There are a number of ways one can prepare shrimp canapés. Toast, cucumber slices, or pumpernickel bread are often coated with either a shrimp paste or a chopped shrimp spread. There is also a method where the base of the canapés is first coated with cream cheese, sour cream, or mayonnaise, followed by placing a whole precooked shrimp on top with either cucumber or avocado slices in between.