Description
Discover the flavor-packed world of Shrimp-Infused Baguette Bites, a delightful appetizer perfect for entertaining or snacking. This recipe combines the sweet and savory richness of shrimp with creamy cheeses and a touch of Cajun spice, served atop toasted slices of French baguette. Ideal for any occasion, these bites offer a delightful crunch followed by a burst of creamy, spicy seafood. Follow this guide to create an unforgettable culinary treat that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 1 small French baguette, cut into 1/2 inch thick slices
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and minced
- 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
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into small cubes
- ¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup shaved Fontina cheese
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Toast the Baguette Slices
Turn on the broiler to low. Arrange the sliced baguette on a baking sheet in a single layer and place under the broiler. Toast for 3-5 minutes or until lightly browned. Flip the slices and repeat for the other side. Remove and set aside.
2. Prepare the Shrimp Mixture
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced shrimp, chopped onion, and celery. Cook for about a minute, stirring often. Incorporate the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, and black pepper, cooking for another minute. Reduce the heat to very low, then add the cube-sized pieces of cream cheese, Parmesan, and Fontina. Stir until the cheeses are nearly melted and well blended, seasoning finally with kosher salt and black pepper.
3. Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Evenly distribute the shrimp and cheese mixture over the toasted baguette slices. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes or until the tops are lightly browned and bubbly. Remove from oven and garnish with thinly sliced green onions.
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe yields about 24 baguette bites and typically takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover shrimp baguette bites in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to two days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat the bites in a preheated oven at 350 degrees until they are warm throughout. This method helps maintain their texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Shrimp-Infused Baguette Bites combine the best of ease, flavor, and presentation, making them a perfect choice for any gathering or simply a delightful treat at home. This recipe’s blend of creamy, cheesy, and Cajun flavors with the tender, savory shrimp will offer your palate a delicious experience with every bite. These bites are not just an appetizer—they’re a conversation starter!
Print
Shrimp-Infused Baguette Bites
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 baguette bites 1x
Description
Discover the flavor-packed world of Shrimp-Infused Baguette Bites, a delightful appetizer perfect for entertaining or snacking. This recipe combines the sweet and savory richness of shrimp with creamy cheeses and a touch of Cajun spice, served atop toasted slices of French baguette. Ideal for any occasion, these bites offer a delightful crunch followed by a burst of creamy, spicy seafood. Follow this guide to create an unforgettable culinary treat that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 1 small French baguette, cut into 1/2 inch thick slices
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and minced
- 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
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into small cubes
- ¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup shaved Fontina cheese
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Toast the Baguette Slices Turn on the broiler to low. Arrange the sliced baguette on a baking sheet in a single layer and place under the broiler. Toast for 3-5 minutes or until lightly browned. Flip the slices and repeat for the other side. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Shrimp Mixture Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced shrimp, chopped onion, and celery. Cook for about a minute, stirring often. Incorporate the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, and black pepper, cooking for another minute. Reduce the heat to very low, then add the cube-sized pieces of cream cheese, Parmesan, and Fontina. Stir until the cheeses are nearly melted and well blended, seasoning finally with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Assemble and Bake Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Evenly distribute the shrimp and cheese mixture over the toasted baguette slices. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes or until the tops are lightly browned and bubbly. Remove from oven and garnish with thinly sliced green onions.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes