Description
Whip up this simple yet mouthwatering seafood appetizer that’s perfect for spreading over crunchy toasted baguette slices. Loaded with shrimp and lump crab meat, this creamy spread is guaranteed to be the star of any party!
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ pound raw shrimp (fresh or thawed), peeled and deveined (about 10 jumbo shrimp)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
- 1 (6-ounce) can lump crab meat, well drained
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes, to taste
- 1 French baguette
Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grab a large baking sheet — no need to grease it.
- Cook the Shrimp
- Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then chop into bite-sized pieces (around ¼ to ½ inch chunks).
- Make the Seafood Spread
- While the shrimp cools, soften the cream cheese by microwaving it in a microwave-safe bowl for about 40 seconds—soft but not melted. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, drained crab meat, grated garlic, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the chopped shrimp and mix everything until well combined.
- Prepare the Baguette
- Slice the baguette into ½ to ¾ inch thick rounds. Spoon a generous 1 to 2 tablespoons of the seafood spread on each slice, spreading evenly.
- Bake to Perfection
- Arrange the topped baguette slices on the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the spread is warmed and slightly softened. For a finishing touch, sprinkle extra parsley or red pepper flakes over the top.
- Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve the crostini warm, fresh out of the oven. Perfect for any party or casual get-together!
Notes
Helpful Tips
- You can prepare the seafood spread up to 2 days ahead—store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just spread it on baguette slices and bake right before serving.
- Alternatively, assemble the crostini 1 to 2 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate on a tray. Bake just before your guests arrive for maximum freshness and crunch. This recipe nails the combo of creamy, savory seafood with crisp baguette — making it a fail-proof crowd-pleaser every time!
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
Nutrition
- Calories: 203 kcal
- Sodium: 237 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg