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- 1 pound large shrimp - 1 ripe avocado - 1 large baguette - Fresh garlic (3 cloves) - Extra-virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons + more for brushing) - Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - Red pepper flakes (optional) - Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish The key to this dish is the quality of your ingredients. Fresh shrimp makes a big difference. Look for shrimp that smell clean and ocean-like. The avocado should be ripe, soft, and bright green inside. This adds creaminess to each bite. You need a large baguette for the crostini. It should be crusty on the outside and soft on the inside. The garlic becomes fragrant when sautéed. Use fresh cloves for the best taste. Extra-virgin olive oil adds richness and flavor. For seasoning, use salt and black pepper to enhance the shrimp's natural flavor. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes for a kick. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley brighten the dish. They also add a nice color contrast on top. All these ingredients come together to create a fun and tasty appetizer. You will love the balance of flavors in each bite. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). - Slice the baguette diagonally into 1/2-inch thick slices. - Brush each slice with extra-virgin olive oil. Start by heating your oven. This step is key for crisping the baguette. After preheating, lay out your sliced baguette on a baking sheet. Using a pastry brush, coat each slice with olive oil. This helps create a nice, golden crust. Bake them for about 5-7 minutes. You want them to be crispy and slightly browned. Once they are ready, set them aside to cool. - Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté garlic. - Add seasoned shrimp and cook until pink and opaque. Next, grab a large skillet and add some olive oil. Heat it on medium heat. Once the oil is hot, toss in minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute, just until it smells amazing. Be careful not to let it burn. Next, add your shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt, black pepper, and optionally, red pepper flakes for heat. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. This means they are done. Set the skillet off the heat. - Mash the avocado and mix with lemon juice. - Season to taste with salt and pepper. Now, take a ripe avocado and mash it in a bowl until it's smooth. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice to keep it bright and fresh. This also adds a nice tang. Season the mix with salt and black pepper. Taste it to make sure it's just right. - Spread avocado mixture on toasted baguette slices. - Top with shrimp and garnish with fresh herbs. To put it all together, take a toasted baguette slice. Spread a generous tablespoon of the avocado mix on top. Then, place 2-3 pieces of shrimp on each slice. Finally, sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro or parsley on top for color. Serve the crostini warm for the best flavor. Enjoy each bite of this tasty treat! To get the perfect texture, slice the baguette evenly. Aim for 1/2-inch thick slices. This helps them toast at the same rate. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush each slice with extra-virgin olive oil. This gives a nice golden color. Toast them for 5-7 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning. To prevent burnt garlic, sauté it carefully. Heat the olive oil first, then add minced garlic. Cook it for only about 1 minute. When it smells good, it’s ready. Don’t let it turn brown. You can add more seasonings for depth. Try a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky kick. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil also work great. They add freshness and aroma. For drinks, a crisp white wine pairs well. Look for a Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé. They balance the rich shrimp and creamy avocado. Arrange your crostini on a nice serving platter. Spread them out so they look inviting. Drizzle a little extra olive oil on top. It adds shine and flavor. Don’t forget garnishes! Fresh cilantro or parsley brightens the dish. They add color and a fresh taste. Enjoy serving these flavorful bites! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp and ripe avocados will elevate the flavor of your crostini, making each bite more delicious. Perfect Avocado Consistency: Ensure the avocado is mashed to a smooth consistency for easy spreading, which will enhance the texture of each crostini. Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preference; a little goes a long way in adding flavor without overwhelming the dish. Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the crostini right after assembly while the bread is still warm and crispy. {{image_4}} You can switch shrimp for other seafood. Try scallops or crab meat for a new twist. Both options bring a sweet flavor to your crostini. For a lighter dish, use cooked fish like salmon or tuna. If you prefer plant-based, consider using marinated tofu or chickpeas. These substitutions keep the dish fresh and fun. If you want to mix things up, swap avocado for different spreads. Creamy hummus or a tangy yogurt can work well. You can also try a white bean spread for a rich texture. For extra flavor, add herbs or spices like dill or smoked paprika. This adds depth to each bite, making it exciting. Pair these crostini with tasty sides. A fresh salad with greens and citrus is perfect. You might also enjoy a light dip, like tzatziki or a spicy salsa. For those with dietary needs, gluten-free bread options are available. Vegan eaters can skip the shrimp and use veggies instead. These options ensure everyone can enjoy this delightful dish. To keep your crostini fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a layer of paper towels inside to absorb extra moisture. This helps maintain crunchiness. You can put the shrimp and avocado mixture in separate containers. Aim to eat leftovers within two days for the best taste. After that, the shrimp may not be safe or tasty. The avocado can brown quickly, so use it soon. For reheating crostini, use an oven or toaster oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the crostini on a baking sheet and heat for about five minutes. This keeps them crispy. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the bread soggy. If you have leftover shrimp, heat them in a skillet over low heat. Stir gently to keep the shrimp moist and tasty. If needed, add a bit more olive oil to enhance the flavor. For the avocado spread, only heat it if you like, but it’s best served cold. Enjoy the rich flavors of garlic and avocado! Yes, you can prep some parts ahead. Toast the baguette slices first. Store them in a container. You can also cook the shrimp in advance. Just warm them up before serving. Mix the avocado spread close to serving time. This keeps it fresh and tasty. If you want a different protein, try scallops or chicken. Both cook well and offer great flavor. Scallops take about 3-4 minutes to cook. Chicken pieces will need around 6-8 minutes. Make sure they are cooked through before serving. To keep avocado fresh, use lemon juice. The acid helps slow browning. Store it in an airtight container too. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to minimize air. This keeps your avocado looking nice longer. Yes, you can make the avocado spread early. Store it in an airtight container. Add a layer of plastic wrap on top to avoid air exposure. Use it within a day for the best taste and color. Garlic shrimp avocado crostini is a simple and tasty dish. Key ingredients include shrimp, avocado, and baguette. The steps are easy, from toasting the bread to cooking the shrimp. I shared tips for flavor and presentation, making your dish stand out. Don’t forget, you can change the ingredients to fit your taste. Explore alternative seafood or spreads. With this recipe, impress your guests or treat yourself. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Garlic Shrimp Avocado Crostini

A delightful appetizer featuring toasted baguette slices topped with creamy avocado and garlic shrimp.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large baguette, sliced diagonally into 1/2-inch thick slices
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 ripe avocado, mashed to a smooth consistency
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (plus more for brushing)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish Fresh cilantro or parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will prepare the perfect environment for toasting the baguette slices.
  • Lay the sliced baguette pieces out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Use a pastry brush to lightly coat each slice with extra-virgin olive oil. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and toast for about 5-7 minutes, or until the slices are golden brown and crispy. Once done, carefully remove them from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
  • Meanwhile, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the minced garlic, sautéing it for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant—be cautious not to let it burn as it can become bitter.
  • Now, introduce the shrimp into the skillet. Season them with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you desire a bit of spice. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and cooked through. Once they are ready, remove the skillet from the heat.
  • In a small mixing bowl, combine the mashed avocado with the lemon juice, mixing until smooth. Season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, ensuring it’s seasoned just right.
  • To assemble the crostini, take a toasted baguette slice and spread a generous tablespoon of the seasoned avocado mixture on top. Follow by placing 2-3 pieces of the garlic shrimp on each slice, distributing them evenly.
  • Top the crostini with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a vibrant touch.
  • Serve the crostini immediately while they are still warm for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy the bursts of flavor with every bite!

Notes

Arrange the crostini on a beautiful serving platter, drizzling a little extra olive oil on top and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added pizzazz!
Keyword appetizer, avocado, crostini, shrimp