Description
This Shrimp and Avocado Garlic Bread recipe combines succulent sautéed shrimp with creamy avocado and fresh tomatoes on a crisp, buttery French bread base. It’s a perfect appetizer that balances savory garlic flavors with the freshness of lemon and parsley, finished with a touch of Parmesan cheese for a delightful, crowd-pleasing bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp Mixture
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Bread and Toppings
- 1 French bread loaf
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the garlic bread.
- Sauté the shrimp: In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shrimp, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the bread: Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise. Spread softened butter evenly on the cut sides of both halves. Sprinkle with a little minced garlic and chopped parsley for extra flavor.
- Bake the bread: Place the bread halves cut-side up on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until lightly golden and toasted.
- Make the avocado topping: While the bread is baking, mash the avocados in a bowl. Stir in fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then fold in the halved cherry tomatoes to add freshness and texture.
- Assemble the garlic bread: Remove the bread from the oven and spread the avocado mixture evenly over both halves. Arrange the cooked shrimp on top, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Final bake: Return the assembled garlic bread to the oven for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, just until everything is warmed through and the cheese is slightly melted.
- Serve: Slice the garlic bread into portions and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra flavor, drizzle with chili oil or add diced jalapeños to the avocado mixture for a spicy kick.
- Use pre-cooked shrimp to cut down on prep time—just reheat them lightly with garlic before adding to the bread.
- Choose ripe avocados for creamy texture and better flavor in the topping.
- French bread works best for a crispy crust; you can substitute with a baguette if preferred.