoagie rolls
- 12 ounces raw shrimp any size
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning or Old Bay
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley divided
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded cheese blend cheddar + white cheese like Monterey Jack
- 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the shrimp on the baking sheet. Drizzle the tops with olive oil and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Toss well to coat.
- Spread the shrimp out in a single layer and roast for 5 to 7 minutes, until pink. The shrimp should still be in the shape of Cs, not Os. (O for overcooked.)
- If using large shrimp, cut them in halves (or in thirds) then place in a mixing bowl. If using smaller shrimp, just transfer them to the mixing bowl as-is.
- Discard the parchment paper then cut the French baguette in half lengthwise, and through the center, to create four pieces. Place the baguette pieces on the baking sheet cut-side-up.
- To the mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, lemon zest, and garlic powder. Toss the shrimp well, then taste and add additional Cajun seasoning if desired.
- Spread the shrimp mixture over the four baguette pieces. Sprinkle a quarter cup of shredded cheese over the top of each baguette. Then sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top of each piece as well.
- Bake the shrimp toast in the oven for 5 to 8 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the edges of the bread look crusty. Remove them from the oven and sprinkle with the remaining parsley. Serve warm.
This was so unique and delicious! We love shrimp and this was the first time we’ve had it on toast! The flavors were so good.
What’s not to love about this recipe?! It’s so good!! If you love shrimp & cheesy toast, this is for you!! Such a crowd pleaser!
This was so unique and delicious! We love shrimp and this was the first time we’ve had it on toast! The flavors were so good, YUM!
Shrimp toast is such a classic and I loved this version. Very tasty!