Grilled Avocado Caprese Crostini: the light appetizer recipe

Sometimes you just need a recipe in your repertoire that’s quick to assemble and is a general crowd-pleaser. These Grilled Avocado Caprese Crostini are quick and easy appetizers. There is no cooking involved, and you probably have all the ingredients in your fridge already!

With a French baguette, avocado, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and seasoning, you’ll have an appetizer that guests will love — it’s packed with Italian Caprese salad flavor. Because they’re quick to assemble — just slice and toast the bread, then add the toppings — they’re great for parties and picnics!

What are Crostini?

Crostini literally means “little toasts” in Italians. It’s basically small slices of bread that are lightly toasted until golden, and topped with a variety of toppings. While crostini and bruschetta are usually used interchangeably, they are different. Bruschetta means “to roast over coals” in Italian and is usually a form of garlic bread served warm.

How to make Grilled Avocado Caprese Crostini

These Grilled Avocado Caprese Crostini are quick to make and assembled. The French baguette is thinly sliced and toasted in the oven. While you wait, mash the avocado with all the different mix-ins. Top the toasted slices with the avocado, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella, and you have the perfect quick-to-assemble bite for guests to enjoy!

Expert Tips

– The best bread to use for the Avocado Caprese Crostini is French or Italian baguette. It has the perfect texture, as well as the perfect size!

– Swap out the balsamic vinegar for a balsamic reduction, it’s will be slightly sweeter. Remember to drizzle right before serving. If you add the balsamic vinegar too early, it will run into the avocado and won’t look as presentable as freshly drizzled crostini.

– Because this is an uncooked appetizer, it’s best to use the freshest ingredients! Look for vine-ripened tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and flavorful avocadoes.

– Add fresh sweet basil leaves for color and flavor. Add even more flavor, by rubbing fresh toast slices with cut garlic (this adds just the right amount of garlic flavor without being too overpowering).

How to store Avocado Caprese Crostini

The Avocado Caprese Crostini won’t store well. If you want to make it ahead of time, you can do some prep work. Slice the French baguette and store the slices in a Ziploc bag at room temperature. Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella, and keep them in the fridge. You can also mash the avocado ahead of time. Assemble right before serving.

Instructions

In a small bowl, mash avocados with lime juice, black pepper, salt, and garlic powder. Set aside.

Add baguette slices in an even layer to a baking sheet.

Set under a broiler set to high and toast until golden brown, approximately 1-2 minutes. Remove from oven.

Top toasted slices of bread with a thick layer of mashed avocado mixture.

Top with halved cherry tomatoes.

Add chopped mozzarella.

Drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra crispiness, flip the crostini slices halfway through toasting, to toast both sides.