Welcome to your new favorite appetizer! This Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado recipe brings together crunchy toast, creamy avocado, and succulent garlic-infused shrimp for an unforgettable bite. It’s incredibly quick to prepare, boasting fresh, vibrant flavors that are perfect for any occasion. You’ll love how simple it is to create such an impressive dish.
Table of Contents
Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange baguette slices in a single layer.
- Mix 3 tbsp olive oil with garlic powder. Brush both sides of each baguette slice with the mixture.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes until crisp and lightly golden. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Mash avocado in a small bowl with lime juice, 0.25 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp pepper. Set aside.
- Heat remaining 3 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over low heat. Add slivered garlic and cook gently for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Increase heat to medium-high. Add shrimp, paprika, cumin, 0.25 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp pepper. Stir to coat.
- Cook shrimp for 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until pink and opaque.
- Top each crostini with mashed avocado and 1–2 shrimp. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love This Garlic Shrimp Crostini
- Quick and Easy: Whip up this impressive appetizer in under 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Entertaining Made Simple: It’s an elegant dish that looks gourmet but requires minimal effort, ideal for guests.
- Bursting with Fresh Flavors: Enjoy the harmonious blend of bright lime, savory garlic, and fresh herbs.
- Versatile Appetizer: Easily customize this Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado with your favorite spices or toppings.
- Satisfying Textures: Experience the delightful contrast of crispy baguette, smooth avocado, and tender shrimp.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients to create your delectable Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture.
- 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, deveined
- 2 big garlic cloves, cut into slivers
- ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Notes & Substitutions
- For the baguette, choose a good quality sourdough or French baguette. These options provide a sturdy base and excellent flavor.
- You can use fresh or frozen shrimp; if using frozen, thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking for best results.
- Feel free to experiment with other spices like a pinch of cayenne for heat, or fresh herbs like chives for a delicate onion note.
- When selecting avocados, look for ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure. If lime isn’t available, lemon juice makes an excellent alternative to add that bright acidity.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for this recipe. Just a few kitchen essentials will do the trick:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small bowl
- Large skillet
- Mashing tool (fork, potato masher)
- Tongs or spatula
Instructions For Garlic Shrimp Crostini
Creating this delightful Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado is a breeze. Follow these easy steps for a perfect appetizer every time.
- Prepare the Crostini Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and adjust the oven rack to the top position. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the baguette slices in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Season the Baguette: In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of olive oil with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Stir them together until well mixed. Use a pastry brush to evenly coat both sides of each baguette slice with this fragrant oil mixture.
- Bake the Crostini: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Bake the baguette slices for 10-15 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of crispness and are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Mash the Avocado: While the crostini bakes, prepare the avocado topping. Scoop the flesh of one avocado into a small bowl. Add the juice of half a lime, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Use a fork or a potato masher to mash the avocado until it’s creamy but still has a little texture. Set this aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: While the crostini is baking, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over very low heat. Add the two large garlic cloves, cut into slivers, to the warm oil. Cook the garlic gently for about 2 minutes, allowing it to become fragrant without browning.
- Cook the Shrimp: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, ¾ teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of cumin, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together to ensure the shrimp are coated with the spices.
- Finish the Shrimp: Cook the shrimp for approximately 5 minutes, turning them once or twice with tongs or a spatula. Continue cooking until the shrimp turn pink and become opaque throughout, indicating they are fully cooked. Be careful not to overcook them.
- Assemble and Serve: Once the crostini are crisp and the shrimp are cooked, it’s time to assemble your delicious Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado. Spread a generous dollop of the mashed avocado mixture onto each toasted crostini slice. Top each avocado-laden crostini with one or two pieces of the cooked garlic shrimp. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture experience.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve perfect Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado every time with these helpful hints.
- Shrimp Quality: Always select high-quality wild shrimp if possible. Its flavor and texture are superior.
- Avoid Overcooking Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly. Overcooked shrimp becomes tough and rubbery, so remove it from the heat as soon as it turns pink and opaque.
- Cold Oil, Cold Pan: Start heating your olive oil and garlic in a cold pan over low heat. This allows the garlic to infuse the oil gently without burning.
- Even Toasting: Ensure your baguette slices are in a single layer on the baking sheet for even toasting. Flip them halfway through if needed.
- Prevent Avocado Browning: The lime juice in the mashed avocado helps prevent browning. For make-ahead, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the avocado mixture.
- Soggy Crostini: To avoid soggy crostini, assemble them just before serving. The moisture from the avocado and shrimp can soften the bread over time.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Your Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado is best enjoyed immediately after assembly to fully appreciate its crisp texture and fresh flavors.
Storage:
- Cooked Shrimp: Store leftover cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Mashed Avocado: Keep mashed avocado in an airtight container, pressing plastic wrap directly onto its surface, for up to 1 day in the refrigerator.
- Toasted Crostini: Store cooled, toasted crostini in a cool, dry place in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Deconstructed: Serve the shrimp and avocado separately in bowls alongside the crostini, allowing guests to build their own.
- Fresh Herbs: Elevate the flavor by adding a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or chopped parsley after assembly.
- Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a touch of balsamic glaze over the finished crostini for a sweet and tangy contrast.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the shrimp while cooking for a subtle heat.
- Citrus Brightness: A final squeeze of lemon juice over the assembled crostini can add an extra burst of freshness.
Nutrition
Avocados are packed with nutrients, offering a range of health benefits from improved digestion to supporting heart health.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Servings | 1 crostini |
| Calories | 212 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 27 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 369 mg |
| Potassium | 70 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Vitamin A | 0 IU |
| Vitamin C | 3.3 mg |
| Calcium | 0 mg |
| Iron | 1.6 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bread for crostini?
Sourdough or a classic French baguette works wonderfully. Both offer a firm crust and a light, airy interior that toasts beautifully.
How do I know if an avocado is ripe?
Gently squeeze the avocado; it should yield slightly to pressure. Also, check under the stem cap; if it pulls off easily and reveals green flesh, it’s ripe.
Can I prepare Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado ahead of time?
You can toast the bread and cook the shrimp in advance. Prepare the mashed avocado with lime juice just before serving to maintain its fresh color and flavor.
Conclusion
This Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado proves that sophisticated appetizers don’t have to be complicated. With minimal effort, you can create a dish that bursts with fresh flavors and delightful textures, perfect for any gathering or a special treat for yourself.
We encourage you to try this incredibly easy and delicious recipe soon. Share your creations and let us know what you think in the comments below!
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