Fresh Garlic Shrimp & Avocado Crostini Appetizer (Print Version)

Discover this vibrant Garlic Shrimp & Avocado Crostini appetizer. It's a simple, fresh bite with creamy avocado and zesty shrimp, perfect for sharing.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 12 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 4-6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Dietary: Pescatarian

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 1 fresh baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds
02 - 1 lb medium shrimp, raw, peeled, and deveined
03 - 2 ripe avocados

→ Flavor Boosters

04 - 4-5 cloves garlic, minced (or more, if you're like me!)
05 - 3-4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
06 - 1 large lemon, juiced and zested

→ Finishing Touches & Seasonings

07 - ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
08 - ½ tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste)
09 - Salt, to taste
10 - Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste

# Instructions:

01 - Slice baguette into ½-inch rounds. Lay them on a baking sheet, brush lightly with olive oil, and toast in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes. You want them lightly golden and slightly crisp, not rock hard. I always keep an eye on them; I've burnt my fair share, and that smell is a true kitchen tragedy. This base is key for your Garlic Shrimp & Avocado Crostini.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high with olive oil. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sizzling for 30 seconds until fragrant—don't let it burn! Toss in shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. They cook super fast, so don't walk away! Squeeze in fresh lemon juice right at the end for an extra zing. Remove from heat and set aside.
03 - In a medium bowl, mash ripe avocados with a fork; I like mine a little chunky for texture. Stir in a splash of lemon juice (it brightens and helps prevent browning!). Add chopped fresh cilantro, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir. Taste and adjust. This creamy layer is what makes the Garlic Shrimp & Avocado Crostini so satisfying.
04 - Once your toasted baguette slices have cooled slightly, it's assembly time! Spread a generous spoonful of the creamy avocado mash onto each crostini. Don't be shy here; that avocado base is crucial. You want a nice, even layer. I always try to make it look pretty, but honestly, even a messy one tastes incredible. This step really brings together all those beautiful textures and colors.
05 - Next, carefully place one or two of those perfectly cooked garlic shrimp on top of each avocado-laden crostini. If your shrimp are quite large, you might want to chop them a bit to make them easier to eat in one bite. I usually arrange them artfully, but sometimes I just plop them on there when I'm in a hurry. The important thing is that every bite of Garlic Shrimp & Avocado Crostini gets a taste of that zesty shrimp goodness.
06 - For a final flourish, sprinkle a little extra fresh cilantro over your assembled Garlic Shrimp & Avocado Crostini. A tiny pinch of red pepper flakes on top can add a visual pop and more heat for those who like it. Serve immediately and watch them disappear! The vibrant colors and fresh smells are just irresistible, trust me, they truly are crowd-pleasers.

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd your skillet when cooking shrimp; they'll steam instead of sear, and you won't get that lovely texture. Cook them in batches if needed!
02 - If your avocados aren't quite ripe, put them in a paper bag with a banana overnight. It works wonders, I swear!
03 - Resist the urge to overcook the shrimp; they go from tender to rubbery in a flash. Keep a close eye on them!
04 - For extra flavor, rub a cut garlic clove over the toasted crostini before adding the avocado. Trust me, it's a game-changer!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet
02 - Baking sheet
03 - Medium bowl
04 - Fork
05 - Sharp knife

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 180-220
Total Fat: 10-15g
Total Carbohydrate: 15-20g
Protein: 10-12g

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