Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Fresh Avocado Bites (Print Version)

Garlic Shrimp Crostini with fresh avocado bites makes a vibrant, easy appetizer. Perfect for entertaining or a light meal, quick to prepare and bursting with flavor.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Dietary: Dairy-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Golden Crostini Base

01 - 1 (12-inch) baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
02 - 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
03 - 1/4 tsp sea salt

→ Sizzling Garlic Shrimp

04 - 1 lb large shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined
05 - 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
06 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
08 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Creamy Avocado Zing

10 - 2 ripe avocados, medium
11 - 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
12 - 1/4 tsp sea salt
13 - Pinch of black pepper

→ Fresh Finishes

14 - 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
15 - Fresh cilantro or parsley sprigs, for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the 1 (12-inch) baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds, on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with 1/4 tsp sea salt. This forms the perfect base for your Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado Bites.
02 - Bake the prepared baguette slices for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Once baked, remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly, ensuring they're ready for assembly.
03 - While the crostini bakes, in a medium bowl, mash the 2 ripe avocados (medium) with 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and a pinch of black pepper until creamy. This vibrant avocado mixture adds a refreshing zing to your Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado Bites.
04 - Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 cloves garlic, minced, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); cook for 30 seconds. Add 1 lb large shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Stir in 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
05 - Spread a generous spoonful of the creamy avocado mixture onto each golden crostini. Top each with 1-2 pieces of the sizzling garlic shrimp. This is where your Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado Bites truly comes together, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
06 - Arrange the assembled Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado Bites on a serving platter. Garnish with 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, and fresh cilantro or parsley sprigs. Serve immediately as a delightful appetizer or light meal, enjoying the freshness.

# Notes:

01 - For extra flavor, rub a cut garlic clove over the warm crostini before adding toppings.
02 - Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and a good sear.
03 - If you don't have fresh lime, a splash of lemon juice can be used for the avocado mixture.
04 - These crostini are best served fresh to enjoy the crispness of the bread and the vibrant flavors.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Baking sheet
02 - Large skillet
03 - Small bowl
04 - Cutting board
05 - Sharp knife
06 - Tongs
07 - Mashing fork

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 537 kcal
Total Fat: 30 g
Total Carbohydrate: 40 g
Protein: 28 g