I’m the appetizer, snack bites, small bites, and tapas queen.
And these little toasts have so many favorites. All in two quick bites.
I’ve always loved a smorgasboard of choices because usually after a few bites, my attention fades and I’m ready to try something else.
In restaurants, I’d rather order a few appetizers rather than one entree. That way my risk is spread out in case I end up with a dud.
And this is just the kind of appetizer I go for. Simple, satisfying, and ready in less than 15 minutes. It’s like bruschetta, but with avocado and mozzarella. And everything is better with avocado and cheese.
So when I found myself with ripe tomatoes and avocados, rather than making (another) salad, I baked them onto sliced French bread, drizzled with olive oil, and topped with mozzarella and fresh basil.
The bread is lightly toasted and picks up the subtle flavor of the olive oil and it’s the perfect sturdy and slightly crunchy base.
The creaminess from the avocado, the gooey cheese, and the juicy tomatoes are such a great combo, and the basil compliments it all. Balsamic reduction is excellent drizzled over the top. I remembered that right after I put my camera away.
It’s a fast, easy, and goofproof party appetizer and everyone loves avocado. At least everyone at my parties. Just double, triple, etc. the recipe as necessary.
And for those who have a drink in one hand and can’t deal with juggling silverware and a plate in the other, there’s no need for either. Bite, bite, done.
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Avocado, Tomato, and Mozzarella Crostini
Ingredients
- 8 slices French bread, about 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick (I used fresh French bread, day-old ok)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil, drizzled
- 1 medium ripe Hass avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced small
- 1 medium ripe tomato, diced small (I used an unpeeled Roma)
- about 1/2 cup finely shredded mozzarella cheese
- salt and black pepper, to taste
- chiffonade about 10 fresh basil leaves, for garnishing
- balsamic reduction, optional for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with a Silpat or spray with cooking spray.
- Place bread on tray, and evenly drizzle slices with olive oil.
- Bake for about 7 to 8 minutes, or until bread is very lightly toasted or as golden as preferred. Ovens and bread vary, keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn.
- While bread is toasting, dice the avocado and tomato.
- Remove bread from oven.
- Turn oven to the broiler setting, high power. Keep the oven rack in the middle (don’t move to the top racks because it’s too likely to burn).
- Top all bread slices with about 1 1/2 tablespoons each of avocado and tomato.
- Top all bread slices with about 1 1/2 tablespoons cheese each.
- When broiler is ready, place baking sheet in oven and broil for about 1 minute, or just until cheese begins to melt. It happens fast so keep a very watchful eye on things. I keep the door ajar and peer into the oven the entire time to make sure nothing is burning.
- Remove from oven and evenly sprinkle with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Optionally, garnish with basil and drizzle with balsamic reduction. Serve immediately. Crostini is best warm and fresh.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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If you are the app queen, can I be your lady in waiting? :) I love meals made out of chips, dips, and the like. This crostini looks amazing!
I love making a meal out of appetizers and sides, or serving lots of small bites like this at parties. Looks delicious!
These little bites look so fresh and colorful! I love all the flavors you packed into these. I know I would munch on them all day long if I had whole plate full, but they probably wouldn’t last that long. :) What a perfect appetizer!
Thanks Beth & yes they do go quickly!
I am an appetizer kind of gal as well! This definitely looks amazing, Averie! It states, yay… it is almost spring!! Pinned :)
Thanks for pinning!
Love all the colors on this crostini! Pinned!
Thanks for pinning, as always :)
Holy cow I can almost taste the freshness of this! Looks amazing Averie!
This crostini looks amazing, Averie—Love all the bright, spring-like colors—So fresh and pretty-looking! I can’t wait to try this crostini with fresh tomatoes from our garden, come summertime!
Jealz of your garden tomatoes :)
These look like a great savory snack/appetizer (or I could supersize it and make an open faced sandwich)! Basil and balsamic reduction are the perfect finish. I think this will be my “fun Friday” recipe to try.
I’m glad you already have your weekly lineup tentatively laid out :) I love weeks like that!
This was a nice, quick lunch today–I just sliced off a larger hunk of bread and cut it in half for my husband. I used some white balsamic for the reduction this time. Every bit as good and just lighter in color (makes such excellent salad dressing)!
This, with your homemade white balsamic drizzle/dressing, sounds just about perfect! Glad you guys enjoyed it :)
I could eat way too many of these delicious little bites! The avocado is such a great addition!!
Just found your site through Yummly and I’m in love :) Just signed up for the email subscription and I think I’m going to try your blueberry dutch baby pancakes later this week!
That’s so great to hear you found me, are signed up for email, and want to try the BB Dutch Baby. GREAT! :) LMK if you try it!
Yum! These look so delicious – avocado does make everything better!
I can almost taste these now. Oh garden….I await your awesome arrival. Fresh tomatoes are the best when grown in the backyard.
This looks like the perfect use of my first tomato.
Beautiful, Averie! Pinned!
Thanks for pinning & homegrown tomatoes are THE BEST, aren’t they!
These look awesome Averie! Such a simple appetizer for a party with everyone’s favorites! Def will remember this. Pinned! :)
Thanks for pinning!
I’m planning a party and these may need to make an appearance. I need quick and easy and these fit the bill. :) Pinned.
Thanks for pinning & if you try them, LMK!
These look fan Averie! I love little bites…especially simple one.
Bruschetta is my fav, but I adore avocado and cheese. Sooo…this.
Pinned
Thanks for pinning :)
This combination of spiky tomatoes and creamy basil must be a taste sensation. Like when you pair buffalo mozzarella as well as avos with these little bites. Nothing like too much avo when it is so taste and good for you!
SUCH a good taste sensation :)