Avocado Mozzarella Tartine (Printable)

Creamy avocado and melted mozzarella on crisp toasted bread. A vibrant, quick vegetarian snack or light meal ready in 15 minutes.

# 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

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven broiler or toaster oven to high heat.
02 - Toast the bread slices until crisp and golden on both sides.
03 - While the bread toasts, halve the avocado, remove the pit, and scoop the 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, or 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. Serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • It comes together in the time it takes to answer three emails, but tastes like you put real thought into lunch.
  • The creamy avocado and stretchy mozzarella create a texture contrast that feels indulgent without being heavy.
  • You can dress it up with herbs and chili flakes or keep it simple, and it works either way.
02 -
  • Don't walk away from the broiler, mozzarella can go from perfectly melted to scorched in less than a minute.
  • If your avocado isn't quite ripe, let it sit in a paper bag with a banana overnight, it speeds things up.
  • Cold mozzarella straight from the fridge takes longer to melt, so let it sit out for a few minutes while you prep everything else.
03 -
  • Use a fork to mash the avocado, not a food processor, you want some texture left so it doesn't turn into baby food.
  • If your broiler runs hot, move the rack down one notch to give the cheese time to melt without burning the edges of the bread.
  • A microplane of lemon zest over the finished tartine adds a bright pop that wakes up all the other flavors.
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