Shrimp Toast with Cheese Recipe
If you love crispy, cheesy bites with a savory seafood twist, this Shrimp Toast with Cheese Recipe is going to become your next obsession. Imagine tender, finely chopped shrimp mixed with gooey cheese and fragrant seasonings, spread generously on soft white bread, then pan-fried to golden perfection. It is the perfect appetizer or snack that combines flavor, texture, and a little touch of indulgence all in one. Whether you are hosting a casual get-together or simply craving a heartwarming treat, this shrimp toast will impress with its delightful crunch and cheesy goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this dish just right relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a vital part. From the delicate shrimp to the melty cheese and the fragrant green onion, every component brings balance, texture, and depth to the Shrimp Toast with Cheese Recipe.
- White sandwich bread (8 slices, crusts removed): Soft bread provides the perfect base that crisps up beautifully when fried.
- Raw shrimp (1/2 pound, peeled and finely chopped): The star protein that provides sweetness and a tender bite.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Adds creaminess and binds the mixture together.
- Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Melts wonderfully to add rich, gooey flavor.
- Green onion (1, finely chopped): Brings a fresh and mild punch to the shrimp mixture.
- Soy sauce (1 teaspoon): Enhances umami and adds subtle saltiness.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the toast with savory warmth.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Offers a gentle kick and depth.
- Egg (1, lightly beaten): Helps bind the shrimp mixture and create a firm texture when cooked.
- Butter (2 tablespoons, for frying): Provides a rich flavor and helps achieve that perfect crispy crust.
- Optional garnishes — sesame seeds or chili flakes: Adds visual appeal and an extra hint of flavor if you want to spice things up.
How to Make Shrimp Toast with Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the shrimp mixture
Start by finely chopping the raw shrimp until it has a nice, even texture. In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp with mayonnaise, shredded cheese, chopped green onion, soy sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and the lightly beaten egg. Stir everything together until the mixture is fully blended and holds together well — this combination ensures that every bite is packed with flavor and creaminess.
Step 2: Spread the mixture on the bread
Take each slice of crustless white bread and spread about two tablespoons of the shrimp mixture evenly on one side. Don’t skimp here; the generous layer creates the perfect balance between the crispy bread and savory topping.
Step 3: Cook the shrimp toasts
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Place the slices shrimp-side down gently in the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp layer is golden and cooked through. Then flip each toast and toast the plain side for 1 to 2 minutes until it turns beautifully crisp and golden brown. This two-sided toasting is key to achieving contrasting textures.
Step 4: Drain and serve
Remove the shrimp toasts from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess butter. Let them cool for a moment, then cut into halves or quarters—perfect for sharing!
How to Serve Shrimp Toast with Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds gives an attractive nutty crunch, while a dash of chili flakes sparks up the dish with subtle heat that complements the shrimp’s natural sweetness. These simple touches elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve this flavorful shrimp toast alongside a crisp Asian-style slaw or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the richness. A small bowl of dipping sauce—like sweet chili sauce or a tangy soy-ginger drizzle—also pairs beautifully for dipping every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, arrange the toasts on a decorative platter garnished with sliced green onions and edible flowers for an eye-catching centerpiece. You can also experiment by cutting the toast into bite-sized squares served with skewers, turning this cozy snack into party finger food everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any shrimp toast leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To prevent sogginess, place a paper towel under the toasts to absorb moisture and keep the crust crisp when you reheat.
Freezing
This Shrimp Toast with Cheese Recipe can be frozen, but it’s best done before cooking. Spread the shrimp mixture on the bread, place the slices on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to a month. When ready, cook from frozen, adding a couple more minutes to cooking time.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftover cooked shrimp toasts in a skillet over medium heat or in a toaster oven so they regain their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the bread soggy and the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat it dry before chopping to keep the mixture from becoming too watery.
What type of cheese works best?
Mozzarella and cheddar are excellent choices because they melt smoothly and complement the shrimp. Feel free to try a blend or even a bit of Monterey Jack for a slightly different flavor.
Is there a healthier way to make shrimp toast?
You can bake the toasts at 400°F for about 10 to 12 minutes instead of frying. This method reduces the fat content while still allowing the shrimp mixture to cook through and the bread to crisp nicely.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the white sandwich bread for your favorite gluten-free bread. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, but the flavors will be just as delicious.
How spicy is the dish if I add chili flakes?
The chili flakes add a mild to moderate heat that can be adjusted according to your taste. They give a nice kick without overpowering the shrimp and cheese flavors, so add them sparingly if you prefer less spice.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Toast with Cheese Recipe is an absolute gem for anyone craving a snack that combines crispy bread, succulent shrimp, and melty cheese. It’s quick to whip up, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to satisfy both seafood lovers and cheese fans alike. I encourage you to give it a try soon—you might just find yourself making this flavorful treat again and again!
Print
Shrimp Toast with Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 toasts (serves 4 as appetizer) 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Shrimp Toast with Cheese is a delicious Asian-inspired appetizer featuring a savory shrimp mixture combined with creamy cheese, spread on crisp white bread slices, and pan-fried to golden perfection. This easy-to-make snack boasts a savory umami flavor with a delightfully crunchy texture, perfect for parties or quick bites.
Ingredients
Shrimp Mixture
- 1/2 pound raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
Bread
- 8 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed
For Frying and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Optional: sesame seeds or chili flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp mixture: In a bowl, combine the finely chopped shrimp, mayonnaise, shredded cheese, green onion, soy sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and the lightly beaten egg. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated into a smooth mixture.
- Spread the mixture on bread: Evenly spread about 2 tablespoons of the shrimp mixture on one side of each crustless bread slice, ensuring the mixture is distributed uniformly for even cooking.
- Heat the skillet and cook: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Place the bread slices shrimp-side down in the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the underside is golden brown and the shrimp mixture is set firmly.
- Toast the bread side: Flip the toasts carefully and cook the bread side for another 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes crisp and golden brown.
- Drain and serve: Remove the cooked shrimp toasts from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess butter. Cut each toast into halves or quarters, garnish with sesame seeds or chili flakes if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use day-old bread or lightly toast the bread slices before spreading the shrimp mixture.
- You can bake the shrimp toasts at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 12 minutes as a lighter alternative to frying.
- Adjust the seasoning to your preference, adding more soy sauce or spices if desired.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor as the toasts may become soggy if left to sit.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired