Grilled Avocado Caprese Crostini are the perfect easy-yet-impressive appetizer to kick off your next party, bring to a picnic, or enjoy with a glass of wine at home! Think golden, garlicky toasts topped with creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze for a flavor-packed bite. Pure bliss!
What Sets These Caprese Crostini Apart?
What makes this recipe stand out? It’s the little things. Born from a simple idea to upscale toast, this Grilled Avocado Caprese Crostini is the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. With a fridge raid that revealed cherry tomatoes, basil, creamy mozzarella, and ripe avocado, this creation was destined to be a showstopper—and it delivers every time!
Are crostini and bruschetta the same? Yeah-NAH. While they share the delicious concept of toasted bread with toppings, crostini are smaller, thinner slices (often from a baguette), toasted in the oven. Bruschetta, on the other hand, are larger slices roasted over coals, rubbed with garlic, and drizzled with olive oil. Similarly to the Bloomin’ Onion Garlic Bread for a garlic bread twist that’s just as irresistible. And if you’re feeling creative, you can easily turn these crostini into Avocado Caprese Bruschetta with thick-cut sourdough slices. Whether you prefer crostini or bruschetta, one thing’s for sure—both pair perfectly with a glass (or two) of wine. Cheers to creating something unforgettable!
Caprese Crostini: Key Ingredients
The secret to these Grilled Avocado Caprese Crostini lies in the star ingredients. Creamy grilled avocado brings smoky richness, fresh mozzarella adds indulgent creaminess, and ripe cherry tomatoes provide bursts of juicy sweetness. Simple, fresh staples—unforgettable results!
- Grilled Avocado: Choose ripe avocados that are slightly soft to the touch but not mushy—Hass avocados are ideal for their creamy texture. Cut them in half and grill flesh-side down for those beautiful charred marks that add smoky richness to your crostini.
- Fresh Mozzarella: hoose high-quality mozzarella packed in water for the ultimate creamy texture and rich flavor. Slice it just before assembling to maintain its freshness, and let it reach room temperature to melt beautifully and elevate the dish. Ever thought of pairing it with chicken? Try making Caprese Chicken for an irresistible combination of juicy chicken, fresh mozzarella, and bold balsamic flavors!
- Ripe Cherry Tomatoes: Look for bright, firm, and juicy tomatoes with a sweet aroma. Go for multicolored varieties if available—they not only taste amazing but also add an extra pop of color to your dish. Halve them to make topping your crostini easier!
*Note: Please see Recipe Card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Additions And Substitutions
When it comes to Grilled Avocado Caprese Crostini, it’s all about fresh, bold flavors and easy preparation. Don’t have every ingredient on hand? No stress—simple substitutions will still deliver those vibrant, crowd-pleasing crostini!
- Switch up the cheese: Fresh mozzarella is perfect, but burrata or goat cheese can add a creamy, tangy twist. Just make sure they melt well and complement the Caprese flavors.
- Try a different toast base: If baguette isn’t available, sourdough or ciabatta slices work just as well. Keep the slices small and thin to maintain the crostini vibe.
- Amp up the flavor: Love garlic? Rub the grilled bread slices with a clove of raw garlic before adding the toppings for an extra burst of flavor, just the way you would when making this Italian Herb Bruschetta Chicken.
- Add a touch of sweetness: Drizzle a bit of honey or sprinkle pomegranate seeds on top for a surprising burst of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the balsamic glaze of these crostini.
Making Perfect Caprese Crostini: Step-By-Step
Let’s get cooking! In just a few straightforward steps, you’ll transform simple ingredients into stunning Grilled Avocado Caprese Crostini bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. Grab your ingredients, fire up the grill, and let’s bring this delicious recipe to life!
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it heat up while you prepare the ingredients for the crostini.
- Toast the Bread: Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Bake until golden, flipping halfway through for even crispness.
- Add Garlic and Season: Rub the warm crostini with the cut side of garlic for a burst of flavor. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Layer the Toppings: Place basil leaves on each slice, then add avocado slices, tomato halves, and mozzarella. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
- Melt the Cheese: Broil or grill until the cheese starts to melt and bubble. Keep an eye on the crostini to avoid overcooking.
- Finish and Serve: Chop the remaining basil leaves and sprinkle over the crostini. Drizzle with balsamic glaze, and they’re ready to serve!
Ready to explore more irresistible recipes from Cafe Delites? Pair this Grilled Avocado Caprese Crostini with our Creamy Chicken Alfredo for a creamy, satisfying main dish, or try our Sun Dried Tomato Cheesy Meatballs for a hearty and comforting option.
If you love the fresh flavors of Caprese, don’t miss our Garlic Tomato Basil Chicken—it’s packed with the same vibrant ingredients in a whole new way. And for a sweet finish, why not indulge in our Strawberries And Cream Tiramisu Parfait? It’s a modern twist on the classic Italian dessert.
Let these recipes inspire your next Italian-inspired feast, and happy cooking!
Recipe FAQ’s
Look for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure but aren’t mushy. A ripe avocado will grill perfectly, adding creamy texture and smoky flavor.
Fresh basil is recommended for its vibrant flavor and aroma, but dried basil can work in a pinch. Use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
Yes! Use gluten-free bread or crackers as a base, and the toppings remain naturally gluten-free.
Absolutely! Try a drizzle of garlic olive oil, crushed red pepper flakes for heat, or a sprinkling of parmesan for extra richness.
Grilled Avocado Caprese Crostini
Ingredients
- 8 pieces French baguette or Italian baguette, sliced ½-inch thick
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 avocado sliced thinly
- 9 ounces vine ripened cherry tomatoes halved
- 3.5 ounces fresh bocconcini in water or baby mozzarella balls
- ½ cup basil leaves divided
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F | 190°C.
- Arrange bread on a baking sheet, drizzle both sides with olive oil and bake for 15 – 20 minutes until golden, flipping toasts midway through to crisp all over. Rub the crostini with the cut side of the garlic while still warm and season with a little salt and pepper.
- Divide ¼ cup of the basil leaves on each slice of bread (about 2-3 basil leaves per bread), then top each with the avocado slices, tomato halves and mozzarella (bocconcini). Season with salt and/or pepper to taste.
- Broil (or grill) for 3-5 minutes, or until cheese has started to melt through.
- Finely chop remaining basil leaves and sprinkle over the crostini. Drizzle with balsamic glaze to serve.
Marco says
I just made these (bruschetta version) and they are delicious. I only didn’t have the balsamic glace, so I skipped that. But they were awesome just the same 🙂 Thanks for sharing your recipe.
Grazhel says
I cannot wait to do a rendition of this! I love that you explained the difference between bruschetta and crostini! May I ask where you bought the baby mozzarella?