Name: Garlic Butter Shrimp Cheese Toast
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 baguette or Italian bread, sliced lengthwise; 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium or small); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish); Optional: 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; Olive oil, for brushing the bread

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Garlic Butter Shrimp Cheese Toast is a crave-worthy appetizer or quick meal that delivers on flavor and texture. I take crispy toasted bread, slather it with rich garlic butter, top it with juicy shrimp and melty cheese, then bake it to golden perfection. It’s bold, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe transforms simple ingredients into something that feels gourmet. The shrimp is buttery and garlicky, the cheese stretches beautifully with every bite, and the bread stays perfectly crisp underneath. It’s a great recipe for entertaining or for those nights when I want something indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s ready in just 20 minutes. Garlic Butter Shrimp Cheese Toast

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 baguette or Italian bread, sliced lengthwise
Shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium or small work best)
Unsalted butter
Garlic, minced
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper
Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for heat
Olive oil (for brushing the bread)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
I slice the baguette or Italian loaf lengthwise and place the halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
I brush each bread half with a bit of olive oil to help it crisp up in the oven.
In a skillet, I melt butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Then I add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and opaque—about 2–3 minutes per side.
I remove the skillet from heat and chop the cooked shrimp into bite-sized pieces.
I spoon the garlic butter and shrimp evenly over the bread, then top with mozzarella and a sprinkle of parmesan.
I bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread are golden.
I finish with chopped herbs and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook, so it’s ready in just 20 minutes total. The oven temperature should be set at 400°F (200°C).

Variations

Sometimes I add a squeeze of lemon juice over the shrimp before topping the bread for a bright twist. I’ve also tried mixing a little cream cheese into the garlic butter for extra richness. If I want more spice, I sprinkle on some crushed red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of hot sauce just before serving. For a meatless option, I substitute mushrooms or roasted veggies in place of shrimp—they work really well with the garlic butter and cheese. Garlic Butter Shrimp Cheese Toast

storage/reheating

This toast is best eaten fresh, but if I have leftovers, I store them in the fridge wrapped in foil or in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat, I pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes until the cheese is melty and the bread is crisp again. I avoid the microwave—it tends to make the bread soggy.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, I’ve used pre-cooked shrimp before. I just warm them in the garlic butter for a minute or two—enough to coat them and absorb the flavor, but not too long to avoid overcooking.

What kind of cheese works best?

Mozzarella is my go-to for meltiness, but I sometimes mix in cheddar for extra flavor or use provolone for a more Italian vibe. Parmesan on top adds a salty kick.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I prepare the garlic butter shrimp mixture ahead and store it in the fridge. When I’m ready to serve, I assemble and bake the toast fresh—it tastes much better that way.

What bread is best for this recipe?

I prefer using a sturdy bread like a baguette or Italian loaf. It holds up well to the butter and cheese without getting soggy. Sourdough works great too.

Is this good as a main dish?

Absolutely. I usually pair two slices with a simple salad or soup for a full meal. It’s filling and flavorful enough to stand on its own.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Shrimp Cheese Toast is one of those recipes I can always count on to impress with minimal effort. Whether I’m serving it as an appetizer, snack, or light meal, it always hits the mark with its garlicky, cheesy goodness. Once I’ve tried it, it’s hard not to make it again—and again.