Caprese Stuffed Avocados Recipe
Caprese Stuffed Avocados are possibly the most delightful way to bring the flavors of an Italian summer right to your kitchen! Imagine creamy avocados cradling a vibrant medley of juicy cherry tomatoes, velvety mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all finished with a sweet-tangy drizzle of balsamic glaze. This dish is more than just a feast for your eyes—it’s a celebration of color, contrasting textures, and bold, fresh flavors that make every bite irresistible. Whether you’re after a light lunch, a showstopping appetizer, or a smart side, Caprese Stuffed Avocados fit the bill beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Caprese Stuffed Avocados lies in how a handful of simple ingredients come together to create something that tastes anything but basic. Each element brings its own charm to the table, contributing to the taste, summery colors, and incredible fresh texture that make this recipe such a winner.
- Ripe avocados: Their creamy texture is the star, and their subtle flavor lets the toppings shine.
- Cherry tomatoes: These little gems bring a juicy burst of color and sweetness that balances the richness of the avocado.
- Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini): With their soft, milky bite, mozzarella adds classic Caprese heart and a touch of decadence.
- Fresh basil leaves: Just-chopped basil gives a pop of herbal brightness that ties every flavor together.
- Balsamic glaze: A drizzle of this syrupy reduction adds sweet tang and restaurant-worthy flair; use balsamic reduction as a backup if needed.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Just a whisper of oil enhances the blend and helps everything meld harmoniously.
- Salt and black pepper: These essential seasonings wake up all the other flavors—don’t skip them!
How to Make Caprese Stuffed Avocados
Step 1: Prep the Avocados
Start by halving your avocados and removing the pits. Use a spoon to scoop out a bit more flesh from each half, making a generous cavity for your filling. Dice what you’ve scooped out and set it aside—nothing goes to waste in Caprese Stuffed Avocados!
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the diced avocado you set aside with the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped fresh basil. This gorgeous mix is the heart of the recipe: creamy, juicy, and incredibly aromatic.
Step 3: Dress and Toss
Drizzle your filling with extra virgin olive oil, season it with a good pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper, then gently toss everything together. Handle it softly so the avocado stays creamy and the mozzarella keeps its shape.
Step 4: Stuff the Avocados
Spoon that vibrant filling right into the cavities of your prepared avocado halves, packing it full so that every bite is abundant with flavor and texture.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch
Just before serving, drizzle each stuffed avocado with beautiful balsamic glaze. This is the final flourish that pulls everything together and makes your Caprese Stuffed Avocados totally irresistible. Serve immediately for the freshest experience!
How to Serve Caprese Stuffed Avocados
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a light dusting of cracked black pepper on top adds an extra layer of flavor and crunch. For a kick, try a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, or if you want to bump up the Italian charm, a few extra basil leaves look beautiful and add fragrance.
Side Dishes
Pair your Caprese Stuffed Avocados with a crusty slice of toasted sourdough, grilled chicken, or a summery pasta salad. Their bright, balanced flavors play nicely with anything from simple greens to a more indulgent spread, making them a super versatile centerpiece.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing each avocado half into thick wedges and arranging them on a platter for easy sharing at a party. Or stack them (filling side up) on little crostini for a bite-sized, cocktail-friendly alternative. Caprese Stuffed Avocados are endlessly adaptable and always the star of the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Caprese Stuffed Avocados, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the avocado to slow browning and refrigerate promptly. They’ll stay fairly fresh for up to 24 hours, but keep in mind that avocados oxidize quickly.
Freezing
Unfortunately, this dish doesn’t freeze well. The lovely texture of both the avocado and the mozzarella suffers in the freezer, and the tomatoes can become watery. For best results, enjoy your Caprese Stuffed Avocados fresh!
Reheating
No reheating required—this recipe is meant to be served fresh and chilled! If it’s been in the fridge, allow the stuffed avocados to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften and bring out the full flavors before serving.
FAQs
Can I use regular mozzarella instead of bocconcini?
Absolutely! Just dice regular fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces. Bocconcini simply keeps things bite-sized and easy to mix, but any fresh mozzarella works great in Caprese Stuffed Avocados.
How do I keep the avocados from browning?
A squeeze of lemon juice directly onto the exposed avocado flesh can slow browning. Also, covering the surface tightly with plastic wrap if you’re prepping ahead helps a lot. Still, for that picture-perfect look, it’s always best to assemble right before serving.
What’s a good substitute for balsamic glaze?
You can reduce regular balsamic vinegar in a saucepan until thick and syrupy, or use a drizzle of aged balsamic. Either will give you that sweet tangy punch essential to Caprese Stuffed Avocados.
Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Definitely! Try tossing in diced grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for a twist. Caprese Stuffed Avocados love a little customization, so feel free to get creative.
Are Caprese Stuffed Avocados suitable for meal prep?
Because avocado browns quickly, they’re best made fresh. However, you can prep all the fillings and refrigerate them separately, then quickly assemble right before eating for a speedy, delicious meal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something bright, wholesome, and a little bit special, you just have to give Caprese Stuffed Avocados a try. They’re the sort of dish that feels both effortless and impressive, and trust me, you’ll want to share them with everyone. Happy cooking!
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Caprese Stuffed Avocados Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Caprese Stuffed Avocados are a delightful combination of creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze. A simple and flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or appetizer.
Ingredients
Avocado Filling:
- 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Dressing:
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Scoop out avocado: Remove a small portion of avocado flesh to enlarge the cavity.
- Prepare filling: Dice scooped avocado, mix with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
- Toss with dressing: Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, toss gently.
- Fill avocados: Spoon filling into avocado halves.
- Drizzle and serve: Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
- Serve immediately as a light lunch, appetizer, or side dish.
Notes
- Enhance with garlic powder or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Substitute balsamic reduction if glaze is unavailable.
- Best served fresh to prevent avocado browning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed avocado half
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
