Garlic Shrimp Crostini Avocado

Garlic shrimp crostini with avocado is a perfect quick appetizer or light snack that combines crunchy toasted bread with creamy avocado and flavorful shrimp. It is ideal for home cooks who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels elegant and satisfying.

I put this together when unexpected guests arrived and it quickly became a favorite for casual entertaining.

Ingredients

• Baguette slices: about half an inch thick for the perfect crispy base. Choose day-old or slightly firm bread for optimal crunch.
• Olive oil: divided to brush the bread and cook the shrimp, essential for flavor and moisture
• Garlic powder: infuses the crostini with gentle garlic aroma. Use a fresh container for best potency.
• Avocado: ripe and creamy for a rich spread that balances the spices. Pick one that yields slightly when gently pressed.
• Lime juice: enhances the avocado with bright acidity and keeps it from browning
• Salt and black pepper: for seasoning, simple but crucial for flavor balance
• Large shrimp: peeled and deveined, fresh or thawed. Look for firm flesh that smells clean and not fishy
• Garlic cloves: sliced thin to gently flavor the oil without burning
• Smoked paprika: adds a warm smoky depth and vibrant color. Choose high quality for true flavor
• Cumin powder: gives an earthy note that complements the paprika and shrimp
• Extra salt and pepper: to season the shrimp and avocado perfectly

Instructions

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baguette:

Set oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and arrange the rack at the top. This placement helps the crostini brown nicely. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Slice the baguette into 10 to 12 pieces about half an inch thick. Lay them evenly on the baking sheet so they toast uniformly.

Infuse the Olive Oil:

In a small bowl combine half the olive oil with garlic powder and stir until evenly mixed. Using a brush, coat both sides of each baguette slice with this garlic oil. The oil carries flavor and helps the slices crisp up golden. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they are crispy and golden but not burnt.

Prepare the Avocado Spread:

While the crostini bakes, slice the ripe avocado, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Mash it with a fork until smooth with a bit of texture left. Add lime juice, salt, and pepper to brighten and season. Mix thoroughly and set aside. This creamy spread will soften the crunch of the crostini and add freshness.

Cook the Shrimp:

Heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over low heat then add the garlic slivers. Cook slowly for about 2 minutes to infuse the oil, making sure the garlic does not brown. Increase heat to medium-high and add the shrimp. Season them with smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well so every shrimp is coated. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pink and opaque but still tender. Avoid overcooking to keep shrimp juicy.

Assemble the Crostini:

Once the toasted bread slices have cooled slightly, spread each piece with a generous layer of the avocado mixture. Then top each slice with one whole shrimp arranged neatly. The avocado smoothness balances the smoky spices and the crunchy crostini provides texture contrast. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.

Store leftover crostini components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The avocado spread is best used within one day and shrimp within two days for freshness. Avoid assembling ahead as the bread will become soggy.

Ingredient swaps

Use lemon juice instead of lime for a slightly different citrus note. Try peeled cooked shrimp from a seafood counter to save time. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like more heat in the shrimp seasoning.

Serving ideas

Serve as an appetizer or light lunch alongside a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette. Pair with a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a bubbly for gatherings. Garnish with finely chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for extra color and herbaceous flavor.

Cultural context

Crostini are rooted in Italian antipasti tradition, often topped with simple ingredients to highlight fresh flavors. Combining avocado and shrimp adds a modern twist to this classic concept, making it fresh and vibrant for today’s palate.

This dish offers a wonderful blend of textures and flavors that are sure to please any crowd.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ How can I ensure the crostini are perfectly crispy?

Slice the baguette around ½ inch thick and bake at the top oven rack at 350°F until golden, about 10-15 minutes. Applying garlic oil evenly helps achieve a flavorful crisp.

→ What is the best way to keep avocado fresh and green?

Mash the avocado with lime juice and season quickly to prevent browning. Preparing the spread just before assembly also helps maintain freshness.

→ How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?

Cook shrimp on medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally until pink and opaque. Remove promptly to keep them tender and juicy.

→ Can I prepare the garlic oil in advance?

Yes, mixing olive oil with garlic powder ahead of time allows flavors to meld, but brush it on the baguette just before baking for maximum freshness.

→ What spices complement the shrimp best in this dish?

Smoked paprika and cumin add smoky warmth and earthy depth, enhancing the garlic without overpowering the shrimp's natural sweetness.