Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado Recipe

Introduction

These Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado are a perfect bite-sized appetizer, combining crispy toasted baguette, creamy avocado spread, and smoky, flavorful shrimp. Quick to prepare and full of bright, balanced flavors, they’re sure to impress at any gathering.

Ingredients

• 10-12 baguette slices (about ½” thick)
• 6 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 avocado
• Juice of ½ lime
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 big garlic cloves, cut into slivers
• ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and move the rack to the top position. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the baguette into 10-12 pieces about ½ inch thick and place them in a single layer on the prepared sheet.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons olive oil with 1 teaspoon garlic powder until dissolved. Brush this garlic-infused oil evenly on both sides of each baguette slice.
3. Step 3: Bake the slices for 10-15 minutes until crisp and golden. Watch carefully to avoid burning. Remove and let cool slightly.
4. Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare the avocado spread. Halve and pit the avocado, scoop the flesh into a bowl, and mash with a fork until mostly smooth with slight chunks.
5. Step 5: Add lime juice, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to the mashed avocado. Stir to combine and set aside to let the flavors meld.
6. Step 6: Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over low heat. Add the garlic slivers and cook gently for about 2 minutes to infuse the oil.
7. Step 7: Increase heat to medium-high and add the shrimp. Season with smoked paprika, cumin, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Stir to coat evenly.
8. Step 8: Cook the shrimp for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until pink and opaque but not overcooked. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
9. Step 9: Spread a generous layer of avocado mixture onto each crostini slice.
10. Step 10: Top each with one cooked shrimp, arranging them neatly for an appealing presentation.
11. Step 11: Serve immediately and enjoy these flavorful, crunchy bites fresh for best texture.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crisp crostini, leave the bread in the oven a few minutes longer, but watch to prevent burning.
• Add a sprinkle of red chili flakes to the shrimp for a spicy kick.
• Use fresh lime juice to brighten both the avocado spread and garnish the completed crostini for freshness.
• Swap smoked paprika for regular paprika if you prefer a milder smoky flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover crostini components separately—keep the toasted baguette slices in an airtight container to preserve crunch, and refrigerate the avocado spread and cooked shrimp in covered containers. Assemble just before serving. The crostini are best enjoyed within one day. Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet before adding to crostini; avoid microwaving to preserve texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sauté properly and don’t release excess water.

How do I keep the avocado from browning?

Adding fresh lime juice helps prevent browning while also brightening the flavor. Store the avocado spread in an airtight container and cover with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface if storing.

Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado Recipe

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Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado is a flavorful bite-sized appetizer featuring crispy baguette slices topped with a creamy lime-infused avocado spread and smoky, spiced garlic shrimp. Perfect for parties or elegant starters, this dish combines crunchy textures with fresh and savory flavors in just 25 minutes.

• Author: reem
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking and Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Baguette and Oil

• 10–12 baguette slices (about ½” thick)
• 6 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Avocado Spread

• 1 avocado
• Juice of ½ lime
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Shrimp and Seasoning

• 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 big garlic cloves, cut into slivers
• ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baguette: Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the rack at the top position. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange 10-12 baguette slices, about ½ inch thick, in a single layer to ensure even crisping.
2. Infuse the Olive Oil: Mix 3 tablespoons of olive oil with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder in a small bowl until the powder dissolves. Brush this garlic-infused oil evenly on both sides of each baguette slice. Bake them on the prepared sheet for 10-15 minutes, watching closely to achieve a golden, crispy texture without burning.
3. Prepare the Avocado Spread: While the crostini are baking, halve the avocado, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Mash it with a fork until smooth with some chunks remaining. Stir in the juice of ½ lime, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to add brightness and seasoning. Set aside.
4. Cook the Shrimp: Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over low heat. Add garlic slivers and gently cook for 2 minutes to infuse oil with garlic flavor. Increase heat to medium-high and add shrimp, seasoning with smoked paprika, cumin, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Stir and cook shrimp for 3-5 minutes until pink and opaque, turning occasionally for even cooking. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Assemble the Crostini: Spread a generous layer of the avocado mixture on each toasted baguette slice. Top each slice with one cooked shrimp placed attractively to highlight the main ingredient.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the garlic shrimp crostini immediately for the best contrast of crispy bread and creamy avocado with smoky shrimp. Ideal as an appetizer for gatherings, best enjoyed fresh with a refreshing white wine or light cocktail pairing.

Notes

• Watch the crostini closely while baking to prevent burning; adjust bake time for desired crispiness.
• Use ripe but firm avocados to maintain texture in the spread.
• Do not overcook shrimp to keep them tender and avoid rubbery texture.
• Can be served warm or at room temperature.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp seasoning.

Keywords: garlic shrimp crostini, appetizer, avocado spread, party bites, seafood appetizer, easy crostini recipe, smoky shrimp