Fresh Garlic Shrimp & Avocado Crostini Bites (Print Version)

Whip up these fresh Garlic Shrimp & Avocado Crostini bites! A simple, vibrant appetizer perfect for sharing, full of flavor and easy to make.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4-6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Dietary: Pescatarian

# Ingredients:

→ Crostini Base & Avocado

01 - 1 crusty baguette, sliced ½ inch thick
02 - 2 ripe avocados
03 - 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (plus more for garnish)
04 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garlic Shrimp Stars

05 - 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
06 - 3-4 cloves garlic, minced (or more, if you're like me!)
07 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided)

→ Flavor Boosters & Garnish

08 - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
09 - ¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, slice that baguette! Aim for about half-inch thick pieces. Brush each side lightly with olive oil – don't drench them, just enough for a nice golden crisp. Pop them into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until they're lightly golden and smell warm and toasty. This is where I always get impatient and check them too early, but trust the process! You want them firm enough to hold all the delicious toppings without getting soggy. Take them out, and let them cool a bit. We're building a base here!
02 - While your crostini are toasting, let's get the avocado ready. Halve your ripe avocados, remove the pit, and scoop the creamy flesh into a small bowl. Give it a good mash with a fork – I like mine a bit chunky, not super smooth, for some texture. Squeeze in a generous splash of fresh lemon juice; this not only adds brightness but also helps keep that beautiful green color from turning brown. A pinch of salt and pepper, too. Stir it all together. Honestly, I've been known to 'taste test' this a few too many times before it even makes it to the crostini!
03 - Now for the star of our show! Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add your minced garlic and red pepper flakes; let them sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant – oh, that smell! Don't let the garlic burn, though, or it'll get bitter. Toss in your shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for just 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking makes them rubbery, and nobody wants that! This step is so quick, it's almost magic.
04 - Time to bring it all together! Grab those perfectly toasted baguette slices. Spread a generous dollop of your creamy avocado mash onto each one. Don't be shy here; we want a good base. Next, nestle a perfectly cooked garlic shrimp or two right on top of the avocado. I usually aim for two, maybe three if they're smaller, so each bite is packed with flavor. This is where the visual appeal starts to come alive, and I always get a little thrill seeing it take shape.
05 - Almost there! A final squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the assembled crostini really ties all the flavors together and gives it that extra zing. Then, sprinkle generously with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. The green pop makes it look so inviting and adds another layer of freshness. I always tell myself I'll be neat with the herbs, but honestly, some usually end up on the counter. It's part of the charm, right?
06 - And there you have it! Your beautiful Garlic Shrimp & Avocado Crostini are ready to be devoured. Serve them immediately while the crostini are still crisp and the shrimp are warm. The combination of the crunchy bread, creamy avocado, and savory, garlicky shrimp is just *chef's kiss*! I love seeing the vibrant colors come together; it smells like a little slice of culinary heaven. Watch these disappear fast, because they always do in my house!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcook the shrimp—they turn rubbery in a flash!
02 - For best results, store shrimp and avocado separately if making ahead.
03 - If you're out of baguette, toasted sourdough slices work surprisingly well.
04 - Serve immediately for peak crispness and flavor, maybe with a chilled white wine!

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Cutting board
02 - sharp knife
03 - baking sheet
04 - small bowl
05 - fork
06 - large skillet
07 - tongs or spatula

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 350 kcal
Total Fat: 18g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 20g

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