When it comes to quick and delightful appetizers, one of my all-time favorites is the Smashed Avocado, Tomato Basil Bruschetta. This dish is a wonderful blend of creamy avocados, fresh tomatoes, and fragrant basil, all piled high on crispy, toasted bread. It reminds me of a summer evening a few years back when my family and I took a spontaneous trip to Italy. We stumbled upon a quaint little café in Rome where we enjoyed a similar bruschetta, and since then, it has become a staple at our family gatherings.
One of the things I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily tweak it to suit your taste or the season. For instance, if you’re a fan of a bit more zing, try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the avocado mixture. Or, if you’re feeling indulgent, a drizzle of honey over the tomato topping can add a sweet contrast to the tangy balsamic vinegar.
The key to this bruschetta is the quality of the ingredients. Fresh, ripe avocados and juicy Roma tomatoes make all the difference. I often use whole grain French bread for a healthier twist, but feel free to use any type of crusty bread you prefer. The garlic-infused toast adds a depth of flavor that perfectly complements the creamy avocado and the acidic bite of the tomatoes.
What makes this bruschetta even more appealing is how quick and easy it is to prepare. With just 10 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for those last-minute get-togethers or when you need a delicious snack in a hurry. It’s also a great way to get your kids involved in the kitchen – mine love to help with smashing the avocados and assembling the bruschetta.
Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or looking for a fresh, light lunch, this Smashed Avocado, Tomato Basil Bruschetta is sure to impress. The vibrant colors and robust flavors will transport you to a sunny terrace in Italy, even if just for a moment.
Smashed Avocado, Tomato Basil Bruschetta
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Ingredients
- 2 mashed avocados
- 1/2 loaf of whole grain French bread (or 1 petite loaf), cut into 1/2 inch slices
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 4 large chopped Roma tomatoes
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, plus more as needed
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 3-4 chopped basil leaves
- Cooking spray
Directions
- Set your oven to the broiler setting to preheat.
- Place the bread slices on a baking sheet, lightly coat them with cooking spray, and sprinkle with sea salt. Broil for around 2 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown.
- Remove the bread from the oven and rub each slice with half a clove of garlic.
- In a medium bowl, combine the mashed avocados, lime juice, 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt, and black pepper.
- In a separate large bowl, mix the chopped tomatoes with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and the minced remaining garlic clove.
- Spread the avocado mixture evenly over each toast slice, then top generously with the tomato mixture. Sprinkle with chopped basil and serve immediately.
Storing Suggestions:
For best results, serve the bruschetta immediately. If you need to store it, keep the avocado mixture and tomato topping separate from the bread to prevent sogginess. Store the avocado mixture and tomato topping in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble just before serving.
FAQs:
Can I use different types of bread for this bruschetta?
Yes, you can use various types of bread such as ciabatta, baguette, or sourdough. Just make sure to slice them to a similar thickness for even toasting.
How do I prevent the avocado from browning?
Mixing the avocado with lime juice helps to slow down the browning process. Additionally, you can cover the avocado mixture with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to minimize air exposure.
Can I prepare the avocado and tomato mixtures ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixtures a few hours in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the bruschetta just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for fresh basil?
If fresh basil isn’t available, you can use dried basil, but use less since dried herbs are more concentrated. Alternatively, other fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can provide a different yet delicious flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free bread. All other ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add other toppings to the bruschetta?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with additional toppings such as crumbled feta cheese, chopped red onions, or a drizzle of extra balsamic glaze for added flavor.
Smashed Avocado, Tomato Basil Bruschetta
Ingredients
- 2 avocados smashed
- 1/2 loaf whole grain French bread or 1 petite loaf, sliced 1/2 inch thick
- 4 large roma tomatoes chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt plus extra
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 3-4 basil leaves chopped
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to the broiler setting.
- Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet, spray them with olive oil cooking spray, and sprinkle with sea salt. Broil the slices for about 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
- Take the bread out of the oven and rub each slice with half a clove of garlic.
- In a medium bowl, mix the smashed avocados with lime juice, 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt, and ground pepper.
- In a separate large bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Mince the remaining garlic clove and add it to the tomato mixture.
- Spread the avocado mixture onto each slice of toast, then generously spoon the tomato topping over the avocado. Garnish with chopped basil and serve immediately. Serves 4-6.
