Fresh Garlic Shrimp & Avocado Crostini Bites (Print Version)
Quick and fresh Garlic Shrimp & Avocado Crostini. A simple, flavorful appetizer perfect for any gathering, made with love and a few kitchen mishaps!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4-6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Dietary: Dairy-Free, High-Protein
# Ingredients:
→ Crostini Base
01 -
1 fresh baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
02 -
2 tbsp olive oil
→ Garlic Shrimp Stars
03 -
1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
04 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
06 -
1 tbsp olive oil
07 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Avocado & Freshness
08 -
2 ripe avocados
09 -
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
10 -
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
→ Flavor Boosters
11 -
Flaky sea salt, for garnish (optional)
12 -
Extra drizzle of olive oil, for serving (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, let's get that bread nice and toasty. Slice your baguette into half-inch thick rounds. Brush them lightly with olive oil – not too much, we're not deep-frying! Pop them onto a baking sheet and into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until they're golden brown and wonderfully crisp. Keep an eye on them; this is where my smoky baguette incident happened! You want a sturdy, crunchy base for your Garlic Shrimp & Avocado Crostini.
02 -
Now for the shrimp! Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your minced garlic and red pepper flakes, letting them sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant—but don't let the garlic burn! Toss in your peeled and deveined shrimp, season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they’re pink and opaque. Don't overcrowd the pan, or they'll steam instead of getting that lovely sear. I've made that mistake, resulting in rubbery shrimp, ugh.
03 -
While the shrimp cools just a bit, let's get to the avocado. In a medium bowl, scoop out your ripe avocados. Add the fresh lime juice, a good pinch of salt, and a grind of black pepper. Mash it all together with a fork. I like mine a bit chunky, but you can go smoother if you prefer. Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro. This part always smells so vibrant and fresh, a perfect counterpoint to the garlicky shrimp for our Garlic Shrimp & Avocado Crostini!
04 -
Once the shrimp is cool enough to handle, give it a rough chop. You don't want huge pieces falling off the crostini! Add the chopped shrimp to your avocado mash. Gently fold everything together. Taste it! Does it need more salt? Another squeeze of lime? This is your moment to adjust the flavors to your liking. I often add an extra sprinkle of red pepper flakes here because I love a little zing.
05 -
Now for the fun part! Take each toasted baguette slice and generously spoon a dollop of the Garlic Shrimp & Avocado Crostini mixture on top. Don't be shy with the filling; we want hearty bites! I like to build them up a little, making them look abundant and inviting. It’s okay if some bits fall off, that’s just part of the charm of homemade appetizers, right?
06 -
To finish these beauties off, sprinkle a little extra fresh cilantro over the top of each crostini. A tiny drizzle of your best olive oil can add a lovely sheen and another layer of flavor. If you have some flaky sea salt, a tiny pinch on each really elevates the whole thing. Serve immediately and watch them disappear! The crunch of the bread, the creamy avocado, the zesty shrimp – it’s just a symphony of textures and tastes.
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the shrimp; it steams instead of searing, and nobody wants sad, grey shrimp!
02 -
You can prep the crostini and avocado mash a few hours ahead, but assemble right before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.
03 -
Tried using frozen cooked shrimp once in a pinch-it worked, but fresh raw shrimp really makes this Garlic Shrimp & Avocado Crostini sing!
04 -
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a tiny drizzle of good olive oil at the end just ties all the flavors together beautifully.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Baking sheet
02 -
large skillet
03 -
mixing bowl
04 -
fork
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 250-300
Total Fat: 15-20g
Total Carbohydrate: 20-25g
Protein: 15-20g