Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado is one of my favorite appetizers when I want something elegant, flavorful, and quick to prepare. Crisp toasted baguette slices are topped with creamy mashed avocado and garlicky sautéed shrimp for a bite-sized dish that’s rich, fresh, and full of texture. It’s perfect for parties, brunches, or whenever I feel like making something that feels a little fancy without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s light, colorful, and loaded with flavor in every bite. The creamy avocado pairs perfectly with the juicy garlic shrimp, and the toasted crostini gives it the perfect crunch. It comes together in about 20 minutes and feels just as at home at a holiday gathering as it does on a weeknight snack platter. Plus, I can easily prep components ahead and assemble them fresh when I’m ready to serve.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Baguette, sliced
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Olive oil
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Garlic cloves, minced
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Raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
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Avocado
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Lemon juice
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
Directions
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I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet.
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I brush each slice lightly with olive oil and toast in the oven for about 8–10 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
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While the crostini bake, I season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
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I heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the garlic, and sauté for about 30 seconds.
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I add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
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In a small bowl, I mash the avocado with lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
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I spread a generous layer of avocado mash on each toasted crostini.
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I top each one with a garlic shrimp and garnish with chopped herbs before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 crostini, depending on the size of the baguette and shrimp. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and another 10 minutes to cook, so it’s ready in about 20 minutes total.
Variations
Sometimes I add a thin slice of tomato or cucumber under the avocado for extra freshness. I’ve also made it with chili-lime shrimp or even grilled shrimp for a smoky twist. For a dairy touch, I spread a thin layer of herbed cream cheese beneath the avocado mash. And when I want something extra zesty, I drizzle the finished crostini with a little balsamic glaze or lemon zest.
Storage/Reheating
These crostini are best served fresh, but I store leftover shrimp and avocado mash separately in the fridge for up to 1 day. I re-toast the baguette slices if needed and assemble right before serving. I don’t recommend storing assembled crostini, as the bread will get soggy.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I toast the bread and cook the shrimp in advance, storing them separately. I mash the avocado right before serving to keep it fresh and green.
Can I use cooked shrimp?
Yes, I just warm them in the garlic oil for a minute or two to absorb the flavor.
What kind of bread works best?
I usually use a French baguette, but ciabatta or sourdough works well too—as long as it holds up to the toppings.
Can I make it spicy?
Definitely. I sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot sauce to give the shrimp a spicy kick.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Not by default, but I’ve made it gluten-free by using toasted gluten-free bread or crackers instead of baguette.
Conclusion
Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado is the kind of appetizer that looks impressive but takes very little time to make. It’s crisp, creamy, garlicky, and bright—all the things I love in a single bite. Whether I’m hosting a dinner party, making snacks for a gathering, or treating myself to something special, this dish always disappears fast.
Print
Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado
- Author: Olivia
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 12 crostini (serves 4–6 as appetizer)
- Category: Appetizer / Snack
- Method: Baking & Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean / American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado is a quick, elegant appetizer featuring crisp toasted baguette topped with creamy mashed avocado and garlicky sautéed shrimp. It’s flavorful, texturally satisfying, and easy to assemble—perfect for parties, brunches, or a simple snack.
Ingredients
- Baguette, sliced into about 12 pieces
- Olive oil (for brushing/toasting bread and sautéing shrimp)
- 12–15 raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil.
- Toast the slices in the oven for about 8–10 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
- While the bread toasts, season the shrimp with a pinch of salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add a bit of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove from heat.
- In a small bowl, mash the avocado with lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Spread a generous layer of the avocado mash on each toasted crostini.
- Top each with one sautéed shrimp, then garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro.
- Serve immediately—optionally with a drizzle of extra olive oil, a splash of lemon juice, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Notes
- You can add a thin slice of tomato or cucumber under the avocado for extra freshness and texture.
- For a smoky twist, use grilled or chili‑lime seasoned shrimp instead of pan‑sautéed.
- If you like creaminess, spread a thin layer of herbed cream cheese beneath the avocado mash.
- Make it dairy‑free and keep it gluten‑free by using gluten‑free bread or crackers instead of baguette.
- To save time before a party: toast the bread and cook the shrimp ahead of time, store separately, and mash the avocado & assemble just before serving to keep crostini crisp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 crostini
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
