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Hey there! I’m Anna Kowalska, and here, I love sharing recipes that are made with heart and bursting with flavor, the kind that your whole family will adore. You know, the ones that just feel *right*. Today, we’re diving into something truly special: my Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado Spread. Honestly, this appetizer is a game-changer! It’s one of those recipes that looks super fancy but is honestly a breeze to whip up. Imagine crispy, garlicky bread topped with the creamiest avocado and perfectly seasoned shrimp. It’s seriously my go-to when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a little bit of magic on a plate, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
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Why You’ll Love This Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado Spread
Trust me, you’re going to adore this recipe! It’s one of those “wow” appetizers that comes together so quickly, you’ll wonder how you ever hosted without it. We’re talking about a total flavor explosion with minimal fuss. The fresh, zesty lime and creamy avocado spread is the perfect counterpoint to those garlicky, spicy shrimp. Plus, they just look so darn pretty on a platter, don’t they? It’s the kind of dish that gets rave reviews and makes you look like a total pro, all while using ingredients that are good for you. It’s a win-win-win!
Gather Your Ingredients for Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado Spread
Alright, let’s get everything ready to make these amazing Garlic Shrimp Crostini! It’s always my first step, getting all my little helpers lined up. You’ll need a nice crusty baguette for the perfect base – just slice it about half an inch thick. We’ll use a good amount of olive oil, some to get those crostini nice and toasty with garlic powder, and the rest for our shrimp. Make sure your avocado is ripe; that’s key for a super creamy spread! And of course, plump shrimp are a must, all peeled and deveined. Don’t forget those little flavor boosters like lime, salt, pepper, and a touch of smoky paprika and cumin for the shrimp. It all comes together so easily!
| Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Baguette | 10–12 slices | ½” thick |
| Olive Oil | 6 tbsp, divided | |
| Garlic Powder | 1 tsp | |
| Avocado | 1 large | ripe |
| Lime | ½ | juiced |
| Salt | ¼ tsp + ¼ tsp | |
| Black Pepper | ¼ tsp + ¼ tsp | |
| Large Shrimp | 12 | peeled and deveined |
| Garlic Cloves | 2 large | thinly sliced |
| Smoked Paprika | ¾ tsp | |
| Cumin | ½ tsp |
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Garlic Shrimp Crostini
Now, about those ingredients! If you’re keeping things gluten-free, no worries at all. Just grab some gluten-free baguette slices or even your favorite sturdy gluten-free crackers – they work beautifully for our Garlic Shrimp Crostini. And if shrimp isn’t your jam, or you just want to switch it up, try some seasoned grilled chicken breast, firm tofu that’s been pan-fried, or even a colorful mix of grilled veggies. For the creamy layer, if you’re not an avocado fan or just want something different, a smooth cashew spread or some creamy goat cheese spread makes a fantastic alternative. And if you like a little kick, go ahead and add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes to the shrimp seasoning!
Crafting Your Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado Spread: Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get these beautiful bites made! It’s really not complicated at all, just a few simple steps that lead to pure deliciousness. First things first, get that oven going and prep your baguette slices. We want them perfectly golden and crispy, so keep an eye on them! While they’re toasting up, you can whip together that super creamy avocado spread. It’s so easy – just mash, mix, and set aside. Then, it’s time for the star of the show: the shrimp! We’re going to cook them up with some garlic and those lovely spices until they’re just pink and perfect. Don’t overcook them, that’s the secret!
| Step | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare the Crostini Base | |
| Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). | Position oven rack to the top. | |
| Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. | ||
| Slice baguette into 10–12 pieces, about ½ inch thick. | Arrange slices in a single layer. | |
| Mix 3 tablespoons of olive oil with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. | ||
| Brush this mixture evenly on both sides of the baguette slices. | Ensure even coating for crispiness. | |
| Bake for 10–15 minutes until golden and crisp. | Watch closely to prevent burning. | |
| 2 | Make the Creamy Avocado Spread | |
| Mash the avocado flesh until smooth but slightly chunky. | Use a fork or potato masher. | |
| Stir in lime juice, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. | Combine gently. | |
| Set aside. | Keep at room temperature. | |
| 3 | Cook the Seasoned Shrimp | |
| Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over low heat. | ||
| Add garlic slivers and cook for about 2 minutes until softened and aromatic. | Do not let the garlic brown. | |
| Increase heat to medium-high. | ||
| Add shrimp to the skillet. | ||
| Season with ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon cumin, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. | Stir to coat the shrimp evenly. | |
| Cook for 3–5 minutes, turning once, until shrimp turn pink and opaque. | Avoid overcooking. | |
| Remove from skillet and set aside to cool slightly. | ||
| 4 | Assemble the Garlic Shrimp Crostini | |
| Spread a generous layer of avocado mixture on each cooled crostini slice. | ||
| Top each with a cooked shrimp. | ||
| 5 | Serve Immediately | |
| Present your finished Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado Spread. | Best enjoyed fresh. |
Tips for Perfect Garlic Shrimp Crostini
Here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up to make sure your Garlic Shrimp Crostini turn out absolutely perfect every time. First, for that lovely crisp base, make sure your baguette slices are really golden and firm before you even think about adding the toppings. Nobody wants a soggy crostini! When you’re cooking the shrimp, just watch them closely. They cook super fast, and you want them plump and juicy, not tough and chewy. And for the avocado spread, use a nice ripe avocado and mash it to your liking – I personally love leaving a few little chunks in there for a bit of texture. It just makes them taste even better!
Frequently Asked Questions about Garlic Shrimp Crostini
Got questions about making these delightful Garlic Shrimp Crostini? I’ve got answers! It’s totally okay to prep some things ahead. For the avocado spread, you can absolutely make it a few hours before you need it. Just press some plastic wrap right onto the surface of the spread before you pop it in the fridge – that stops it from turning brown. If you end up with leftovers (which is rare in my house!), it’s best to store everything separately. Keep the baked crostini in an airtight container at room temp, and the cooked shrimp and avocado spread should go in their own airtight containers in the fridge. Then, just assemble them right before you’re ready to serve.
Now, about the shrimp for your Garlic Shrimp Crostini – fresh is always best for that perfect flavor and texture, but if you’re in a pinch, pre-cooked shrimp can work. Just warm them up gently with the garlic and spices for a minute or two. Be super careful not to overcook them, though! Want to jazz up your Garlic Shrimp Crostini even more? Try a little sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a tiny drizzle of sriracha for a little heat, or even some thinly sliced red onion for a bit of bite. They add such a nice extra touch!
Enjoying Your Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado Spread
These Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado Spread are just perfect for so many occasions, aren’t they? They’re an absolute winner for parties, holidays, or even if you’re just looking for a really lovely light lunch. I love serving them as a little kick-off to a bigger meal. And if you’re wondering what to sip alongside them, a crisp, dry white wine or even just some refreshing sparkling water goes beautifully. Honestly, they feel so elegant, but they’re also just the thing for a relaxed get-together with friends. They really are a crowd-pleaser!
Nutritional Information for Garlic Shrimp Crostini
Just a little heads-up, the nutritional info you’ll find below is an estimate. It can change a bit depending on the exact ingredients and brands you use, but it gives you a good idea!
| Nutrient | Amount (per crostini) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 8 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
| Cholesterol | 40 mg |
Amazing 12 Garlic Shrimp Crostini You’ll Adore
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 crostini 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado Spread is a flavorful appetizer featuring crispy baguette slices topped with creamy avocado and seasoned shrimp.
Ingredients
- 10–12 baguette slices (about ½” thick)
- 6 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 avocado
- Juice of ½ lime
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 big garlic cloves, cut into slivers
- ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Move rack to the top. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice baguette into 10–12 pieces, about ½ inch thick, and arrange in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of olive oil with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Brush this mixture evenly on both sides of the baguette slices. Bake for 10–15 minutes until golden and crisp.
- While crostini bake, prepare the avocado spread. Mash the avocado flesh in a small bowl until smooth but slightly chunky. Stir in lime juice, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Set aside.
- Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over low heat. Add garlic slivers and cook for about 2 minutes until softened and aromatic. Increase heat to medium-high.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and season with ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon cumin, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Stir to coat. Cook for 3–5 minutes, turning once, until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside to cool slightly.
- Spread a generous layer of avocado mixture on each cooled crostini slice. Top each with a shrimp.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free baguette slices or crackers.
- Shrimp can be substituted with grilled chicken, grilled vegetables, or tofu.
- Avocado can be replaced with a cashew spread or goat cheese spread.
- Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking and Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crostini
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
