Shrimp Toast Recipe – Our version of the famous shrimp toast appetizer from The Salty Dog Cafe features tender, spicy shrimp baked with melty cheeses on crunchy bread.
Why We Love This Recipe
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, crusty bread 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
How to Make Southern 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.
Get the Complete (Printable) Southern Shrimp Toast Recipe Below. Enjoy!
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 bread 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.
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
What kind of bread do you use for shrimp toast?
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.
Can you make cheesy shrimp bread in the air fryer?
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.
How long do leftovers last?
These shrimp toast 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?
Southern Shrimp Toast (from Salty Dog)
Our version of the famous shrimp toast appetizer from The Salty Dog Cafe features tender, spicy shrimp baked with melty cheeses on crunchy bread.
Servings: 4 servings
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.
Serving: 1pc, Calories: 438kcal, Carbohydrates: 32g, Protein: 14g, Fat: 28g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g, Monounsaturated Fat: 8g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 38mg, Sodium: 742mg, Potassium: 136mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 644IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 289mg, Iron: 3mg
Making this recipe? Follow us on Instagram and tag @ASpicyPerspective so we can share what you’re cooking!
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