Shrimp Crostini Appetizers with Creamy Avocado

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Introduction

These garlic shrimp crostini with creamy avocado are everything you want in a party appetizer—crisp, creamy, and full of flavor. Each bite combines toasted baguette slices with buttery seared shrimp and mashed avocado, making it one of the easiest yet most elegant shrimp crostini appetizers you can serve.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, planning a date night in, or just craving a flavorful snack, these avocado crostini appetizers deliver the perfect mix of freshness and richness. The garlic-sautéed shrimp adds a savory depth, while the smooth avocado and crunchy toast make the texture completely irresistible.

Ingredients Overview

This recipe keeps it simple with a handful of high-quality, fresh ingredients. Here’s what makes it shine:

Baguette or Crostini Base

  • Use a French baguette, sliced diagonally into ½-inch thick rounds.

  • Toasted until golden for a crunchy base that won’t get soggy.

  • Tip: Brush lightly with olive oil and toast in the oven for added flavor.

Shrimp

  • Use medium shrimp (31–40 count), peeled and deveined.

  • Sautéed with butter, garlic, lemon juice, and parsley for maximum flavor.

  • Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure a good sear.

Avocado Spread

  • Ripe Hass avocados mashed with:

    • Lime or lemon juice

    • Salt and pepper

    • Optional: a pinch of garlic powder or chopped herbs

  • You can leave it chunky or smooth, depending on your preference.

Garnish

  • Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro

  • Chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for heat

  • Lemon zest for a finishing touch

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Toast the Bread

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

  • Slice 1 French baguette into ½-inch thick rounds.

  • Arrange on a baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil.

  • Bake for 7–10 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Set aside to cool.

2. Cook the Garlic Shrimp

  • In a skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter and add:

    • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

  • Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  • Add 1 lb shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice.

  • Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until opaque and slightly golden.

  • Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Make the Avocado Spread

  • In a small bowl, mash:

    • 2 ripe avocados

    • 1 tbsp lemon or lime juice

    • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Optional: stir in chopped parsley, garlic powder, or chili flakes for flavor.

4. Assemble the Crostini

  • Spread a generous spoonful of avocado mixture onto each toasted baguette slice.

  • Top with one shrimp (or two, if small).

  • Garnish with a sprinkle of herbs, lemon zest, or crushed red pepper.

5. Serve Fresh

  • Best served immediately while the crostini are crisp and the shrimp are warm.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Pro Tips:

  • Use ripe avocados — they should give slightly when pressed.

  • Cook shrimp last so they’re hot when assembling.

  • Serve with lemon wedges for a fresh pop before serving.

Variations:

  • Spicy Twist: Toss shrimp with cayenne or smoked paprika before cooking.

  • Tropical Version: Add diced mango or pineapple to the avocado spread.

  • Creamy Upgrade: Mix mashed avocado with a spoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt for tang.

Substitutions:

  • Use prawns or even scallops instead of shrimp.

  • Swap baguette with gluten-free crackers or toasted sweet potato slices.

  • Replace avocado with a thin layer of herbed cream cheese for a dairy-rich option.

Serving Ideas & Occasions

These shrimp crostini are beautiful and bite-sized—perfect for events that call for impressive but low-effort appetizers.

Great For:

  • Holiday parties

  • Cocktail hours

  • Dinner party starters

  • Date-night snacks

Serve Alongside:

  • Sparkling wine or chilled white wine

  • A platter of marinated olives and cheese

  • Other appetizers like stuffed mushrooms or mini caprese skewers

Their rich flavor and elegant look make them an instant crowd favorite.

Nutritional & Health Notes

These crostini are:

  • High in lean protein from shrimp

  • Packed with healthy fats from avocado

  • Naturally dairy-free and nut-free

To make them lighter:

  • Use thin baguette slices

  • Stick to one shrimp per toast

  • Serve with a side salad to round out the meal

You can also scale this recipe down for a light lunch or snack option that feels indulgent without going overboard.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?

A1: You can prep components in advance—toast the bread and cook the shrimp—but assemble just before serving to keep textures crisp and fresh.

Q2: What if my avocado turns brown?

A2: Mix avocado with extra lemon or lime juice and press plastic wrap directly against the surface. This slows oxidation.

Q3: Can I serve these cold?

A3: Yes! Cooked shrimp are delicious cold, especially when marinated with garlic and citrus. Just make sure crostini are fully cooled and crisp.

Q4: How do I keep the crostini from getting soggy?

A4: Toast the bread well and let it cool before spreading avocado. Avoid overloading with toppings.

Q5: Can I use frozen shrimp?

A5: Absolutely—just thaw thoroughly and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.

Q6: What size shrimp is best?

A6: Medium (31–40 count per pound) is ideal for crostini. If using large shrimp, slice in half lengthwise for easier bites.

Q7: Can I make this spicy?

A7: Yes! Add chili flakes, hot sauce, or sliced jalapeños to the shrimp or avocado mixture for heat.

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Shrimp Crostini Appetizers with Creamy Avocado

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  • Author: Isabella Moretti
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 16–20 crostini 1x
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Description

Crispy toasted baguette topped with creamy avocado and buttery garlic shrimp—these shrimp crostini appetizers are fresh, elegant, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 French baguette, sliced

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • 2 ripe avocados

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 tbsp lemon or lime juice

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • Olive oil, for brushing

  • Chopped parsley, lemon zest (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Toast baguette slices at 400°F for 7–10 minutes until golden.

  2. Sauté garlic in butter, then add shrimp and cook 2 minutes per side. Remove from heat.

  3. Mash avocados with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

  4. Spread avocado on crostini, top with one shrimp.

  5. Garnish with parsley, lemon zest, or chili flakes. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use medium shrimp for perfect bite size. Assemble just before serving for best texture. Add chili or cream cheese for flavor twists.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snack
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean, Modern Coastal

Nutrition

  • Calories: ~120 per crostini

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