Garlic Shrimp and Avocado Crostini
There’s something undeniably delightful about the combination of garlic shrimp and creamy avocado, all perched atop a crisp crostini. This Garlic Shrimp and Avocado Crostini is not only visually stunning but also bursts with flavor, making it the perfect appetizer for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a casual night in, this dish is sure to impress your guests.
Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing
The beauty of Garlic Shrimp and Avocado Crostini lies in its simplicity and versatility. Each bite offers a delightful crunch from the toasted baguette, followed by the savory, garlicky shrimp, and then the rich, buttery flavor of avocado. This appetizer caters to a variety of palates and is a guaranteed hit. Plus, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for last-minute entertaining.
Gather These Ingredients
To whip up this delicious Garlic Shrimp and Avocado Crostini, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 12 medium to large shrimp, thawed, peeled & deveined
- 12 baguette slices (about 1/2″-3/4″ thick)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Juice of 1/4 lime
- 1 avocado
- Arugula to taste
- Salt & pepper to taste
Appliances & Accessories
Before you dive into cooking, make sure you have these essential tools ready:
- Skillet: A non-stick skillet works best for cooking the shrimp.
- Oven or Toaster Oven: For toasting the baguette slices to perfection.
- Knife: For slicing the baguette and preparing the avocado.
- Cutting Board: A stable surface for cutting ingredients.
- Mixing Bowl: To combine the shrimp with spices and lime juice.
From Start to Finish: Garlic Shrimp and Avocado Crostini
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your Garlic Shrimp and Avocado Crostini.
Step 1: Prepare the Baguette
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
In a mixing bowl, combine the thawed shrimp with minced garlic, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Toss until the shrimp are evenly coated with the spices.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Prepare the Avocado
While the shrimp is cooking, slice the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Mash it lightly with a fork, adding salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Assemble the Crostini
Spread a generous layer of the mashed avocado on each toasted baguette slice. Top with a few pieces of garlic shrimp and a handful of fresh arugula for a pop of color and flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Arrange the crostini on a serving platter and garnish with extra lime wedges if desired. These are best enjoyed fresh, so gather your friends and dig in!
Seasonal Ingredient Swaps
Feel free to get creative with your ingredients! Here are a few swaps that can elevate your Garlic Shrimp and Avocado Crostini depending on the season:
- Spring: Add fresh herbs like dill or chives for a burst of flavor.
- Summer: Toss in some diced tomatoes or mango for a refreshing twist.
- Fall: Incorporate roasted butternut squash or pumpkin puree for a seasonal touch.
- Winter: Add a sprinkle of feta cheese or pomegranate seeds for a festive flair.
Notes from the Test Kitchen
- For the best flavor, use fresh shrimp rather than frozen, if possible.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and become rubbery if left on the heat too long.
- If you like spice, consider adding some diced jalapeños to the avocado for a kick.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of bread; sourdough or ciabatta also work wonderfully.
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
This Garlic Shrimp and Avocado Crostini is best served fresh, but if you need to prepare ahead of time, here are some tips:
- Cook the shrimp and prepare the avocado mash in advance, but assemble the crostini right before serving to prevent sogginess.
- Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Toast the baguette slices just before serving for optimal crunch.
Garlic Shrimp and Avocado Crostini Q&A
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking for the best texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for avocado if I’m allergic?
You can use hummus or a creamy bean spread as a delicious alternative to avocado.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Skip the shrimp and top the crostini with a medley of sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a delightful vegetarian option.
Can I prepare the avocado ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare the avocado just before serving to prevent browning. If needed, you can add a little lime juice to help keep it fresh for a short time.
One Pan, More Ideas
If you loved creating this Garlic Shrimp and Avocado Crostini, here are a few more ideas that are just as easy and delicious:
- Lemon Garlic Pasta with Shrimp
- Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa
- Avocado Toast with Smoked Salmon
- Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Let’s Eat
This Garlic Shrimp and Avocado Crostini is more than just a dish; it’s an experience that brings people together. As you savor each bite, you’ll feel the warmth of good food and good company. So gather your loved ones, whip up this crowd-pleasing appetizer, and enjoy the delightful flavors of shrimp and avocado on perfectly toasted crostini. You won’t just be serving a dish; you’ll be creating memories.
Garlic Shrimp and Avocado Crostini
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until they're golden brown and crispy.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the thawed shrimp with minced garlic, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Toss until the shrimp are evenly coated with the spices.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
- While the shrimp is cooking, slice the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Mash it lightly with a fork, adding salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread a generous layer of the mashed avocado on each toasted baguette slice. Top with a few pieces of garlic shrimp and a handful of fresh arugula for a pop of color and flavor.
- Arrange the crostini on a serving platter and garnish with extra lime wedges if desired. These are best enjoyed fresh, so gather your friends and dig in!
Notes
- For the best flavor, use fresh shrimp rather than frozen, if possible.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and become rubbery if left on the heat too long.
- If you like spice, consider adding some diced jalapeños to the avocado for a kick.
