Imagine a party appetizer that's so irresistible, your guests will be begging for the recipe before the first bite is even finished! These Shrimp with Horseradish Canapes are the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combines the succulent sweetness of perfectly cooked shrimp with a bold, tangy horseradish cream cheese spread. In just 25 minutes, you'll create an elegant, mouthwatering appetizer that looks like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant kitchen - but with a simplicity that will make you look like a culinary genius!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 canapes
Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 24 slices of baguette
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Remove shrimp from refrigerator and pat dry with paper towels to ensure they are completely moisture-free.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, prepared horseradish, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk until smooth and well incorporated, creating a creamy horseradish spread.
- Slice baguette into 24 thin, even rounds approximately 1/4 inch thick. Toast the baguette slices lightly in a preheated oven at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until edges are golden and crisp.
- Allow toasted baguette slices to cool completely at room temperature for about 5 minutes to maintain their crispness.
- Spread a thin, even layer of the horseradish cream cheese mixture onto each baguette slice, ensuring complete coverage.
- Carefully place one cooked shrimp on top of each prepared baguette slice, positioning it neatly in the center.
- Finely chop fresh parsley and sprinkle over the canapes for added color and a fresh herb garnish.
- Arrange canapes on a serving platter and serve immediately to maintain the crispness of the baguette and the freshness of the shrimp.
Tips
- Pat the shrimp completely dry to prevent soggy canapes and ensure a crisp texture.
- Toast the baguette slices just until golden - over-toasting can make them too hard and difficult to bite.
- Let the toasted baguette cool completely before spreading the cream cheese mixture to maintain maximum crispness.
- Use fresh, high-quality horseradish for the most vibrant and zingy flavor.
- Prepare the canapes just before serving to keep the baguette crisp and the shrimp at their freshest.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a tiny sprinkle of lemon zest or a crack of black pepper on top.
- If preparing in advance, keep the components separate and assemble just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 45kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 35mg
