Caprese Stuffed Avocados

$- 2 ripe avocados - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved - ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper For Caprese stuffed avocados, fresh and quality ingredients matter. The ripe avocados serve as the creamy base for our dish. I pick avocados that yield slightly when pressed, showing they are ready. Next, I choose sweet cherry tomatoes. Halving them brings out their juicy goodness. The fresh mozzarella balls add a delightful creaminess, while the basil adds a burst of flavor. Balsamic glaze gives a sweet tang that ties everything together. Extra virgin olive oil adds richness. Finally, I season with sea salt and black pepper to enhance all the flavors. Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dish delicious and fresh. To start, slice the ripe avocados in half lengthwise. Hold the avocado steady and cut down to the pit. Rotate your knife around the pit to create two halves. Next, carefully remove the pit with a spoon or knife. If you want more filling, scoop out a small amount of the flesh to enlarge the cavity. This extra space lets you add more delicious Caprese mixture. Set the avocado halves aside on a plate. In a mixing bowl, combine one cup of halved cherry tomatoes, one cup of halved fresh mozzarella balls, and ¼ cup of finely chopped fresh basil. This colorful mix brings the dish to life. Drizzle two tablespoons of balsamic glaze and one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over the mixture. Season it with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Gently fold the ingredients together until they are well mixed. This allows all the flavors to blend nicely. Now it's time to fill the avocado halves. Use a spoon to scoop out the Caprese mixture and place it into each avocado half. Make sure each half is overflowing with the vibrant mix. For a finishing touch, drizzle any remaining balsamic glaze over the stuffed avocados. This adds an extra burst of flavor and makes them look great. If you like, you can also place whole basil leaves on top for a pop of fresh color. Enjoy this delightful dish! To make Caprese stuffed avocados, you need ripe avocados. Here’s how to choose them: - Ripeness guide: Gently squeeze the avocado. It should feel slightly soft but not mushy. If it’s hard, leave it to ripen for a few days. If it’s too soft, it might be overripe. - Tips for selecting ingredients: Choose avocados that have a rich, dark green color. Ideal avocados are firm but yield to gentle pressure. If you see any dark spots, avoid those. Serving your dish well makes it more enjoyable. Here are some ideas to make your Caprese stuffed avocados look great: - Serving suggestions: Use a beautiful serving platter. Place the stuffed avocados on it, making them the star of the show. - How to enhance visuals with garnishes: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze around the platter. Scatter whole basil leaves around the avocados for a pop of color. This not only looks nice but adds aroma too. {{image_4}} You can have fun by changing the cheese in this dish. Mozzarella is classic, but you can try feta or goat cheese. Both add a unique flavor. If you want a creamier taste, use burrata. Substituting tomatoes is another great idea. Instead of cherry tomatoes, try bell peppers or cucumbers. You can also mix in some roasted red peppers for a smoky twist. These swaps keep the dish fresh and exciting. If you follow a vegan diet, you can easily adapt this recipe. Swap mozzarella for vegan cheese or add avocado to boost creaminess. Use a balsamic reduction made from plant-based ingredients. For those on a low-carb diet, skip the tomatoes or use fewer. You can fill the avocados with just cheese and basil. This keeps the dish light while still being full of flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh longer. You can also wrap each avocado half tightly in plastic wrap. Keep them in the fridge for up to two days. To maintain freshness, add a bit of extra lime juice. This helps slow browning. Avoid stacking avocados to prevent bruising. Can you freeze stuffed avocados? No, it’s best not to freeze them. The texture will change and become mushy. Instead, make the filling and freeze it. You can then stuff fresh avocados when ready to eat. For reheating thawed filling, place it in a microwave-safe dish. Heat for 30 seconds. Stir and check if it’s warm enough. If not, heat in 10-second bursts. Enjoy your fresh Caprese flavors! Yes, you can prepare these avocados ahead of time. I suggest making the Caprese mixture a few hours before serving. Store the filling in the fridge to keep it fresh. However, wait to fill the avocados until just before serving. This way, the avocado stays bright and green, not brown. If you have leftovers, you can keep them in an airtight container for one day. Just remember that the texture may change slightly. If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can use balsamic vinegar instead. Just drizzle a bit over the filling. You can also try a lemon vinaigrette for a zesty twist. Another option is to use a store-bought dressing, like Italian or pesto. Each of these choices adds a different flavor, so feel free to mix it up! Caprese stuffed avocados are great for many occasions. They shine as an appetizer at dinner parties or BBQs. You could also serve them as a light lunch or a side dish. Pair them with crusty bread or a light salad to complete the meal. For an extra touch, drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze around the platter for a beautiful display. Don't forget to add whole basil leaves for a pop of color! These Caprese Stuffed Avocados are easy to make and tasty. You can fill ripe avocados with a mix of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Remember to choose the best avocados for great flavor. Use balsamic glaze for a delicious finish. Feel free to try different ingredients to suit your taste. With these tips, you can impress your guests or enjoy a healthy meal. Keep leftovers fresh in the fridge. Happy cooking!$

Elevate your appetizer game with these delicious Caprese Stuffed Avocados! This vibrant dish combines creamy avocados, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil, all drizzled with balsamic glaze for a flavor explosion. Perfect for gatherings or a healthy snack, these stuffed avocados are quick and easy to make in just 10 minutes. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your guests with this fresh and colorful delight!

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Ingredients

2 ripe avocados

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved

¼ cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped

2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Begin by slicing the avocados in half lengthwise. Carefully remove the pits and, if you prefer, use a spoon to scoop out a small amount of the flesh to enlarge the cavity for a heartier filling. Set the avocado halves aside.

In a mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and finely chopped fresh basil. This colorful mixture serves as the heart of your Caprese stuffing.

Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze over the ingredients in the bowl. Season generously with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Using a gentle folding motion, toss the mixture until all the flavors are beautifully combined.

Using a spoon, fill each avocado half generously with the Caprese mixture, ensuring each half is overflowing with vibrant flavors.

For an extra burst of flavor, take any remaining balsamic glaze and drizzle it artistically over the stuffed avocados.

If desired, finish off with a garnish of whole basil leaves atop each stuffed avocado for an added pop of freshness and color.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 10 minutes | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: Arrange the stuffed avocados on a beautiful serving platter. Drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze around the base for a visually appealing touch. Scatter a few whole basil leaves around the platter to enhance the aesthetic and provide an aromatic experience. Enjoy!