Garlic Shrimp & Avocado Crostini: Quick Bites for Gatherings (Print Version)

Fresh Garlic Shrimp & Avocado Crostini are simple, flavorful appetizers perfect for any get-together. Easy to make, bursting with taste!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 12 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Dietary: Seafood, Dairy-Free

# Ingredients:

→ For the Crostini Base

01 - 1 baguette, about 10-12 inches, sliced 1/2-inch thick
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ For the Garlic Shrimp

03 - 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
04 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

→ For the Avocado Topping

09 - 2 ripe avocados, mashed
10 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
11 - 2 tablespoons red onion, finely minced
12 - 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (or parsley)
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Finishing Touches

14 - Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
15 - Extra fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get that baguette ready, hon! Slice it into about 1/2-inch thick pieces—I usually aim for about 12-15 slices, depending on how big my baguette is. Lay them out on a baking sheet, drizzle with a little olive oil, and pop them into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Keep an eye on them, because they go from perfectly golden to burnt in a blink! I'm speaking from experience; I've had to restart a batch or two. You're looking for a light golden-brown color and a crisp texture, usually 8-10 minutes. The smell of toasting bread just fills the kitchen, doesn't it?
02 - While your crostini are toasting, get a large skillet going over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. Once shimmering, toss in your minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for just about 30 seconds until fragrant—don't let that garlic burn, or it'll taste bitter, a mistake I learned early on! Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Don't overcrowd the pan, or they'll steam instead of sear beautifully. I always manage to drop one or two when flipping, oops!
03 - Now for the creamy goodness! In a medium bowl, mash your ripe avocados with a fork. You want it mostly smooth, but a few small chunks are totally fine; it adds texture. Stir in the fresh lime juice, finely minced red onion, chopped cilantro, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good mix. This is where you can really adjust the flavor profile, adding more lime if you like it zippier, or more salt if it feels a little flat. It should smell wonderfully fresh and bright!
04 - Once your shrimp are cooked, remove them from the heat. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over them and toss in the chopped parsley. The lemon brightens the flavor, and the parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note. I usually give it a quick taste here to make sure the seasoning is just right. Sometimes I add another pinch of salt if it feels like it needs a little something extra. Just a quick stir to combine everything, and they're ready to mingle with the avocado.
05 - Time to bring it all together! Once your crostini slices are cool enough to handle, spread a generous spoonful of the avocado mixture onto each one. Don't be shy here; you want a good layer. Then, place one or two of those gorgeous garlic shrimp on top of the avocado. I always try to arrange them artfully, but honestly, they taste just as good if they're a little messy. This is where the dish really starts to look like a treat!
06 - For the final flourish, sprinkle each Garlic Shrimp & Avocado Crostini with a pinch of flaky sea salt. This really makes the flavors pop! A little extra fresh parsley or cilantro on top for garnish makes them look even more inviting. Serve these beauties immediately, while the crostini are still crisp and the flavors are at their peak. The combination of warm shrimp, cool avocado, and crunchy bread is just divine. You'll hear that satisfying crunch as your friends take their first bite!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp; they'll steam instead of sear.
02 - Prep the avocado mixture just before serving to keep it from browning.
03 - I once tried adding a tiny dash of smoked paprika to the shrimp, and it gave it an unexpected, delicious depth.
04 - A sprinkle of chili flakes on top adds a lovely kick for those who like heat

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Baking sheet
02 - large skillet
03 - mixing bowl
04 - cutting board
05 - sharp knife

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 150-200
Total Fat: 10-15g
Total Carbohydrate: 10-15g
Protein: 8-12g

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