This baked avocado recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the creamy goodness of avocados paired with eggs, garlic, and cheese. It’s a perfect breakfast or light meal that’s both healthy and satisfying. The combination of flavors from the garlic-infused olive oil, melted cheese, and soft-cooked eggs makes this dish irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re looking to add more healthy fats to your diet or just trying something new, this baked avocado recipe is sure to impress!
Ingredients
- Avocados: 2, halved and pitted
- Eggs: 4 (separated into whites and yolks)
- Hard Cheese: 1.8 oz (about 1/2 cup or 50 g), grated
- Garlic: 3 cloves, pressed or finely minced
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml)
- Salt and Black Pepper: to taste
Yield: 4 servings
Total Time: 30 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). This ensures that the avocados and eggs cook evenly and the cheese melts beautifully.
2. Prepare the Avocado Halves
- Cut and Pit the Avocados: Cut each avocado in half lengthwise and carefully remove the pit. Use a spoon to scoop out a small amount of the flesh if needed to create a larger cavity for the egg whites.
- Score the Flesh: On the inside surface of each avocado half, make shallow, frequent cuts with a knife. This will allow the garlic and olive oil mixture to penetrate the avocado, enhancing the flavor.
3. Garlic and Olive Oil Mixture
- Prepare the Mixture: In a small bowl, press or finely mince the 3 cloves of garlic. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, season with salt and black pepper, and mix thoroughly.
4. Season the Avocado Halves
- Spread the Mixture: Using a brush or spoon, generously spread the garlic and olive oil mixture over the scored surface of each avocado half, ensuring even coating.
5. Prepare for Baking
- Place on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the seasoned avocado halves on the prepared sheet.
6. Add Egg Whites and Cheese
- Separate the Eggs: Carefully separate the egg whites from the yolks. Reserve the yolks for later use.
- Fill with Egg Whites: Distribute the egg whites evenly into the avocado halves, filling the space where the pit was removed.
- Top with Cheese: Grate the hard cheese and sprinkle it over the egg whites in each avocado half. The cheese will melt during baking, adding a creamy and savory touch to the dish.
7. Bake the Avocados
- First Bake: Place the baking sheet with the prepared avocados into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the egg whites are set and the cheese is melted and slightly golden. Keep an eye on the avocados to avoid overcooking.
8. Add the Egg Yolks
- Add the Yolks: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Using a spoon, create a small indentation in the center of each avocado half where the pit was removed.
- Place the Yolks: Gently pour an egg yolk into each avocado half, allowing it to settle in the indentation.
9. Final Bake
- Bake Again: Return the avocados to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes. This will cook the egg yolks to perfection while keeping the avocados creamy and the cheese fully melted.
10. Serve
- Serve Warm: Once the avocados are done baking, carefully remove them from the oven. Serve warm, garnished with a sprinkle of extra black pepper or fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Dietary Fiber: 7 g
- Sugars: 1 g
- Total Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
- Sodium: 250 mg
Tips for the Best Baked Avocado with Eggs and Cheese
- Choose Ripe Avocados: Use ripe but firm avocados to hold their shape during baking. If they are too soft, they might become mushy.
- Adjust Cooking Time for Yolks: If you prefer runny yolks, reduce the final baking time slightly. For firmer yolks, you can bake a bit longer.
- Season Well: The garlic and olive oil mixture enhances the flavor of the avocados, so don’t skimp on the seasoning.
This baked avocado recipe is not only delicious but also packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making it a great choice for a nutritious meal or snack. Enjoy making and savoring this easy, creamy, and flavorful dish!
