Why You’ll Love Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado
Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado is a beautiful balance of textures and tastes — crunchy, creamy, and savory all at once. The garlic butter shrimp add a luscious depth of flavor, while the avocado provides a smooth contrast that ties everything together. It’s quick to make, visually stunning, and guaranteed to impress any crowd.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Baguette, sliced into thin rounds
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Olive oil
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Garlic cloves, minced
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Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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Salt and black pepper
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Butter
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Lemon juice
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Avocado, mashed
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Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil. Bake for 6–8 minutes until golden and crisp.
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In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add the shrimp, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side or until pink and cooked through. Drizzle with lemon juice and remove from heat.
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Spread a layer of mashed avocado over each toasted crostini.
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Top with one or two garlic shrimp and garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro.
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Serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 crostini and serves 4–6 people as an appetizer.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
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Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
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Substitute shrimp with scallops or crab for a seafood twist.
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Mix the avocado with lime juice and diced tomato for a guacamole-style base.
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Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or garlic aioli for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Garlic Shrimp Crostini is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers separately. Keep the cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The toasted crostini can be stored at room temperature for a day in a sealed container. When ready to serve again, reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet and assemble with fresh avocado. Avoid reheating the entire crostini to maintain crispness.
FAQs
1. Can I make the crostini ahead of time?
Yes, you can toast the baguette slices a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. Assemble just before serving for the best texture.
2. What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?
Medium to large shrimp are ideal since they fit perfectly on the crostini and offer a hearty bite.
3. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
4. How can I keep the avocado from browning?
Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to the mashed avocado and cover it tightly with plastic wrap until ready to use.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free bread or crackers instead of a traditional baguette.
6. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but garlic powder can work in a pinch—use about 1/4 teaspoon.
7. What can I serve with Garlic Shrimp Crostini?
It pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine, sparkling water with lemon, or a light salad.
8. Can I grill the shrimp instead of sautéing them?
Absolutely! Grilling adds a smoky flavor that complements the garlic and avocado wonderfully.
9. How do I prevent soggy crostini?
Let the toasted bread cool completely before adding toppings, and avoid overloading with avocado or shrimp juices.
10. Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Yes, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or crumbled feta can enhance the flavor beautifully.
Conclusion
Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado is an irresistible bite-sized appetizer that blends freshness and flavor in every mouthful. It’s simple enough for a weeknight treat yet elegant enough for entertaining. With its creamy avocado base and garlicky shrimp topping, this crostini will easily become one of your favorite go-to appetizers.
Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado: A Flavorful Bite-Sized Delight
Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado is a delicious bite-sized appetizer combining garlicky shrimp, creamy avocado, and crispy baguette slices. It’s elegant, easy to make, and perfect for entertaining or enjoying as a light snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 crostini (serves 4–6)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking and Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 baguette, sliced into thin rounds
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 ripe avocado, mashed
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil. Bake for 6–8 minutes until golden and crisp.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side or until pink and cooked through.
- Drizzle the cooked shrimp with lemon juice and remove from heat.
- Spread a layer of mashed avocado over each toasted crostini.
- Top with one or two garlic shrimp and garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro.
- Serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use scallops or crab instead of shrimp for variation.
- Mix avocado with lime juice and tomato for a guacamole-style spread.
- Top with balsamic glaze or garlic aioli for extra flavor.
- For gluten-free, use gluten-free bread or crackers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 crostini
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
