Description
This Tomato and Avocado Bruschetta is a fresh and vibrant appetizer featuring toasted baguette slices topped with a creamy avocado spread and a flavorful cherry tomato mixture. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a light snack, this recipe combines the richness of avocado with the tanginess of balsamic vinegar and the aroma of fresh basil, all enhanced by garlic and a touch of lemon.
Ingredients
Bread and Topping
- 1 baguette, cut diagonally into 1-inch slices
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Tomato Mixture
- 20 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved and seeded
- 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (divided)
Avocado Mixture
- 2 avocados, pitted
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup fresh minced basil (divided)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Optional Garnish
- Flaky salt, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Bread: Turn the oven on to broil. Brush one side of each bread slice with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder. Arrange the slices on a rimmed baking sheet with the oiled sides facing up.
- Broil Bread Slices: Place the baking sheet under the broiler and toast the bread slices for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Mix Tomato Topping: In a small bowl, combine the extra-virgin olive oil with cherry tomatoes, white balsamic vinegar, and half of the minced garlic. Let the mixture sit to allow flavors to meld.
- Prepare Avocado Spread: In a medium bowl, mash the avocados until smooth. Stir in lemon juice, the remaining minced garlic, half of the minced basil, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper until well combined.
- Assemble Bruschetta: Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of the avocado mixture evenly on each toasted baguette slice. Top each with an even amount of the tomato mixture.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the remaining basil over the assembled bruschetta and add flaky salt if desired. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Be careful to watch the bread closely while broiling to avoid burning.
- Seeding the cherry tomatoes helps reduce excess moisture, keeping the bruschetta from becoming soggy.
- Use ripe avocados for a creamy and smooth spread.
- The white balsamic vinegar adds a mild sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- For a vegan and vegetarian-friendly option, this recipe contains no animal products.
- Variations can include adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or substituting the baguette with gluten-free bread if desired.
