This Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Toast is an irresistible appetizer or light meal, offering a fantastic combination of crispy, savory garlic bread, melted gooey cheese, and perfectly cooked, tender shrimp. The image prominently features several thick slices of toasted bread, likely a baguette or rustic loaf, generously topped with a blanket of melted, bubbling cheese. Each slice is adorned with succulent, pink shrimp, some slightly curled from cooking, which adds a delightful seafood element. A sprinkle of fresh green herbs, most likely parsley or chives, provides a pop of color and a fresh aromatic finish, making the dish visually appealing as well as delicious. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, delivering a harmonious blend of textures and robust flavors in every bite.
Ingredients:
For the Garlic Bread:
- 1 loaf (about 12-16 oz) rustic bread, ciabatta, or baguette, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for flavor in garlic butter)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Shrimp Topping:
- 1 lb (about 450g) medium-large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails on or off
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups (about 150g) shredded mozzarella cheese, or a blend of mozzarella and provolone/cheddar
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
Equipment:
- Baking sheet(s)
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Small mixing bowl (for garlic butter)
- Medium mixing bowl (for shrimp)
- Large skillet (for cooking shrimp)
- Spatula
- Cheese grater (if not using pre-shredded cheese)
- Serving platter
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions:
- Prepare the Garlic Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, optional 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Arrange the bread slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spread a generous layer of the garlic butter evenly over one side of each bread slice.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the bread are golden and slightly crisp. Remove from the oven but keep the oven on.
- Prepare the Shrimp Topping:
- While the garlic bread is in the oven, pat the peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels.
- In a medium mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 cloves minced garlic, paprika, optional dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque and are just cooked through. Be careful not to overcook, as overcooked shrimp can become rubbery. Remove from heat.
- Assemble and Finish the Toasts:
- Take the partially baked garlic bread slices from the oven.
- Evenly distribute the cooked shrimp over each garlic bread slice.
- Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheese blend) over the shrimp and bread, ensuring good coverage.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven. Bake for another 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. For an extra crispy cheese top, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch it closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Carefully remove the Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Toasts from the oven.
- Transfer them to a serving platter.
- Immediately garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives. If you like a little heat, sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
- Serve warm as a decadent appetizer, a delicious side dish, or a satisfying light meal. The combination of crispy bread, melted cheese, and tender shrimp makes this dish a guaranteed hit.