Avocado Mozzarella Tartine (Printable Version)

Crispy toasted bread topped with creamy smashed avocado and bubbling melted mozzarella. A quick, satisfying vegetarian favorite.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bread

01 - 2 slices rustic country bread or sourdough

→ Avocado

02 - 1 ripe avocado
03 - 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
04 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Cheese

05 - 3 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced

→ Garnish

06 - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
07 - Fresh basil leaves for garnish, optional
08 - Crushed red pepper flakes, optional

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven broiler or toaster oven to high temperature.
02 - Toast the bread slices until crisp and golden on both sides.
03 - While bread toasts, halve the avocado, remove the pit, and scoop flesh into a bowl. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then mash with a fork until mostly smooth with some small chunks remaining.
04 - Spread the smashed avocado evenly over the toasted bread slices.
05 - Arrange mozzarella slices on top of the avocado.
06 - Place the tartines on a baking tray and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the mozzarella is melted and just starting to bubble.
07 - Drizzle with olive oil and top with fresh basil leaves and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
08 - Serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in the time it takes to brew coffee, but tastes like you put real thought into it.
  • The contrast between warm melted cheese and cool avocado is unexpectedly perfect.
  • You can dress it up or down depending on what's in your pantry.
  • It's filling enough to satisfy but light enough that you won't feel weighed down.
02 -
  • Don't walk away from the broiler, cheese goes from melted to scorched in seconds.
  • Season the avocado before you spread it, seasoning on top just isn't the same.
  • Use bread that's a day or two old, fresh bread can get too soft under the moisture.
03 -
  • Pat the mozzarella slices dry with a paper towel before layering, excess moisture can make the bread soggy.
  • If your avocado isn't quite ripe, a few seconds in the microwave can help, but ripe is always better.
  • A sprinkle of flaky sea salt at the end adds a nice crunch and a pop of flavor.
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