Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado is a delightful appetizer that combines crispy toasted baguette slices with creamy avocado and flavorful, spiced shrimp. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for entertaining or a light snack.

Ingredients

• 10-12 baguette slices (about 1/2″ thick)
• 6 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 avocado
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 12 large shrimp, peeled, deveined
• 2 big garlic cloves, cut into slivers
• 3/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and move the rack to the top position. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the baguette slices in an even layer.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of olive oil with the garlic powder. Brush both sides of each baguette slice with this mixture. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the crostini are as crisp as you prefer.
3. Step 3: While the crostini bake, mash the avocado in a small bowl. Stir in the lime juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Set aside.
4. Step 4: Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over low heat. Add the garlic slivers and cook gently for about 2 minutes to infuse the oil.
5. Step 5: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp along with smoked paprika, cumin, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir to combine and cook the shrimp, turning once or twice, until they turn pink and are cooked through, about 5 minutes.
6. Step 6: Spread the mashed avocado on each crostini and top with the cooked shrimp. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, sprinkle crostini with a little grated Parmesan cheese before baking.
• Swap smoked paprika for chili powder if you prefer a spicier kick.
• Use fresh squeezed lemon juice instead of lime for a slightly different citrus flavor.
• Add a handful of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley on top for added freshness.

Storage

Store leftover mashed avocado and cooked shrimp separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Crostini are best served fresh but can be kept in an airtight container for a few hours. Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet, but avoid reheating crostini to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the crostini in advance?

Yes, you can toast the baguette slices a few hours ahead and keep them in an airtight container. Add the toppings just before serving to keep them crisp.

What can I substitute for shrimp?

You can use cooked chicken, grilled vegetables, or even sautéed mushrooms as a tasty alternative to shrimp in this recipe.

Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado Recipe

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4.6 from 115 reviews

Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado is a flavorful appetizer featuring crispy baguette slices topped with creamy mashed avocado and succulent garlic-spiced shrimp. This easy-to-make dish combines the crunch of toasted crostini with zesty, smoky shrimp and fresh avocado for a delicious bite-perfect starter or snack.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 10–12 crostini servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crostini

• 10–12 baguette slices (about 1/2″ thick)
• 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Avocado Spread

• 1 avocado
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Shrimp Topping

• 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 2 big garlic cloves, cut into slivers
• 3/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare crostini: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the oven rack to the top. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the baguette slices in an even layer.
2. Brush and bake crostini: In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of olive oil with the garlic powder. Brush both sides of each baguette slice with the olive oil mixture. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the crostini are crisp and golden to your liking. Remove from oven and set aside.
3. Make the avocado spread: In a small bowl, mash the avocado until smooth. Stir in the lime juice, salt, and black pepper to taste. Set aside.
4. Cook the shrimp: While the crostini bake, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over low heat. Add the garlic slivers and cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Increase heat to medium-high, add the shrimp, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and cook, turning shrimp once or twice, until they turn pink and are cooked through, about 5 minutes.
5. Assemble and serve: Spread each crostini generously with the mashed avocado mixture and arrange the cooked shrimp on top. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

• Use fresh shrimp for best flavor and texture, but frozen shrimp can be used—just thaw and pat dry before cooking.
• If you prefer extra crispy crostini, bake a few minutes longer monitoring closely to avoid burning.
• Adjust garlic and spices according to taste preference; smoked paprika adds a nice smoky depth.
• Serve immediately as the crostini may become soggy if left too long after assembly.
• This recipe can be prepared ahead by making the avocado spread and cooking shrimp, then assembling just before serving.

Keywords: garlic shrimp crostini, avocado crostini, shrimp appetizer, easy appetizer, garlic bread, smoked paprika shrimp