If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping, five-minute dish that tastes like vacation on a plate, Caprese Stuffed Avocados are exactly what you need in your life. Creamy avocados cradle a fresh and vibrant Caprese salad, all finished with a sweet, tangy balsamic glaze—making every bite rich, bright, and downright irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Effortless: You can put together Caprese Stuffed Avocados in about 15 minutes—including that luscious homemade balsamic glaze!
- Summer Flavors, All Year: Juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy mozzarella deliver that classic Caprese magic in every bite—no matter the season.
- Naturally Gluten-Free: These avocados are naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and can be adapted for any lifestyle—so everyone at your table will be happy.
- Gorgeous to Serve: Every half is a little edible work of art—perfect for brunch, light lunches, parties, or whenever you want to impress (even if it’s just yourself)!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about how just a handful of fresh, colorful ingredients can bring Caprese Stuffed Avocados to life. Every single one plays a role—avocado for richness, tomatoes for pop, basil for fragrance, mozzarella for creaminess, and balsamic glaze to tie it all together. Here’s what you’ll need, and why it matters:
- Avocados (2 large): Go for ripe but firm avocados—too soft and they’ll collapse under the filling, too hard and they’re impossible to eat with a spoon.
- Cherry Tomatoes (½ cup): These little beauties burst with sweet, fresh flavor and bring vivid color to every bite.
- Fresh Basil (2 tablespoons, plus more for garnish): Absolutely essential for that signature Caprese aroma—use freshly chopped for the brightest taste.
- Mozzarella Pearls (½ cup): These tiny balls of mozzarella are creamy and bite-sized, perfect for nestling into each avocado half.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (¼ cup): Enhances the salad’s silkiness and gives a hint of grassy green flavor.
- Salt and Pepper, to taste: Never underestimate the power of good seasoning! It wakes up all the other flavors.
- Balsamic Vinegar (½ cup): The base for your sweet-tangy drizzle—choose a good-quality vinegar for the best reduction.
- Brown Sugar (2 tablespoons): Helps the balsamic glaze reduce to a glossy, pourable syrup that’s rich and complex.
Variations
Caprese Stuffed Avocados are endlessly customizable—think of this recipe as a delicious jumping-off point. You can swap, add, or tweak with whatever inspires you or whatever’s in your fridge. Here are some scrumptious ways to make it your own:
- Grilled Chicken Boost: Add diced grilled chicken breast to the Caprese filling for a protein-packed option that’s perfect for lunch.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Use plant-based mozzarella or skip the cheese entirely for a refreshing vegan twist.
- Greek-Inspired Variation: Swap the mozzarella for crumbly feta and toss in sliced Kalamata olives for a Mediterranean flair.
- Spicy Kick: Add thinly sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little surprise heat.
- Whole Tomato Swap: Try heirloom or plum tomatoes chopped small if cherry tomatoes aren’t on hand—don’t let the ingredient list box you in!
How to Make Caprese Stuffed Avocados
Step 1: Make the Balsamic Glaze
Start with the balsamic glaze. Pour balsamic vinegar and brown sugar into a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then let it gently simmer for about 6-8 minutes. Watch for the glaze to thicken—you’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon and slowly slides off. Take off the heat and let it cool; it will get even thicker as it sits.
Step 2: Make the Caprese Filling
Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and add them to a medium mixing bowl along with the chopped fresh basil and mozzarella pearls. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, toss gently to combine, then season liberally with salt and pepper. This simple mix is what gives each Caprese Stuffed Avocado that burst of classic Italian flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Avocados
Carefully halve the avocados and remove the pits. Leave the skin on for sturdiness. If the pits aren’t huge, scoop out just a little extra flesh to make a bigger “bowl”—more room for filling means more flavor! Arrange the avocado halves, cut side up, on your serving plate.
Step 4: Fill and Garnish
Spoon the Caprese filling generously into each avocado half, mounding it up for maximum impact. Drizzle everything liberally with the cooled balsamic glaze. Finish with flaky salt, cracked black pepper, and a shower of fresh basil leaves for a pop of green. Serve straight away and soak up the compliments!
Pro Tips for Making Caprese Stuffed Avocados
- Avocado Ripeness 101: To avoid messy, mushy halves, choose avocados that just yield to gentle pressure—overripe ones won’t hold that lovely stuffing.
- Glossy Glaze Magic: Don’t rush the balsamic glaze; simmer until it’s syrupy but still pourable. A thick glaze clings beautifully and brings every bite together.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Use the freshest basil you can find—the fragrance and flavor make such a difference in Caprese Stuffed Avocados, truly elevating the dish from good to unforgettable.
- Stuffing Techniques: If your avocado pit isn’t very large, scoop out a bit of flesh and chop it into your Caprese mixture for bonus creaminess and zero waste!
How to Serve Caprese Stuffed Avocados
Garnishes
A final flourish of freshly torn basil and a crack of black pepper gives every Caprese Stuffed Avocado a restaurant-worthy finish. For extra decadence, sprinkle on flaky sea salt or even a dusting of toasted pine nuts for crunch. Don’t forget that last drizzle of balsamic glaze—it’s the ruby-red crown!
Side Dishes
These avocados are hearty enough to shine on their own, but they also play perfectly with simple side dishes. Pair with grilled sourdough, a fresh green salad, or chilled prosciutto-wrapped melon if you want a bigger spread. A glass of crisp white wine never hurts, either!
Creative Ways to Present
For events, mini Caprese Stuffed Avocados served in small tasting spoons or sliced into wedges make stunning finger food. Arrange halves on a platter with edible flowers for a garden-party vibe, or serve buffet-style with extra toppings so guests can build their own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Caprese Stuffed Avocados, store unfilled avocado halves separately from the Caprese mixture in airtight containers. Spritz the avocado flesh with lemon juice and cover with plastic wrap to help slow browning—best enjoyed within 24 hours for maximum freshness.
Freezing
Avocados don’t freeze well due to their high water and fat content; they tend to discolor and go mushy. For peak texture and taste, this is a dish best enjoyed fresh, not frozen.
Reheating
Caprese Stuffed Avocados are meant to be eaten cold or at room temperature. If your balsamic glaze has thickened in the fridge, let it sit out to return to a pourable consistency, but never reheat the whole dish—avocado doesn’t enjoy the microwave!
FAQs
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Can I make Caprese Stuffed Avocados ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! Prepare the Caprese filling and the balsamic glaze up to 1 day in advance, storing them separately in the fridge. Slice and fill the avocados just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
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What’s the best way to keep avocados from browning?
Spritz cut avocado flesh with lemon juice and snuggle it under plastic wrap directly on the surface. This slows oxidation, especially if storing unfilled halves for a few hours.
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Can I skip the homemade balsamic glaze in a pinch?
Yes! While homemade glaze has standout flavor, store-bought balsamic glaze is a great shortcut for those extra busy days. Just remember to drizzle generously for that sweet-tangy zing.
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Are Caprese Stuffed Avocados healthy?
Definitely! You’ll pack in fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and antioxidants with this dish—plus it’s vegetarian, gluten-free, and utterly satisfying, so it’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
Final Thoughts
Once you try Caprese Stuffed Avocados, you’ll want to make them every chance you get. They’re sunshine on a plate, ridiculously easy, and guaranteed to wow yourself and everyone lucky enough to grab a fork. So go ahead—treat yourself to this burst of fresh flavor, and let me know how you love to make it your own!
Print
Caprese Stuffed Avocados Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Mixing, Drizzling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Caprese Stuffed Avocados are a delightful combination of creamy avocados filled with a fresh caprese salad mixture and drizzled with a sweet balsamic glaze. This recipe is a perfect appetizer or light meal for avocado lovers!
Ingredients
Balsamic Glaze
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Stuffed Avocados
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1/2 cup Mozzarella pearls
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 large avocados
Instructions
- Make brown sugar balsamic glaze – In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine balsamic vinegar and brown sugar. Heat until sugar dissolves, then simmer for 6-8 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Make the caprese – Cut cherry tomatoes in half and mix with basil and Mozzarella pearls. Add olive oil, salt, and pepper. Cut avocados in half, remove the pit, and fill each hole with the caprese mixture. Drizzle with balsamic glaze, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with basil leaves.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 1506
- Sugar: 47g
- Sodium: 425mg
- Fat: 126g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 96g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 84g
- Fiber: 28g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 44mg
