For your next gathering, make this deliciously buttery and super easy seafood spread served atop crusty bread.
One of the favorite appetizer recipes I have created recently is this shrimp and crab spread to serve over a crusty baguette. It is SO delicious, so easy to make, and looks impressive. The creamy, savory seafood spread made with chunks of shrimp and lump crab meat is spread over sliced baguettes and toasted in the oven for a few minutes to melt together the seafood spread and crisp up the baguette slices.
Step by Step Guide to Making Shrimp and Crab Crostini
Preheat Oven:
Start by setting your oven to 425°F to preheat. 
Prepare the Shrimp:
In a mixing bowl, season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the shrimp. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side or until they turn opaque and are fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and let them cool.
Shrimp Chopping:
Once cooled, chop the shrimp into small bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the Spread:
-
- Soften the Cream Cheese: In a large microwave-safe bowl, microwave the cream cheese for about 40 seconds or until it’s softened but not entirely melted.
- Mix the Ingredients: To the softened cream cheese, add the grated Parmesan, drained crab meat, finely grated garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until combined.
- Add the Shrimp: Fold in the chopped shrimp into the mix, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
Prepare the Baguette:
Slice your baguette into 3/4-inch thick slices.
Assemble the Crostini:
Generously top each baguette slice with about 1-2 tablespoons of the seafood spread. The exact amount will depend on the size of your slices.
Bake:
Place the assembled crostini on a baking tray. Bake in your preheated oven for 4-5 minutes, or until the baguette slices are toasted golden and the seafood spread is bubbly and slightly browned.
Garnish and Serve:
Optionally, sprinkle some more chopped parsley on top for added color. Serve warm and enjoy.
Shrimp and Crab Crostini
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Diet: Pescatarian, Omnivore
Description
Buttery, cheesy seafood spread atop toasted baguette slices.
Perfect for parties or a fancy appetizer.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (227 g) shrimp
- 0.5 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese
- 0.5 cups (118 ml) freshly grated Parmesan
- 1 small garlic clove
- 6 oz (170 g) lump crab meat
- 2 tbsp parsley leaves
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- 1 baguette
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (204°C).
- Prepare the Shrimp: Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side, or until opaque and cooked through. Remove from skillet and cool.
- Chop the shrimp into small bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the Spread
- Soften the cream cheese: Microwave cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl for 40 seconds, or until softened but not melted.
- Mix the ingredients: Add grated Parmesan, drained crab meat, finely grated garlic, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the softened cream cheese. Stir until combined.
- Add the shrimp: Fold in the chopped shrimp until evenly distributed.
- Prepare the Baguette: Slice baguette into 3/4-inch thick slices.
- Assemble the Crostini: Top each baguette slice with 1-2 tablespoons of seafood spread.
- Bake: Place crostini on a baking tray. Bake in the preheated oven for 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley (optional). Serve warm.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use high-quality lump crab meat.
- To prevent soggy crostini, toast baguette slices lightly before adding the spread.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 crostini
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 15
- Cholesterol: 150
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?
The shrimp should turn opaque and curl slightly when cooked; this usually takes about 2 minutes on each side over medium heat.
Can I substitute the cream cheese in the spread?
Yes, you can use mascarpone or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, but this may slightly alter the texture and flavor of the spread.
What type of baguette works best for this crostini?
A crusty French baguette is ideal, as it provides a sturdy base that holds up well when topped with the seafood spread.
party food MVP!! tried and reliable.
Made these shrimp and crab crostinis for my buddy’s football game gathering. They vanished within minutes! Especially loved the crispy baguette—total hit!