Why Make This Recipe
This appetizer is simple to make and looks fancy. It combines savory shrimp, tangy cranberry cream cheese, and a crisp bread base for a great taste. Your guests will love it. You can change it to fit different tastes. It is quick to prepare for last-minute gatherings.
How to Make Shrimp Crostini with Cranberry Cream Cheese
Making Shrimp Crostini with Cranberry Cream Cheese involves a few easy steps. First, you prepare the cranberry cream cheese spread. Then, you toast the bread slices to make them crispy. Next, you cook the shrimp until it is pink and juicy. Finally, you put all the parts together for an elegant appetizer.
Ingredients of Shrimp Crostini with Cranberry Cream Cheese
For the Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread
- Fresh or frozen cranberries
- Softened cream cheese
- Orange zest
- Orange juice
- Honey or maple syrup
- A pinch of salt
- Optional: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg
For the Perfectly Cooked Shrimp
- Medium or large shrimp, peeled, deveined
- Olive oil
- Minced garlic
- Optional: Red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh lemon juice
For the Crispy Crostini
- Fresh baguette, sliced thinly
- Olive oil
- Optional: Garlic powder
For Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs
- Extra cranberries
- Toasted pecans or walnuts
Directions of Shrimp Crostini with Cranberry Cream Cheese
1. Prepare the Cranberry Cream Cheese
- Cook cranberries, orange juice, and sweetener in a small pot. Cook until cranberries burst and the mixture is thick.
- Let the cranberry mixture cool completely. In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Fold in the cooled cranberry mixture, orange zest, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness if needed.
2. Make the Crostini
- Slice the baguette into thin rounds.
- Lay slices on a baking sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle with garlic powder if you want. Bake in a hot oven until golden and crispy. Let cool.
3. Cook the Shrimp
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook until it smells good.
- Add shrimp to the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until pink. Season with salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp.
4. Assemble the Shrimp Crostini with Cranberry Cream Cheese
- Spread the cranberry cream cheese mixture onto each cooled crostini.
- Place one or two cooked shrimp on top of the cream cheese.
- Add a sprig of fresh herb or a few extra cranberries for looks.
How to Serve Shrimp Crostini with Cranberry Cream Cheese
Arrange these crostini nicely on a large platter. They are great as an appetizer for any party or gathering. You can also add them to a brunch spread. This dish goes well with a crisp white or rosé drink.
How to Store Shrimp Crostini with Cranberry Cream Cheese
Store any leftover assembled crostini in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The bread may become soft. For the best quality, serve them right after you put them together. You can make the cranberry cream cheese ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. Keep plain, cooled crostini in an airtight container at room temperature.
Tips to Make Shrimp Crostini with Cranberry Cream Cheese
- Do not cook shrimp for too long. Overcooked shrimp become tough.
- Let cream cheese sit at room temperature to make it soft. This helps it mix smoothly.
- Cool the cranberry mixture completely before adding it to cream cheese. This stops it from becoming too liquid.
- Watch your crostini in the oven. Bake them until they are evenly golden.
- Assemble the crostini just before you serve them for the best taste and crunch.
Variation
- Spicy Kick: Add a small amount of jalapeño to the cranberry cream cheese.
- Herby Freshness: Mix fresh dill or chives into the cream cheese spread.
- Tangier Cheese: Use goat cheese instead of cream cheese for a different flavor.
- No Shrimp Option: Top with smoked fish slices instead of shrimp.
- Sweet & Savory: Drizzle a dark sweet sauce over the crostini before serving.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make the cranberry cream cheese spread ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cranberry cream cheese spread 1-2 days before. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. This saves time when you make your Shrimp Crostini with Cranberry Cream Cheese.
Q2: What’s the best way to keep the crostini crispy?
Store cooled crostini in an airtight container at room temperature. Do not put together the Shrimp Crostini with Cranberry Cream Cheese too early. Moisture from the spread can make the crostini soft.
Q3: I do not like shrimp. Are there other toppings for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other toppings. Crumbled goat cheese or cheese crumbles work well. Thinly sliced smoked fish or finely cut roasted chicken are also good choices. The cranberry cream cheese base will still taste great with these.
Zesty Cranberry Shrimp Crostini
Equipment
- Small pot
- Medium bowl
- Baking sheet
- Large pan
- Oven
- Brush
Ingredients
For the Zesty Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- salt Pinch
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon Optional
For the Garlic Lemon Shrimp:
- 1 lb medium shrimp peeled, deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
For the Crispy Garlic Crostini:
- 1 fresh baguette sliced thinly (approx. 24-30 slices)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh rosemary sprigs Optional
- Extra cranberries Optional
Instructions
Prepare the Zesty Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread
- Combine cranberries, orange juice, and honey in a small pot; cook until thickened, then cool completely. Beat softened cream cheese until smooth, then fold in the cooled cranberry mixture, orange zest, and salt, mixing well.
Make the Crispy Garlic Crostini
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with garlic powder. Bake for 8-12 minutes until golden and crispy, then cool.
Cook the Garlic Lemon Shrimp
- Heat olive oil in a large pan, sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes briefly until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper, remove from heat, and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp.
Assemble the Zesty Cranberry Shrimp Crostini
- Spread the Zesty Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread generously onto each cooled crostini. Top each with one or two cooked garlic lemon shrimp. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs or extra cranberries if desired, and serve immediately.