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
- Halve the avocados: Slice the 2 avocados in half lengthwise and remove the pits.
- 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
- Mash the avocado: In a bowl, mash the scooped avocado flesh until smooth.
- Add the remaining ingredients: Mix in 1 minced garlic clove, 2 tablespoons of sour cream (or Greek yogurt), salt, and pepper to taste.
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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!