Shrimp Crostini

These shrimp crostini are a great appetizer and starter that are easy to make and a real crowd-pleaser. The mini toasts are perfect for entertaining and an excellent accompaniment for buffets and party spreads.

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What are shrimp crostini?

Shrimp crostini are essentially crisp pieces of bread smothered with a garlicky cream cheese spread and topped with succulent roasted shrimp. Crostini means little toasts in Italian, and that’s exactly what this appetizer is.

Today, I’m excited to bring you one of the easiest yet tastiest appetizers you’ll ever make – shrimp crostini! Shrimp is one of my favorite proteins to make because it cooks quickly and effortlessly.

And these seafood crostini are quite possibly one of the best ways to consume grilled shrimp. It’s the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer any time of year, but I find them especially festive for summer parties and outdoor potlucks.

This shrimp bread appetizer looks impressive yet is low hassle, and most of the prep can be done in advance. That means you can spend more time with your guests and less time stressing in the kitchen. And that makes me happy!

I love sharing our favorite appetizers with you! Don’t miss our other ideas like pesto crostini, baked burrata, and honey-baked camembert.

Ingredients

These creamy shrimp crostini are not only tasty, but also SO EASY to make–I’m talking 8 simple ingredients and minimal prep time. Quantities for each ingredient can be found below in the recipe card. Here’s your shopping list:

• Shrimp: Use your favorite shrimp or prawns to top the crostini! They should be small enough to fit on the bread, and I used tiny pink shrimp and slightly larger shrimp for a nice mix of textures. Make sure your shrimp are raw, peeled, and deveined.
• French Baguette: You can prepare this shrimp baguette appetizer with fresh or stale bread. While fresh French baguette is totally fine, crostini are my favorite way to use up stale bread that might otherwise go to waste.
• Olive oil helps to crisp and roast the bread and adds amazing flavor. You can also use melted butter if preferred.
• Cream cheese creates a sumptuous base for the shrimp topping. See the variations section below for possible substitutions.
• Garlic: Shrimp and garlic are a great combination. We need freshly minced garlic to fry the crostini and for the cream cheese mixture. Feel free to use garlic powder if that is what you have.
• Salt: A sprinkle of sea salt helps the flavors to come through.
• Herbs: I like to add fresh parsley and dill to the cream cheese mixture and garnish the simple shrimp crostini with these herbs, too. Basil, tarragon, and chives also work great. You could also make this appetizer with dried herbs.

Should I use fresh or frozen shrimp for this appetizer?

Fresh and frozen shrimp are fine for this easy crostini recipe. If you live in an area where fresh seafood is available, you may have a local shop that sells the best shrimp. Otherwise, pick up some at the seafood counter or buy frozen shrimp.

How to make shrimp crostini

I can’t believe how easy this shrimp crostini appetizer recipe is. The bread roasts up so quickly but has the most amazing flavor. Seafood in a snap!

Step 1: Preheat oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F / 190° / gas mark 5.
• Line a large baking sheet (tray) with parchment (baking) paper, foil, or a non-stick baking mat.

Step 2: Combine cream cheese mixture

• Add the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, parsley, dill, and salt to a small mixing bowl. Mix with a spoon until smooth. Set aside.

Step 3: Fry shrimp

• Heat the oil in a large non-stick pan or skillet over medium heat.
• Add the shrimp and garlic and fry for 5 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the shrimp are cooked. Stir occasionally.

Step 4: Brush bread with oil

• Arrange the slices on the prepared baking sheet (tray).
• Drizzle all bread slices with olive oil. Then use a brush to disperse the oil evenly. Brush each side with oil.

Step 5: Grill bread

• Grill the baguette for approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side, until golden brown and nicely toasted.
• Alternatively, you can also oven broil until the slices are crisp.

Step 6: Assemble

• Spread each crostini slice with cream cheese, then top evenly with shrimp and garnish with parsley leaves and dill.

Tips for success

Cream cheese shrimp crostini are a simple and stress-free appetizer idea. Nevertheless, I have some tips to ensure your success in making the dish!

• Cut the baguette at an angle into 1/2 in / 1.3 cm slices. If the pieces are too thin, they won’t support the toppings. And too thick makes them difficult to eat.
• Soften the cream cheese. Leave the cream cheese out for about 30 minutes before mixing to soften. Alternatively, microwave at 15-second heatings just until softened.
• Use enough oil. Don’t be stingy on the oil because it adds a wonderful aroma. Make sure to brush each crostino with plenty of oil. The last thing you want is dry, crumbly bread.
• Don’t underbake. The key to tasty shrimp crostini is baking the baguette slices just the right amount, so they are crisp and crunchy without drying out.
• Eat them warm. These garlic shrimp crostini are at their tastiest when they’re still warm from the oven. If you’re making them in advance for a party, reheat them in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes before eating.

Variations

Here are a few variations for you to try out with your next batch! Shrimp crostini have quickly become a favorite at parties, and for good reason! They’re so good you won’t be able to resist.

• Cream cheese substitute: I love tangy cream cheese in this recipe, but you can swap in another soft cheese such as goat cheese, ricotta, mascarpone, or brie.
• Add cheese: For cheesy shrimp crostini, stir 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese or cheddar into the cream cheese mixture. I also have this tasty garlic cheese spread.
• Make it spicy: Create some heat by adding a splash of hot sauce to the cream cheese. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes over the assembled shrimp baguette.
• Switch up seafood: Instead of shrimp, try prawn, other crustaceans such as lobster, roasted scallops, or smoked or grilled fish.
• Tomato base: To make the recipe dairy-free, skip the cream cheese and top each crostino with a tablespoon of your favorite marinara sauce.

Serving suggestions

Arrange these seafood crostini on a large serving platter. To make it a complete and filling meal, serve the appetizer with a green salad or pasta salad.

Making shrimp crostini ahead

While it’s best to assemble your shrimp crostini as close to serving as possible, you can prepare the different components in advance. Then, when it’s time to eat, simply put everything together, and your tasty shrimp appetizer is ready to go.

• Crostini: Roast the bread and store the crostini in an airtight bag or food container at room temp for up to one week. Don’t put them in the fridge as they will lose their crispiness.
• Shrimp: Pan-fry the shrimp and store it in a sealed container in the fridge one day in advance.
• Cream cheese spread: Whip up the cream cheese mixture, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap (cling film) and refrigerate for 1 to 2 days.

Storage Instructions

How to store shrimp crostini

Store roasted crostini without topping in an airtight container at room temperature. They will be good for up to a week. Keep leftover assembled crostini on a covered plate and enjoy the next day.

How long do crostini with shrimp last?

• Room temperature: Shrimp crostini can sit out at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours.
• Refrigerator: Assembled crostini are best served within an hour or two of making. Keep them covered + refrigerated, and optionally reheat in the microwave right before serving.