Description
This Garlic Shrimp and Avocado Crostini recipe offers a perfect blend of garlic-infused shrimp with creamy avocado atop toasted baguette slices. It’s a quick and elegant appetizer that combines fresh cherry tomatoes, buttery garlic, and a hint of lemon juice for a vibrant and flavorful bite, perfect for entertaining or a light snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Baguette and Toast
- 1 French baguette (ends trimmed and cut into 1/3-inch slices)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
Shrimp Mixture
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 shallot (diced)
- 1 pound medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 avocado (halved, peeled, seeded and diced)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (or more, to taste)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil a baking sheet or spray it with nonstick spray to prevent the baguette slices from sticking.
- Toast Baguette Slices: Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for about 8 minutes or until they are lightly golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and diced shallot, cooking and stirring frequently until fragrant, about 2 minutes, which will infuse the butter with flavor.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Fresh Ingredients: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, chopped fresh parsley, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing gently to combine all flavors without mashing the avocado.
- Assemble Crostini: Spoon the shrimp mixture generously onto each toasted baguette slice, ensuring each piece gets a nice balance of shrimp, tomato, and avocado.
- Serve Immediately: Arrange the crostini on a serving platter and serve right away to enjoy the crisp toast paired with the fresh, savory topping.
Notes
- For added heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes into the shrimp mixture.
- Use day-old baguette slices if possible—they toast better and hold up to toppings without getting soggy.
- To make ahead, prepare the shrimp mixture but assemble the crostini just before serving to maintain the toast’s crunchiness.
- Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors—adjust to taste for acidity balance.
- Garnish with extra parsley or a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful presentation.
