Description
These Garlic Shrimp and Avocado Crostini are a flavorful and elegant appetizer featuring crispy baguette slices topped with creamy avocado, peppery arugula, and perfectly seasoned garlic shrimp. Quick to prepare and bake, they offer a delightful combination of textures and tastes ideal for entertaining or a light snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 12 medium to large shrimp (thawed, peeled & deveined)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Juice of 1/4 lime
- Salt & pepper to taste
Bread and Toppings
- 12 baguette slices (about 1/2″-3/4″ thick)
- 1 avocado
- Arugula (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baguette slices: Preheat the oven to 350°F and position the rack near the top. Line a baking sheet with foil and arrange the baguette slices evenly on it.
- Brush with garlic oil and bake: Mix olive oil with minced garlic in a small bowl. Brush both sides of the baguette slices with this mixture. Bake for 10-15 minutes until they reach your desired crispiness; 15 minutes yields a very crispy texture.
- Cook the shrimp: While the bread toasts, heat a splash of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp along with chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir frequently and cook until shrimp turn pink, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Prepare avocado spread: In a small bowl, mash the avocado with lime juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble crostini: Let the toasted baguette slices cool slightly, then spread each with the avocado mixture. Top with a small handful of arugula followed by seasoned shrimp. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the shrimp while cooking.
- You can substitute arugula with baby spinach or microgreens if preferred.
- The crostini are best served fresh to maintain bread crispness.
- Use ripe but firm avocado for optimal spreadability.
- Leftover avocado spread can be stored in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed on the surface to prevent browning.
