Avocado Mozzarella Tartine (Printable Version)

Crispy toasted bread layered with creamy avocado and melted mozzarella. A light, flavorful meal ready in just 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

# Cooking Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven broiler or a 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 and remove the pit. 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.
08 - Serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in the time it takes to brew coffee, but tastes like you put real thought into lunch.
  • The contrast between cool creamy avocado and hot bubbly cheese is quietly addictive.
  • You can dress it up or down depending on what's in the fridge and who you're feeding.
  • It's one of those rare dishes that feels indulgent but leaves you energized instead of heavy.
02 -
  • If you don't watch the broiler every second, the mozzarella will go from melted to burnt in about fifteen seconds, so stay close and peek through the oven door.
  • Mashing the avocado with lemon juice right away keeps it from browning, but also seasons it from the inside out instead of just on the surface.
  • Cold mozzarella straight from the fridge takes longer to melt, so let it sit out for a few minutes or slice it thinner if you're in a hurry.
03 -
  • If your avocado isn't quite ripe, microwave it for ten seconds to soften it just enough to mash, though the flavor won't be as rich.
  • A pinch of garlic powder mixed into the avocado adds depth without overpowering the delicate mozzarella.
  • Use a pastry brush to coat the bread lightly with olive oil before toasting for extra crispness and flavor.
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