Tasty Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado – Delicious & Easy!

Are you on the hunt for a truly memorable starter that boasts effortless elegance? Picture this: a perfectly crisp, golden-brown slice of toast, topped with a luscious spread of fresh avocado and crowned with plump, garlic-infused prawns. It’s a delightful mouthful that will have everyone clamouring for more.

Your search ends here. We are delighted to share our guide to crafting the most exquisite Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado. This recipe strikes a beautiful chord between texture and taste—the satisfying crunch of the crostini, the smooth creaminess of the avocado, and the savoury depth of the garlic prawns. It is the perfect opening to a dinner party, a wonderful feature on a festive table, or simply a light, fulfilling lunch.

What Makes This Recipe So Special?

Before we get to the method, let’s explore why this particular recipe is destined to become a cherished favourite in your cooking repertoire. It’s far more than a simple appetiser; it’s a versatile dish designed to please any crowd.

• Effortless Elegance: This dish has the sophisticated appearance of something from a fine dining establishment, yet you’ll be pleasantly surprised by its simplicity. It’s the ideal way to impress your guests without any of the usual stress.
• A Harmony of Flavours: The blend of sharp lime, aromatic garlic, creamy avocado, and fresh prawns is nothing short of sublime. Each element works in concert to produce a perfectly balanced and delicious bite.
• Suits Any Occasion: Whether you’re planning a relaxed get-together, a more formal dinner, or celebrating a special event, this easy shrimp appetiser is always a fitting choice.
• A Healthier Indulgence: Filled with protein from the prawns and beneficial fats from the avocado and olive oil, this is a treat you can feel genuinely good about enjoying.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado

To bring this culinary creation to life, we’ll need a selection of fresh, high-quality components. The charm of this recipe is in its simplicity, so choosing the finest ingredients you can source will elevate the final result. Here is what you will need:

To create the perfect crunchy base:

• 1 French baguette, cut into rounds about ½-inch (1.25cm) thick
• 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 1 clove of garlic, peeled and cut in half
• A pinch of sea salt

For the smooth avocado topping:

• 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh coriander (parsley is a fine substitute)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to your preference

For the gorgeous garlic prawns:

• 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
• 450g (1 lb) of large king prawns, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced
• ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of warmth)
• 2 tablespoons of dry white wine (a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works well) or chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley
• A generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Our Simple Method for Perfect Crostini

With our ingredients assembled, it’s time to start cooking. We’ve outlined the entire process in clear, straightforward steps. Simply follow along, and you’ll be assembling these beautiful bites before you know it.

1. Prepare the Crostini

   
   

   First, preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C for fan-assisted ovens / Gas Mark 5). Lay the baguette slices in a single layer across a large baking tray. Lightly brush each side of the bread with olive oil and sprinkle with a small pinch of sea salt. Bake for 8–10 minutes, turning them over at the halfway point, until they are crisp and a lovely golden colour. Once they have cooled just enough to be handled, take the cut side of your halved garlic clove and gently rub it over the surface of each toast. This imparts a wonderful, subtle garlic aroma and flavour.

2. Make the Creamy Avocado Spread

   While the crostini are in the oven, you can prepare the avocado topping. Slice the avocados in half, remove the stones, and spoon the flesh into a medium-sized bowl. It’s important to add the lime juice straight away, as this will help prevent it from discolouring. Using a fork, mash the avocado to your preferred consistency—we quite like leaving it slightly chunky for a more rustic texture. Fold in the chopped coriander and season well with salt and black pepper. Set this mixture aside for now.

   
   

3. Cook the Succulent Garlic Shrimp

   
   

   To begin, pat the peeled and deveined prawns dry with a piece of kitchen roll; this is key to helping them sear nicely instead of steaming. Season them with a little salt and pepper. Place a large frying pan over a medium-high heat and add the butter and olive oil. When the butter has melted and begins to foam, carefully arrange the prawns in a single layer. Let them cook for 1–2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Take care not to overcrowd the pan; it’s better to cook them in two batches if you need to.Next, add the minced garlic and the red pepper flakes (if you’re using them) to the pan, cooking for a further 30 seconds until beautifully fragrant. Be watchful here, as you don’t want the garlic to catch and burn. Pour in the white wine or stock to deglaze the pan, using a spoon to scrape up any flavourful browned bits from the bottom. Allow it to simmer and reduce for a minute. Finally, take the pan off the heat and stir through the chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. This last step really brightens the flavours for the ultimate avocado and prawn toast experience.

4. Assemble Your Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado

   
   

   Now for the most enjoyable part—bringing it all together! Take one of your fragrant, garlic-rubbed crostini. Add a generous spoonful of the creamy avocado mixture, spreading it evenly. Neatly arrange 2 or 3 of the warm garlic prawns on top. For a lovely finishing touch, you could garnish with a little more fresh parsley or a light dusting of red pepper flakes. We recommend serving them immediately to be enjoyed at their best.

Expert Advice for Unforgettable Crostini

To elevate your Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado from simply delicious to truly spectacular, we suggest keeping these professional tips in mind.

Choosing the Right Bread

A classic French baguette is our preferred choice as its crisp crust and light, airy crumb create a robust base that holds its own against the toppings. If a baguette isn’t available, a loaf of ciabatta or another rustic, crusty bread would also serve you well.

Selecting the Best Shrimp

You can use either fresh or frozen prawns for this recipe. If you opt for frozen, ensure they are thoroughly thawed and patted completely dry with kitchen roll before you begin cooking. We suggest using large king prawns (approximately a 16-20 count) as their size provides a substantial, meaty bite that complements the other flavours beautifully. For more prawn-based ideas, you might like to try our The Ultimate Crispy Baked Shrimp Recipe So Easy.

All About Avocados

The secret to a fantastic avocado spread lies in using a perfectly ripe fruit. It should give slightly when you apply gentle pressure but shouldn’t feel overly soft or mushy. For more guidance on choosing and storing them, BBC Good Food has a great guide. The lime juice in our recipe is vital, not only for its zesty flavour but also for slowing down the oxidation that causes browning.

Creative Twists to Make It Your Own

One of the finest qualities of this recipe is its adaptability. Here are a few suggestions for customising this garlic prawn crostini to your personal taste:

• Turn Up the Heat: For an extra kick, add some finely diced jalapeño pepper to the avocado mash or be more generous with the red pepper flakes when cooking the prawns.
• A Tangy Addition: A crumbling of feta or goat’s cheese over the top just before serving adds a delightful salty tang that contrasts nicely with the other flavours.
• A Touch of Tomato: Mix some finely diced cherry tomatoes into the avocado spread for a pop of fresh colour and sweetness, creating a delicious bruschetta-style appetiser.
• Herb Variations: If you’re not keen on coriander, fresh dill or chives are wonderful alternatives that pair well with both avocado and prawns.

If you’re in search of another speedy and flavour-packed prawn dish, our The Best Quick Blackened Shrimp Recipe Ready In Under 15 Minutes is a brilliant recipe to try next!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this ahead of time?

That is an excellent question for anyone organising a party. You can certainly prepare the elements for this party appetiser recipe in advance, though we strongly suggest assembling just before you plan to serve them. The crostini can be toasted up to a day ahead and kept in an airtight container. The prawns can be cooked a few hours beforehand and refrigerated (serve them chilled or reheat them gently). The avocado mash, however, is best made as close to serving time as possible to keep it fresh and green, as it will naturally start to brown over time, even with the lime juice.

Can I use pre-cooked prawns?

Of course, using pre-cooked prawns is a great time-saver. You will just need to warm them through in the pan with the garlic, butter, and other flavourings for a minute or so. Just be careful not to cook them for too long, as they can become a little tough.

How do I store leftovers?

It’s unlikely you’ll have any leftovers, but if you do, it is best to store each component separately in the fridge in airtight containers. The toasted bread, avocado, and prawns should all have their own container. Once assembled, the crostini will go soft if stored. We recommend they are eaten within a day.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

As written, this recipe contains gluten because of the baguette. However, it can be very easily adapted to be gluten-free. Simply substitute the baguette with your preferred gluten-free bread or crackers for the base. Both the avocado topping and the garlic prawns are naturally free from gluten.

The Perfect Starter for Any Occasion

So there you have it—a straightforward, stylish, and incredibly tasty recipe for Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado. It’s proof that you don’t require complex methods or a long list of ingredients to produce something truly wonderful. The fresh, lively flavours really do speak for themselves, making this the perfect dish to share with the people you care about.

So, why not gather your ingredients and prepare to make a starter that is sure to become a new household favourite? We are certain that after one taste, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe time and time again.

We would be thrilled to see your results! If you decide to make this recipe, do leave us a comment below to share how it went, or feel free to tag us in your photos on social media. Happy cooking!