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Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado Recipe

4.6 from 603 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Baguette and Oil

  • 1012 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