When it comes to party-worthy starters, seafood stands out for one big reason: over 78% of U.S. consumers say they associate seafood with “special occasions” and “quality dining”. But not every seafood dish requires hours in the kitchen, or complicated prep.
Chef Adam’s Crabby Shrimp Toast proves that you can deliver bold, restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes using just a few standout ingredients. Blending buttery baguette slices with a savory mix of finely chopped shrimp, sweet lump crab, garlic, and shallots, this dish strikes the perfect balance of elegance and ease. It made its debut in the first episode of the All Fresh Cooking Academy, and quickly earned its spot as a go-to crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re planning a holiday hors d’oeuvre tray or building a Sunday brunch board, this easy seafood crostini brings big flavor with minimal effort. Here’s how to make it, why it works, and what to serve with it to create a menu your guests will remember.
A Toast to Elegance: Why This Recipe Works for Any Occasion
This isn’t just shrimp toast, it’s Chef Adam’s reinvention of a classic. First featured in the debut episode of the All Fresh Cooking Academy, Crabby Shrimp Toast was designed to showcase how a few top-tier ingredients can turn a simple snack into a standout seafood hors d’oeuvre. The recipe quickly gained traction for one reason: it delivers the same wow factor as restaurant fare, without the complexity.
Traditional shrimp toast often leans heavily on deep-frying and overly processed spreads. Chef Adam takes a cleaner, more flavor-forward approach by using a mix of Super Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes and broken shrimp pieces, blended with aromatics and pan-seared for a crispy, buttery finish. The result? A richer flavor, more texture, and a presentation that actually looks as good as it tastes.
Because it’s both easy to make and visually impressive, this dish fits a wide range of occasions:
- Cocktail parties where passed bites need to shine
- Holiday spreads that call for a seafood centerpiece
- Game-day gatherings that demand something beyond wings and dips
- Brunch boards that need a savory, protein-rich option
From festive celebrations to laid-back get-togethers, this crab and shrimp toast appetizer earns its place at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Shrimp Toast with Crab
Here’s what you’ll need to create 12–14 toasts that are crispy, golden, and bursting with savory seafood flavor:
- 2 Super Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes (hand-broken into chunks)
- 6 oz large broken shrimp pieces (finely blended for texture)
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp shallots, minced
- 1 tbsp cilantro, minced
- 1 tsp fish sauce (for depth and umami)
- 1 baguette, sliced on the bias
- 4 tsp butter, plus 2 tbsp for finishing in the pan
- 2 tbsp neutral oil, for searing
Sourcing Matters:
Using high-quality crab cakes is what sets this recipe apart. All Fresh Seafood’s Super Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes are packed with sweet crab meat and no filler, ideal for a recipe where the seafood has to shine. Pairing that with broken shrimp pieces (instead of whole shrimp) creates a spreadable texture that crisps up evenly on the toast.
Ingredient Synergy:
- Fish sauce brings a subtle saltiness and complexity without overpowering.
- Garlic and shallots build the aromatic base.
- Cilantro adds a hit of freshness to balance the richness of the seafood and butter.
Every element plays a role in elevating this easy seafood crostini into something special. Ready to cook? Let’s walk through the step-by-step method next.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making This Crab and Shrimp Toast Appetizer
Step 1 – Blend the Flavor Base
Start by breaking up the Super Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes into bite-sized chunks. In a mixing bowl, combine those with the finely blended shrimp pieces, minced garlic, shallots, cilantro, and fish sauce. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula, overmixing can break down the crab texture. The goal is a cohesive but still slightly chunky spread with flecks of green and aromatic lift from the shallots.
Step 2 – Assemble the Toast
Slice your baguette on a bias, this gives each toast more surface area and a slightly upscale look. You’ll want slices about ½-inch thick so they hold up under heat without getting too crunchy or dry.
Using a spoon or offset spatula, spread a generous layer of the seafood mixture onto each slice. Don’t go edge to edge, leave a slight border so the mixture doesn’t spill while searing.
Step 3 – Crisp It Just Right
Heat neutral oil in a large skillet over medium. Once hot, place the toasts seafood-side down and cook 3–5 at a time, depending on your pan size. Don’t rush it, wait until the bottom gets a deep golden color before flipping.
After turning, drop in two tablespoons of soft butter and tilt the pan slightly to baste the toast edges. This step adds rich flavor and finishes the second side with a delicate crust.
Step 4 – Garnish & Serve with a Twist
Serve the toasts hot, right out of the pan. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or microgreens for contrast. For extra flair, add a small bowl of spicy aioli or lemon garlic mayo on the side—perfect for dipping or drizzling. A touch of chili crisp or pickled shallots works too if you’re serving a more adventurous crowd.
Pro Tips from Chef Adam: How to Nail This Recipe Every Time
Making an elegant appetizer doesn’t mean you need to overthink it, especially when you’re working with great seafood. Here’s how to get it right on the first try.
- Use broken shrimp pieces, not whole. They blend into a finer texture that spreads more evenly over the bread. Whole shrimp can be too bulky, making the topping unstable when searing.
- Balance the aromatics. Garlic and shallots are strong flavors, too much of either can overwhelm the natural sweetness of the crab. Stick to the recommended amounts for a mix that’s flavorful but not overpowering.
- Don’t skip the butter finish. Searing in neutral oil gets things started, but adding butter in the final step adds that nutty, toasted flavor and prevents the bread from drying out.
- Avoid soggy toast. Always cook the seafood side first, this locks in moisture and forms a crust. Flipping too early or skipping the butter can lead to soft bottoms and less texture contrast.
With a few simple techniques and quality ingredients, Chef Adam’s Crabby Shrimp Toast becomes more than a recipe, it becomes a go-to move for hosts who want to serve something memorable.
Where to Find the Best Ingredients for Your Lump Crab Toast Ideas
The difference between a good appetizer and an unforgettable one often comes down to ingredient quality, and that’s especially true with seafood. In a dish like this, there’s nowhere for fillers or blandness to hide. That’s why Chef Adam swears by All Fresh Seafood’s Super Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes and premium broken shrimp pieces.
Our crab cakes are made with 100% sweet, wild-caught crab meat, no fillers, no breadcrumbs, and no mystery ingredients. They're fully cooked, perfectly seasoned, and ready to break apart into flavorful chunks for recipes like this one. Pair that with our clean, hand-prepped shrimp pieces, and you’ve got a seafood blend that holds together well and crisps beautifully on toast.
Whether you're planning ahead for a holiday menu or need a last-minute solution for your next dinner party, ordering from All Fresh Seafood means you can:
- Skip the store and get frozen seafood delivered right to your door
- Count on consistent quality, trusted sourcing, and chef-tested flavor
- Choose from convenient portion sizes for any event, from intimate brunches to large gatherings
Shop our crab cakes and shrimp online to make this recipe exactly how Chef Adam intended, with ingredients that bring out the best in every bite.
Final Thoughts: A Crowd-Pleasing Party Appetizer with Crab and Shrimp
Crabby Shrimp Toast isn’t just easy, it’s impressive. Every bite layers buttery crunch with rich seafood flavor, delicate aromatics, and a hint of freshness from the herbs. It’s the kind of dish that feels elevated but doesn’t demand culinary training to pull off.
If you’ve ever been nervous about cooking seafood appetizers, this is the one to try. The method is straightforward, the ingredients do most of the work, and the results are worthy of any special occasion. From casual game nights to full-on holiday spreads, this seafood dinner in 20 minutes (yes, really) is your shortcut to a standout first course.
Ready to serve something memorable? Try Chef Adam’s Crabby Shrimp Toast tonight, just grab your premium crab and shrimp from All Fresh Seafood and get cooking.
