Baked Avocados with Cheese and Herbs

This Baked Avocado recipe is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with fresh herbs, making it the perfect low-carb snack or appetizer. The melted cheese combined with garlic and fresh herbs elevates the natural richness of avocados for a delicious and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

  • 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
  • 100g mozzarella or cheddar cheese, grated
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: Sprinkle of paprika or chili flakes for added flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) so it’s ready when you’ve prepared the avocados.

Step 2: Prepare the Avocados

  1. Halve the avocados: Slice the 2 avocados in half lengthwise and remove the pits.
  2. Scoop out some flesh: Using a spoon, scoop out a small portion of the avocado flesh to create a larger cavity for the filling. Set aside the scooped avocado flesh for the filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

  1. Mash the avocado: In a bowl, mash the scooped avocado flesh until smooth.
  2. Add the remaining ingredients: Mix in 1 minced garlic clove, 2 tablespoons of sour cream (or Greek yogurt), salt, and pepper to taste.
  3. Add cheese and herbs: Fold in half of the grated mozzarella or cheddar cheese and chopped parsley (or cilantro) until well combined.

Step 4: Fill the Avocados

  • Fill the avocado halves: Spoon the prepared avocado mixture back into the cavities of the halved avocados, dividing it evenly among them.

Step 5: Top with Cheese

  • Add the remaining cheese: Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese over the filled avocado halves for a gooey, cheesy topping.

Step 6: Bake

  1. Bake the avocados: Place the filled avocados on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

  1. Garnish: Once out of the oven, sprinkle with additional fresh herbs and, if you like, add a pinch of paprika or chili flakes for an extra kick of flavor.
  2. Serve immediately: Enjoy these delicious baked avocados as a snack, appetizer, or light meal.

Nutrition Information

This recipe serves 4 halves. Approximate nutritional values per serving:

  • Calories: 250
  • Protein: 6g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Fiber: 5g

Tips and Variations

  • Add protein: You can mix in cooked bacon bits or shredded chicken to the filling for extra protein.
  • Spice it up: If you like your food spicy, add a drizzle of hot sauce or Sriracha before serving.
  • Cheese options: Feel free to use other cheeses like feta, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack for different flavors.

These Baked Avocados with Cheese and Herbs are a flavorful, nutritious, and easy-to-make dish that’s sure to be a hit!