Description
This Shrimp and Avocado Garlic Bread is a delightful appetizer combining crispy French bread, savory garlic butter, succulent shrimp, creamy avocado, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for quick parties or a savory snack, it bursts with flavor and texture in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Butter
- 1 loaf French bread (halved lengthwise)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Shrimp and Toppings
- ½ pound shrimp (peeled, deveined, and chopped)
- 1 avocado (sliced or mashed)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- juice of ½ lemon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the garlic bread.
- Cook the Shrimp: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the shrimp along with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for about 3–4 minutes until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix softened unsalted butter with the minced garlic until well combined.
- Spread Garlic Butter on Bread: Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over both halves of the French bread.
- Initial Bake: Place the prepared bread halves on the baking sheet and bake for 6–8 minutes until the bread is slightly crisp and the butter has melted into the bread.
- Add Toppings: Remove the bread from the oven and top each half with cooked shrimp, sliced or mashed avocado, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Final Bake: Return the topped bread to the oven and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish and Serve: Once baked, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Slice and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can mash the avocado and mix it with a little lime juice for easier spreading on the bread.
- For a spicier version, add a drizzle of sriracha or sprinkle additional chili flakes before baking.
- Use pre-cooked shrimp to reduce prep time and speed up cooking.
