Let me tell you, nothing says “welcome to the party” like a platter of Garlic Butter Shrimp Crostini fresh from your kitchen. It’s buttery, garlicky, and just a little bit indulgent—in the best possible way. Whether it’s a cozy Christmas Eve or a full-blown holiday party, this shrimp appetizer brings the kind of wow factor that makes folks linger by the snack table. We’re talkin’ crispy crostini topped with plump, juicy shrimp swimming in garlicky butter and a whisper of lemon. It’s love at first bite, y’all.
Why You’ll Want This on Your Appetizer Table
- Big flavor with easy prep fancy without fuss
- A true showstopper for holiday party food spreads
- Pairs with nearly anything cocktails, bubbly, or that sparkling water with lime
Gather Round the Good Stuff
Let’s take a peek at the cast of characters for these little bites of heaven. Every ingredient has its own little role to play in this buttery story.
- Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined. Go for raw shrimp, not pre-cooked—the flavor payoff is worth it.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves only! It infuses that butter like a southern kitchen hug.
- Unsalted Butter: The real MVP here, helping that garlic bloom and giving everything a velvety coat.
- Olive Oil: Helps the butter not burn and adds a soft grassy note.
- Lemon Juice & Zest: A little brightness to cut through the richness—just a kiss, not a squeeze.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but a tiny pinch adds a warm back note without overwhelming.
- Fresh Parsley: For color and a pop of freshness.
- Baguette: Sliced and toasted to a golden crunch. This is your stage, after all.
Let’s Build These Beauties
Now that our ingredients are ready, it’s time to bring the magic. These steps are as easy as a warm Sunday afternoon.
Start with the crostini. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Slice a French baguette on the bias into ½-inch pieces. Lay them out on a baking sheet, drizzle lightly with olive oil, and toast for 8–10 minutes until golden and crisp. Set aside to cool slightly.
Cook the shrimp. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add your minced garlic (3–4 cloves) and stir for 30 seconds—just enough to bloom that garlic, not brown it.
Add the shrimp. Toss in the shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and optional crushed red pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Finish with lemon juice, zest, and chopped parsley. Remove from heat.
Assemble your crostini. Spoon a buttery shrimp or two over each toasted bread slice, making sure to drizzle that golden garlic butter on top. Garnish with extra parsley and serve warm.
Let’s Not Make These Mistakes
When you’re making Garlic Butter Shrimp Crostini, it’s easy to slip up if you’re rushing or overthinking it. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Using pre-cooked shrimp: They go rubbery fast. Start raw, always.
- Burning the garlic: It’ll turn bitter and ruin that lovely butter. Keep it gentle and golden, not brown.
- Soggy crostini: Don’t skip toasting the bread well it’s gotta stand up to all that buttery goodness.
My Favorite Little Tricks (Pro Tips)
If you really want to make this dish sing, here’s how to level up your crostini game—right from my Nashville kitchen to yours:
Use compound butter. Mix softened butter with minced garlic, lemon zest, and parsley a day ahead. Let it firm up in the fridge, and when you’re ready, just melt it down in the skillet. The flavor will be deeper and cozier.
Try different breads. A sourdough or even a rustic multigrain works beautifully and adds character. Just make sure it’s crusty enough to hold the shrimp.
Make-ahead tip: Toast your crostini earlier in the day and cook your shrimp right before serving. Keeps the texture just right.
And hey, if you’re looking for more crostini inspiration, you’ll love this simple garlic mushroom crostini recipe on my blog equally easy, equally impressive.
But Wait—Here’s a Bonus Tip!
For a holiday twist (I see you planning Christmas Eve appetizers), add a swipe of soft cheese—like whipped goat cheese or mascarpone—on the toasted bread before you top it with shrimp. It’s decadent, creamy, and makes the crostini feel like they got all dressed up for the party.
And if you’re planning a full seafood spread, check out my Seven Fishes Christmas Eve appetizer guide it’s got all the elegance you want for the holidays.
Dress ‘Em Up for the Party
This shrimp appetizer fits in anywhere from a fancy dinner party to a backyard cocktail hour. Serve with:
- A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc
- Chilled sparkling rosé for some festive flair
- Or even just sparkling water with citrus slices—it all works
Pair it with something creamy like this Louisiana Hot Crab Dip or keep it fresh with a white bean cranberry bite. Both balance the richness of the crostini perfectly.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Crostini
Equipment
- Oven
- Skillet
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
Garlic Butter Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined, raw
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
Crostini
- 1 baguette sliced on the bias into ½-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice the baguette and lay slices on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toast for 8–10 minutes until golden and crisp.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
- Add shrimp to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Stir in lemon juice, zest, and parsley. Remove from heat.
- Spoon shrimp and garlic butter onto each crostini. Garnish with more parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try spreading whipped goat cheese or mascarpone on the toasted baguette before adding shrimp.
- Prepare crostini and shrimp ahead of time and assemble just before serving.
- Medium to large raw shrimp (31/40 count) are ideal for these bites.
FAQs
How do I keep crostini from getting soggy?
Be sure to toast your bread slices thoroughly and let them cool slightly before topping. You can also brush them lightly with olive oil before toasting, which creates a barrier between the bread and toppings.
Can I make this ahead for a party?
You can prep the shrimp a few hours in advance and store them in the fridge. Reheat gently in a pan. Toast the bread ahead, and assemble right before guests arrive so everything stays fresh and crisp.
What shrimp size is best for appetizers like this?
Medium to large shrimp (count 31/40) are perfect. They sit nicely on the crostini and offer a bite-sized experience without overwhelming the toast.
Can I serve this cold?
It’s best warm, but if you’re prepping ahead, room temp works. Just be sure the butter doesn’t congeal—reheat slightly if needed. Want to take it next-level? Serve with a swipe of lemon aioli under the shrimp!
A Little Something to Chew On
There’s something so timeless about recipes like this Garlic Butter Shrimp Crostini—they bring people together, fill the kitchen with the smell of garlic and butter, and make memories one crunchy bite at a time. If you’re planning your holiday party food lineup, this one deserves a prime spot. And for more buttery seafood goodness, the folks over at AllRecipes have a lovely Creamy Garlic Shrimp Toast recipe that complements this dish beautifully.
So go on, serve it with a smile, pour yourself a glass, and let that crostini do the talking.