Lemon-Infused Crab and Avocado Crostini
Elevate your appetizer game with these delightful Lemon-Infused Crab and Avocado Crostini. Perfect for gatherings or an elegant dinner party, this dish combines the sweetness of fresh lump crabmeat, the creaminess of diced avocado, and the vibrant crunch of yellow pepper. Enhanced by a zesty Meyer lemon vinaigrette, every bite offers a burst of flavor, set against the backdrop of perfectly toasted ficelle or baguette slices. These crostini are not just a treat for the palate but also a visual delight, making them an excellent choice for sharing with family and friends.
6
Servings
183
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
ficelle or French baguette
1 loaf (sliced into 1/2-inch thick slices)
olive oil
3 tablespoons (for brushing the bread)
Meyer lemon
1 (juiced)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
yellow pepper
1 (diced)
avocado
1 (diced)
shallot
1 (finely diced)
lump crabmeat
8 ounces
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the ficelle or French baguette into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
2
In a small bowl, drizzle the slices lightly with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, ensuring both sides are coated.
3
Arrange the oiled bread slices on a baking sheet fitted with a rack and bake in the oven for about 8 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and toasted.
4
Once toasted, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool on the baking sheet.
5
Meanwhile, prepare the crab mixture. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Meyer lemon juice, 1/4 cup of olive oil, and salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6
Gently fold in the diced yellow pepper, diced avocado, finely diced shallot, and lump crabmeat, taking care not to break apart the delicate crab.
7
Once the crostini have cooled slightly, generously top each slice with about a tablespoon of the crab and avocado mixture.
8
Serve immediately, garnishing with additional lemon zest or herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
15g
Carbs
12g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of these crostini?
The crostini feature a bright, zesty flavor from Meyer lemon vinaigrette combined with sweet lump crabmeat and creamy avocado.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
A ficelle or a French baguette is recommended for the best texture and size.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long does it take to toast the bread?
The bread slices should be baked for approximately 8 minutes until lightly golden.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 183 calories.
What is the protein content of this appetizer?
There are 12g of protein per serving.
Can I substitute Meyer lemon with a regular lemon?
Yes, but since Meyer lemons are sweeter, you may want to add a tiny pinch of sugar to a regular lemon to mimic the flavor.
How thick should the baguette slices be?
The baguette should be sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
Is this dish high in fat?
Each serving contains 10g of fat, much of which comes from the healthy fats in avocado and olive oil.
What kind of crabmeat should I use?
Lump crabmeat is suggested for its delicate texture and sweet flavor.
How do I prevent the crabmeat from breaking apart?
Gently fold the crabmeat into the mixture rather than stirring vigorously.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 15g of carbohydrates per serving.
What ingredients are in the vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette is made from Meyer lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Can I use a different color of bell pepper?
Yes, while yellow pepper is suggested for its color and crunch, red or orange peppers would also work well.
How much olive oil is used for the bread?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of olive oil to brush the bread slices.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Absolutely, it is described as an elegant appetizer perfect for gatherings or dinner parties.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It is best served immediately after assembly to ensure the crostini remain crunchy and the avocado stays fresh.
What are the suggested garnishes?
You can garnish with additional lemon zest or fresh herbs if desired.
How much crabmeat is required?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of lump crabmeat.
What is a ficelle?
A ficelle is a type of French bread that is thinner than a standard baguette.
Should the bread be cooled before topping?
Yes, the instructions suggest allowing the bread to cool slightly before adding the crab mixture.
Is this recipe considered quick and easy?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick and easy dish with only 9 main ingredients.
How many total ingredients are needed?
There are a total of 9 ingredients required for this recipe.
Is this a healthy appetizer option?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and contains lean seafood and fresh vegetables.
What size should the yellow pepper be diced?
The yellow pepper should be diced into small pieces to mix evenly with the crab and avocado.
Can I use frozen crabmeat?
Yes, as long as it is completely thawed and drained before being added to the mixture.
What type of shallot preparation is needed?
The shallot should be finely diced to provide a subtle onion flavor without overpowering the dish.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
While not specified in the raw data, the avocado and yellow pepper naturally contribute some fiber.
Is this appetizer served warm or cold?
The bread is served toasted (warm or room temp) while the crab mixture is typically served fresh and chilled.