Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a light bite for a special occasion? These Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado are the perfect choice! The combination of juicy, garlic-infused shrimp and creamy avocado on top of crispy, toasted bread creates a delightful contrast in flavors and textures. Easy to prepare and even easier to devour, these crostini are sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
For the Crostini:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Shrimp:
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
For the Avocado Spread:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Directions
- Prepare the Crostini:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Set aside.
- Cook the Garlic Shrimp:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and fully cooked.
- Drizzle with lemon juice and toss to coat. Remove from heat.
- Make the Avocado Spread:
- In a small bowl, mash the avocados with a fork until smooth.
- Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Crostini:
- Spread a generous layer of the mashed avocado onto each toasted crostini.
- Top each with a garlic shrimp.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle the crostini with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for extra brightness.
Notes
- If you prefer a creamier avocado spread, you can blend the avocado with a bit of olive oil for extra smoothness.
- For added crunch, you can sprinkle the crostini with a little sea salt before serving.
- This dish is best served fresh, but the avocado spread can be made a couple of hours in advance and stored in the fridge.