This easy Caprese stuffed avocado is like a little party in your mouth! Fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and basil come together to make a perfect filling for ripe avocados.
It’s quick to make and looks so pretty on a plate. I love serving these as a snack or a light lunch. Just grab a spoon and dig in—no fancy utensils needed! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Avocados: Use ripe avocados for that creamy texture. If they’re too firm, let them sit at room temperature for a day or two. If you’re avoiding avocados, consider using cucumber boats instead for a crunchy texture.
Cherry Tomatoes: I love using colorful cherry tomatoes for brightness, but you can substitute with any small tomatoes, like grape or even diced larger tomatoes. Just make sure they’re juicy!
Fresh Mozzarella: The little mozzarella balls (bocconcini) are perfect here. If you don’t have them, you can use diced regular mozzarella or even crumbled feta for a tangy twist.
Basil: Fresh basil is crucial for that classic Caprese flavor. If fresh isn’t available, you can use dried basil, but reduce the amount since it’s stronger. Parsley is also a good option!
Balsamic Glaze: If you can’t find balsamic glaze, you can make your own by reducing balsamic vinegar until it thickens. It’ll give you a similar sweet and tangy kick.
How Do You Ensure the Perfect Avocado Filling?
Filling avocados can be tricky, but here’s how to get it just right. The idea is to create a lovely balance of flavors and textures inside the avocado. Start by making sure your avocados are perfectly ripe—they should yield slightly when pressed.
- Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit carefully. Use a spoon to scoop out a bit of flesh if you want more room for stuffing.
- Mix your filling gently but thoroughly in a bowl. This helps combine the flavors evenly. Make sure not to mash the cheese!
- When filling the avocado, do it generously so each bite has a nice blend of avocado and the filling.
Lastly, serve them fresh to retain the creamy goodness of the avocados and crunch of the toppings. Enjoy your tasty creation!
Easy Caprese Stuffed Avocado
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze or reduction
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare. It’s quick and easy, making it the perfect snack or appetizer without requiring much cooking time. Just prepare your ingredients, mix, and serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Avocados:
Begin by slicing the ripe avocados in half. Gently remove the pits using a spoon or a knife, taking care not to damage the flesh. If you want to add more filling, you can scoop out a tiny bit of the flesh from the center of each half.
2. Make the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and chopped basil. This colorful mix is packed with flavor!
3. Season and Toss:
Drizzle the olive oil over the tomato and mozzarella mixture, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Use a spoon to gently toss everything together, ensuring it’s well-coated with the oil and seasoning.
4. Stuff the Avocados:
Spoon the delicious Caprese mixture generously into each avocado half, filling the cavity with the tasty blend. Don’t be shy—pack it in for a flavor explosion!
5. Drizzle the Balsamic:
For that sweet and tangy touch, drizzle the balsamic glaze over the stuffed avocados. This adds a beautiful finish and enhances the flavors of the filling.
6. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, sprinkle a little more chopped basil on top for extra flavor and visual appeal. Serve these delightful stuffed avocados right away as a fresh appetizer, snack, or light meal!
Enjoy!
Relish the creamy avocado paired with juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, aromatic basil, and a hint of balsamic sweetness in each bite. It’s sure to impress everyone!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While fresh mozzarella gives a classic Caprese flavor, you can substitute it with crumbled feta, goat cheese, or even shredded Parmesan if you prefer something different.
How Do I Store Leftover Stuffed Avocados?
Leftover stuffed avocados can be tricky, as the avocado may brown quickly. If you have leftover filling, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. For best results, it’s recommended to prepare and stuff avocados just before serving.
What’s a Good Substitute for Balsamic Glaze?
If you don’t have balsamic glaze on hand, you can use regular balsamic vinegar or even a splash of lemon juice for acidity. If using vinegar, consider drizzling a bit of honey to add sweetness.
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
It’s best to prepare the filling ahead of time but stuff the avocados just before serving to prevent browning. You can mix the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil in advance and refrigerate, then fill the avocados when you’re ready to serve!
