Fresh Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Zesty Avocado (Print Version)

Fresh Garlic Shrimp Crostini features juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, and crispy bread. A quick, flavorful appetizer perfect for any gathering or simple snack.

# 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 (optional), Gluten-Free (with GF bread)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Bites

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

→ Flavor Boosters

04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced (or more, I always add more!)
05 - 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
06 - 1 lemon, zested and juiced
07 - ½ tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste)

→ Fresh Accents

08 - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
09 - Salt to taste
10 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, slice that baguette into about ½-inch thick rounds. I usually get about 20-25 slices from one baguette, depending on its size. Lay them out on a baking sheet, drizzle with a little olive oil—don't be shy, but don't drown them either—and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Pop them into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until they're golden and perfectly crisp. This is where the magic starts; you'll smell that lovely toasted bread aroma filling your kitchen!
02 - While your bread is toasting, get a large skillet going over medium-high heat with a good splash of olive oil. Once it's shimmering, toss in your minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Let that cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—don't let the garlic burn, or it'll get bitter, trust me, I've been there! Add your shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if you need to, otherwise, they'll steam instead of sear. You want that nice little sizzle!
03 - Once the shrimp are perfectly cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. This is a crucial step for that vibrant flavor! Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and sprinkle in the lemon zest. The heat from the shrimp will bring out those bright citrus notes, and it smells absolutely divine. Stir it all together quickly to coat the shrimp evenly. This little burst of freshness is what really makes this Garlic Shrimp Crostini pop, giving it that irresistible tang.
04 - Now for the creamy goodness! In a small bowl, scoop out your ripe avocado flesh. Give it a good mash with a fork—you want it creamy but with a few small chunks for texture. Season it simply with a pinch of salt and pepper. You could add a tiny squeeze of lemon juice here too if you like, just to keep it from browning too quickly, which is a trick I learned after too many sad, brown avocado moments.
05 - Once your toasted baguette slices are out of the oven and slightly cooled, it's assembly time! Spread a generous dollop of the mashed avocado onto each crostini. Then, top each one with a few of those garlicky, zesty shrimp. I usually aim for 2-3 shrimp per crostini, depending on their size. It’s okay if it gets a little messy; that’s part of the charm of a homemade appetizer!
06 - To finish off your beautiful Garlic Shrimp Crostini, sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley. This adds a lovely fresh green color and a final herbaceous touch. You can also add an extra grind of black pepper if you're feeling it. Serve them immediately while the crostini are still crisp and the flavors are at their peak. They're best enjoyed fresh, trust me on this; a warm crostini is a happy crostini!

# Notes:

01 - Always use fresh garlic and lemon; it makes all the difference in the flavor.
02 - For best results, assemble the crostini right before serving to keep the bread crisp.
03 - If you don't have fresh parsley, fresh chives are a decent swap for a subtle oniony note.
04 - Serving with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc really elevates the whole experience.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet
02 - baking sheet
03 - small bowl
04 - sharp knife
05 - cutting board

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 280
Total Fat: 15g
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Protein: 15g

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