Baked Shrimp Crostini (Simple Shrimp Appetizers for a Crowd!)

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If you need simple shrimp appetizers that come together fast, this baked shrimp crostini is it. Cheesy, garlicky shrimp gets piled onto toasted mini bread and baked until bubbly. It’s an easy finger food that’s perfect party appetizer for any get-together.

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I love serving these at parties because they disappear fast. Shrimp appetizers always feel a little fancy, but this one is so simple to throw together. The mini toasts get perfectly crisp while the shrimp and parmesan mixture stays warm and melty on top.

This is one of those recipes I make when I want something that looks like I tried hard, but actually took almost no effort. My family requests these baked shrimp toasts for every holiday party, and they’ve even made an appearance on our Valentine’s Day spread. They’re always the first tray to go empty. I love that I can prep the shrimp mixture ahead of time and just assemble and bake right before guests arrive.

Simple Shrimp Appetizers

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook, so you can have a full tray of cheesy shrimp toast ready in 20 minutes flat. It makes 12 pieces, which is easy to double if you’re feeding a crowd.

Here’s what makes this ingredient list so easy: everything comes together in one skillet before it even hits the oven. Grab these items and you’re ready to go.

• Mini entertaining bread: Sliced and toasted first to create a sturdy base for the shrimp topping.
• Butter: Melted in the skillet to saute the shrimp and garlic.
• Shrimp: Peeled, deveined, and diced small so every bite gets a little.
• Garlic: Minced and sauteed with the shrimp for flavor.
• Cream cheese: Cubed so it melts smoothly into the shrimp mixture.
• Parmesan cheese: Shredded and stirred in for that gooey, cheesy topping.
• Fresh parsley: Finely chopped for a pop of color and freshness.
• Black pepper and salt: Simple seasoning to round out the flavor.
• Red pepper flakes: Optional, for a little kick.
• Green onions: Finely chopped for garnish right before serving.

Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

How to Make Simple Shrimp Appetizers

This recipe only takes a few simple steps, and most of the work happens in one skillet. It’s a great one to whip up when you need a last minute appetizer that looks fancy!

Start by preheating your oven and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the bread slices in a single layer, then toast them for a few minutes on each side until they’re golden. Set the toasted bread aside while you make the topping.

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and minced garlic, then saute until the shrimp turns pink and is warmed through. This only takes a few minutes, so keep an eye on it.

Once the shrimp is cooked, stir in the cream cheese, parmesan, parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Keep stirring until the cheese melts into a creamy, cheesy shrimp mixture.

Spoon the warm shrimp mixture over each piece of toasted bread. Pop the tray back in the oven for a few more minutes until everything is heated through and toasty on top.

Finish with a sprinkle of chopped green onion and shredded parmesan cheese over each crostini and serve right away.

Shrimp Toast Recipe Ideas

Whether you’re making your shrimp toast as a holiday snack for your party or a quick appetizer before dinner, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone in attendance!

This recipe is easy to customize based on what you have on hand or what your crowd likes best.

• Swap the parmesan for shredded mozzarella or an Italian blend for a different cheese pull.
• Use pre-cooked shrimp to save a few minutes of prep time.
• Try sliced French bread or a baguette instead of mini entertaining bread.
• Leave out the red pepper flakes for a kid-friendly version.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice on top right before serving for extra brightness.

Shrimp Toast FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time for a party? You can cook the shrimp mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Toast the bread and assemble everything right before serving so the toast stays crisp.

How spicy are these shrimp appetizers? They’re mild on their own. The red pepper flakes are optional, so add more or leave them out depending on your crowd.

Can I use a different size bread for this? Yes, you can use a baguette sliced into rounds if you can’t find mini entertaining bread. Just toast until golden before topping.

Can I make gluten free shrimp toast? Swap in your favorite gluten free bread or baguette and toast the same way. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten free.

Storage Instructions

These shrimp toasts are best served right after they’re made, since the bread starts to get soft the longer it sits out. If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warmed through and crisp again.

More Easy Appetizer Ideas:

Cold Crab and Shrimp Dip

Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

Crab Stuffed Mini Peppers

Garlic Grilled Shrimp