Looking for a different way to serve avocados? Try this tasty recipe for Baked Avocado Stuffed With Goat Cheese.
A few years back, I stopped for lunch at a little bistro deep in the French countryside. The chalkboard menu outside listed what appeared to be an attractive three-course meal: stuffed avocados to start, an omelet with mushrooms as the main, and almond cake for dessert. The place looked reassuringly busy, so we sat down, ordered some drinks, and waited for our meal to arrive while soaking up some French sunshine.
In general, the food was good. What I did not get, however, was the starter: a hollowed avocado filled with a blob of mayo. Sure, the mayo was tasty, but the lack of creativity made me chuckle. And it also inspired me to create something a little more appealing. These baked avocados stuffed with goat cheese were the result of a kitchen experiment using what I had on hand. It’s not a complicated dish, by any means, but it goes beyond a dollop of mayo. Sautéed zucchini and tangy goat cheese come together in the avocados, which are then baked and finished with a sweet and zesty balsamic reduction. They’re great as a snack, light lunch, or starter. Goes to show that even meals that are less than perfect can be quite inspiring!
Is This Baked Avocado Stuffed With Goat Cheese Healthy?
This dish is relatively healthy, as it’s made with wholesome ingredients, like avocados (a good source of fiber and healthy fats), zucchini (which adds vitamin C), and goat cheese (a source of calcium). Bear in mind, however, that the fat content is on the high side, so it’s best to enjoy it in moderation. To boost the overall nutritional content, serve the avocados on a bed of mixed greens.
Elevating Your Baked Avocados
Are you hosting a dinner party and looking to serve these as an elegant starter? Consider dressing them up just a little! For example, try adding a bit of color and zest with some chopped-up sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, or roasted red peppers. Want to give the dish a touch of heat? Add some chili flakes when you sauté the zucchini. Crisp, fried pancetta or toasted pine nuts will also be a delicious garnish.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Though these taste best fresh, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You don’t really need to reheat them, as they are also delicious cold, perhaps dressed with a little olive oil and a dash of black pepper.
Serving Suggestions
If serving these as a starter, make sure your main dish isn’t too rich. A light Fish En Papillote with a side of Sautéed Spinach would be a great option. For dessert, serve a light and bright Lemon Curd Cake topped with Roasted Strawberries.
If serving the avocados for lunch or a light dinner, a side of quinoa will round out the meal well.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1/2 a small zucchini cut into thin slices
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 large avocados
- 2 ounces goat cheese about 1/2 ounce per each avocado half
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a small dish with tinfoil.
- Heat the oil in a medium pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sliced zucchini and sauté until golden brown and soft, about 2-3 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt. Set aside to cool.
- Pour the balsamic vinegar into a small pot and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once the vinegar boils, turn it down to a simmer and stir until it reduces by half, about 6-8 minutes. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Set aside.
- Slice the avocados in half, taking out the pits. Scoop some more of the center out, making a slightly larger cavity.
- Place some of cooked zucchini in each cavity, followed by some goat cheese, pressing it in well.
- Repeat for one more layer.
- Bake on the prepared baking tray until the avocado’s flesh is soft and the cheese is nice and melted, about 10-15 minutes (depending how soft your avocado was from the start).
- Drizzle with balsamic reduction and serve!
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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