Avocado Mozzarella Tartine (Printable Version)

Crispy toasted bread topped with smashed avocado and gooey melted mozzarella. A fresh, vegetarian snack 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

# Directions:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It combines two beloved ingredients in a way that feels elegant but finishes in under 15 minutes.
  • The contrast between crispy bread, silky avocado, and melted mozzarella hits every texture you crave.
  • You can dress it up with herbs or keep it simple, and it works either way.
02 -
  • Don't skip patting the mozzarella dry, excess water will pool on top and make the bread soggy instead of letting the cheese melt properly.
  • Watch the broiler like a hawk, the difference between melted and burned is about 30 seconds and it's heartbreaking to lose a tartine that way.
  • Use ripe but not overripe avocado, if it's too soft it turns into baby food instead of a spreadable layer with body.
03 -
  • Rub the toasted bread with a cut garlic clove before adding the avocado for a subtle savory layer that makes people ask what your secret is.
  • Use a mix of mozzarella and a sharp cheese like aged cheddar or Gruyere for more flavor complexity under the broiler.
  • Salt the avocado more than you think you need to, underseasoned avocado tastes like nothing and drags down the whole dish.
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