Ah, friend! If you’re looking for a quick, delightful appetizer that shines at any gathering, let me share one of my go-to recipes: Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado. Picture this: crispy crostini piled high with creamy avocado and succulent shrimp, all enveloped in garlic and warm spices. It’s like hosting a culinary fiesta right in your kitchen!

Why you’ll love this recipe

Why should you dive into this recipe tonight? Well, let me tell you. First off, garlic and shrimp? That’s a match made in flavor heaven! The crostini acts like little canvases, holding all that deliciousness together while still being crispy enough to provide that perfect crunch. Plus, the fresh avocado adds a creamy layer, balancing the rich flavors perfectly.

Let’s face it: appetizers can often feel heavy or overly complicated, but these bites are light and refreshing. You’ll impress your guests without breaking a sweat, and you’ll love how quickly they come together. There’s something so satisfying about quickly assembling each vibrant piece. The best part? You can easily make these for a crowd or enjoy them solo while you sip a glass of wine.

Gather these ingredients

Baguette slices – 10 to 12 slices cut about ½ inch thick. Look for one that’s crusty on the outside but soft on the inside. This is your foundation, so don’t skimp!
Olive oil – 6 tablespoons, divided. I always opt for a good quality extra virgin olive oil; it really elevates the whole dish.
Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon. This will infuse your crostini with a deep, aromatic flavor.
Avocado – 1 ripe one. Make sure it’s perfectly ripe, as that creaminess will be key!
Lime juice – juice of ½ lime. This adds brightness and keeps that avocado from going brown too soon.
Salt and black pepper – ¼ teaspoon each. Essential for seasoning your dishes to perfection.
Shrimp – 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen, just make sure they’re plump and juicy!
Garlic cloves – 2 large cloves, cut into slivers. Fresh garlic makes a world of difference.
Smoked paprika – ¾ teaspoon. This gives a smoky depth to the shrimp that you won’t be able to resist.
Cumin – ½ teaspoon. A warm spice that complements the shrimp beautifully.
Additional salt and black pepper – ¼ teaspoon each, for seasoning the shrimp.

Preparing Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado: A Flavorful Bite-Sized Delight

Preheat your oven to 350°F and move the rack to the top. This will help achieve that golden, crunchy crostini you crave!
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cleanup. This is always a smart move.
Slice your baguette into 10 to 12 pieces, each about ½ inch thick, and lay them out on the baking sheet. You want them nicely spaced out to allow for crisping.
In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of olive oil with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Stir well to combine this fragrant mixture.
Using a brush, paint both sides of each baguette slice with the oil. This coats them beautifully and sets the stage for a lovely crisp texture.
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and remove them as they get crispy and golden—no one wants burnt crostini!
While the crostini are baking, let’s whip up the creamy avocado spread. Cut your avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Mash it to your desired creaminess but leave it a bit chunky for texture.
Squeeze in that lime juice (ah, the magic!) and sprinkle in a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper. Mix it all together and let it sit for a moment to get those flavors dancing.
Time for the shrimp! In a large skillet, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil over low heat. Toss in the garlic slivers, letting them sizzle gently for about 2 minutes to infuse the oil without burning.
Crank the heat to medium-high, then add the shrimp, seasoning them with smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir so all that spice hugs the shrimp.
Cook the shrimp for about 3-5 minutes, turning them occasionally until they turn bright pink and opaque. The aroma? Just divine!
Once cooked, remove the shrimp and allow them to cool slightly.
Right before serving, slather on that luscious avocado spread on each crostini. Make it generous, as that creamy goodness holds everything together.
Crown each crostini with a perfectly cooked shrimp. Arrange them beautifully – remember, we eat with our eyes first!

Best way to enjoy it

Serve these crostini while they are still warm! Arrange them on a lovely platter and don’t forget to squeeze a little extra lime over the top for zing. These little bites work beautifully as appetizers, and pair stunningly with crisp white wines or refreshing cocktails. You might also consider serving them alongside a light salad for a full meal.

Keeping leftovers fresh

If by chance you have any leftovers, you can store the crostini and the topping separately. Place crostini in an airtight container at room temperature, and the avocado spread in the fridge. It’ll keep for about a day, but I suggest enjoying them fresh whenever possible!

Pro chef tips

If you want a touch more flavor, try toasting your baguette slices with a sprinkle of salt before applying the garlicky oil.
For additional depth, consider sautéing some diced red bell peppers or fresh herbs along with the shrimp to add color and flavor.
Remember: Avoid overcooking those shrimp. They’re best when cooked until just opaque.

Creative Twists

Feel free to personalize this dish! Swap the shrimp for scallops or even grilled vegetables for a vegetarian version. You can also try adding some spicy chili flakes to give it a kick—who doesn’t love a little heat in their life?

Common questions

What’s the best way to ensure my avocado doesn’t brown?
- Adding lime juice not only enhances flavor but helps slow down that browning process!
Can I make these ahead of time?
- It’s best to assemble them right before serving. However, you can prepare the crostini and shrimp ahead and just pop them together when you’re ready.
What can I substitute for shrimp?
- You can use tofu or grilled chicken if you want a different base protein while keeping the flavors intact.
How spicy is this dish?
- As written, it’s quite mild, but feel free to amp up the heat with some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños!
What’s a good drink pairing?
- A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or even a light gin and tonic pairs beautifully with the freshness of the dish.

Try out this Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado, and watch how quickly they become the star of your next gathering! The layers of flavor, combined with the ease of preparation, make it a true delight. You’ll find everyone coming back for more, and don’t be surprised if they ask for the recipe—you might just have to share! Happy cooking, my friend!

Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado

Delightful appetizer featuring crispy crostini topped with creamy avocado and succulent shrimp, infused with garlic and spices.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4 servings

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

For the Crostini

10-12 slices Baguette slices Cut about ½ inch thick, crusty on the outside and soft on the inside.
6 tablespoons Olive oil Divided, opt for good quality extra virgin olive oil.
1 teaspoon Garlic powder For deep, aromatic flavor.

For the Avocado Spread

1 whole Avocado Make sure it’s perfectly ripe.
½ lime Lime juice Juice to add brightness and prevent browning.
¼ teaspoon Salt For seasoning.
¼ teaspoon Black pepper For seasoning.

For the Shrimp

12 large Shrimp Peeled and deveined.
2 cloves Garlic cloves Cut into slivers.
¾ teaspoon Smoked paprika For smoky depth of flavor.
½ teaspoon Cumin To complement the shrimp.
¼ teaspoon Salt For seasoning.
¼ teaspoon Black pepper For seasoning.
3 tablespoons Olive oil Remaining for cooking shrimp.

Instructions

Preparation of Crostini

Preheat your oven to 350°F and move the rack to the top.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Slice your baguette into 10 to 12 pieces, each about ½ inch thick, and lay them out on the baking sheet.
In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of olive oil with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Stir well.
Brush both sides of each baguette slice with the oil mixture.
Bake for about 10-15 minutes until crispy and golden.

Preparation of Avocado Spread

Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a bowl.
Mash it to your desired creaminess but leave it a bit chunky.
Squeeze in the lime juice, sprinkle in a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper, and mix well.

Cooking the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil over low heat.
Add the garlic slivers and let them sizzle for about 2 minutes.
Increase to medium-high heat and add the shrimp, seasoning with smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
Cook the shrimp for about 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally until they turn bright pink and opaque.

Assembly and Serving

Right before serving, spread the avocado mixture generously on each crostini.
Top each crostini with a cooked shrimp and arrange beautifully.
Serve warm and enjoy with a squeeze of lime.

Notes

Store leftover crostini and avocado topping separately. Best enjoyed fresh. For twists, replace shrimp with scallops or grilled veggies, or add chili flakes for heat.

Keyword Appetizers, Avocado, Crostini, Easy Recipes, Garlic Shrimp