Grilled Open-Faced Avocado Caprese Sammies are my go-to option for whenever I’m craving a caprese salad, a grilled cheese sandwich, and/or avocado toast. Grilled bread is topped with bright cherry tomatoes, little balls of cheese, fresh basil, avocado, and my favorite simple balsamic glaze. Eat it as a snack, or for a light lunch or even savory breakfast!
I am sure it’s no surprise that I freaking LOVE avocado toast.
After all, I am the avocado fanatic over here. If I didn’t love it, I’m pretty sure it would be a crime against my nature.
Normally, I make it pretty simple. A thin slice of toast topped with avocado, lime juice, salt, pepper, and hot sauce.
Eating this day after day is delightful, but sometimes I want something even heartier.
Enter this grilled open-faced vegetarian sammie.
The combination of avocado and toast is still here, but it’s elevated to a whole new level. Grilling bread is something I love to do in the summer, but lately I’ve been getting into year-round grilling.
It brings so much more flavor to foods and when you are trying to keep things a little lighter in the year, this really amps up the excitement.
This recipe features all the benefits of a grilled cheese, caprese salad, and avocado toast. You’ve got the grilled cheese element from the bread that you throw directly on the grill and the melted gooey cheese.
The caprese elements are covered with the tomato, basil, balsamic glaze, and (obviously) the cheese. Finally, all this gets that fatty, rich avocado on top with a touch of spice from a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
It’s an insanely good combination that shakes up the ordinary routine, whether you are obsessed with caprese or avocado toast.
So even if you are actually trying to keep on a healthy track this week, you can embrace this recipe. Heck, even if you just want something to indulge in and you don’t give an F about diets, this is still something that should be hitting your taste buds.
Are you tired of the dinner routine?
Stuck in a rut or looking for fun new recipes to try?
Our Facebook group is growing every day! If you haven’t joined yet, we invite you to come check it out and join the fun.
You can ask for recipe ideas, talk about cooking techniques, or get help figuring out the right new pan set for you. If you’ve already joined, invite a friend along!
Grilled Open-Faced Avocado Caprese Sammies Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 slices Bread 1/2″ thick (I like to use Brioche)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/3 cup Fresh Basil Leaves
- 9 ounces Cherry Tomatoes halved
- 1 cup Fresh Mozzarella Bocconcini (also known as baby mozzarella balls – about 6 ounces)
- 2 Avocado thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 cup Balsamic Vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon Brown Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium high heat, about 375˚F.
- In a small saucepan, stir together balsamic vinegar and brown sugar, bringing the mixture to a boil over high heat. Reduce to a simmer on medium low heat. Cook until the vinegar is reduced and thickened, about 10 minutes. Stir in black pepper. Cover and set aside.
- In a small bowl, stir together olive oil and garlic powder until combined.
- Brush both sides of the bread slices with garlic olive oil.
- Once hot, add bread to the grill, toasting on one side, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat to a baking sheet, toasted side up.
- Add 2 to 3 basil leaves to each slice of bread (you will have some extra leftover, set that aside for later). Top with tomato halves and mozzarella.
- Carefully add slices of bread back to the grill, grilling until cheese is melted, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Remove from grill. Top with avocado slices and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
- Chop remaining basil leaves and sprinkle on top. Serve immediately.