Description
Luscious Shrimp-Infused Baguette Bites deliver Mediterranean coastal charm with crisp French bread layered alongside succulent garlic-seasoned shrimp. Quick elegant appetizers promise delightful flavor combinations perfect for sophisticated gatherings and casual weekend entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 lb (454 grams) shrimp, peeled, deveined, and minced
Bread and Base Ingredients:
- 1 small French baguette, cut into ½ inch thick slices
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, cut into small cubes
Flavor Enhancers and Garnishes:
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼–½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon fresh split black pepper
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) shaved Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) shaved Fontina cheese
- Kosher salt
- Fresh ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler to low setting and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Slice the baguette into uniform 1/2-inch (1.27 centimeters) thick pieces, ensuring even toasting.
- Arrange baguette slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, then carefully place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until edges turn golden brown.
- Carefully flip each slice and toast the opposite side for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Remove toasted baguette slices and set aside on a cooling rack.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add finely chopped onions and diced celery, sautéing for approximately 1-2 minutes until vegetables become translucent.
- Incorporate minced shrimp, stirring constantly to prevent overcooking, and cook for about 1 minute.
- Add minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, and freshly ground black pepper, continuing to stir for another minute to develop flavors.
- Reduce heat to low and add cubed cream cheese, grated Parmesan, and diced Fontina cheese.
- Gently stir the mixture until cheeses are nearly melted and ingredients are well combined.
- Season with kosher salt and additional black pepper to taste.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius).
- Spread the shrimp and cheese mixture evenly across the toasted baguette slices.
- Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the topped baguettes for added heat.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the tops become lightly browned and the cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from oven and garnish with thinly sliced green onions for a fresh finish.
- Allow to cool for 2-3 minutes before serving to prevent burning.
Notes
- Quick toasting prevents soggy bread, ensuring a crisp base for the rich shrimp mixture.
- Sautéing shrimp with aromatics like onion and celery builds deep, complex flavor profiles.
- Melting multiple cheese varieties creates a creamy, luxurious texture that coats each bite.
- Low heat when combining cheeses prevents scorching and maintains smooth consistency.
- Crushed red pepper adds vibrant heat, complementing the delicate shrimp and cheese blend.
- Green onion garnish provides fresh, sharp contrast to the rich, warm appetizer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Broiling, Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 218 kcal
- Sugar: 1.2 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 13.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 6.8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 9.6 g
- Fiber: 0.7 g
- Protein: 16.8 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg