Avocado Mozzarella Tartine (Printer-Friendly)

Crisp toasted bread topped with creamy avocado and melted mozzarella. A quick, satisfying vegetarian lunch or snack.

# What You 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 small chunks remaining.
04 - Distribute smashed avocado evenly over toasted bread slices.
05 - Arrange mozzarella slices on top of avocado layer.
06 - Place on baking tray and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until mozzarella melts and begins 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 Suggestions:

01 -
  • It feels fancy but uses ingredients you probably already have sitting on your counter.
  • The contrast between the warm, melty cheese and cool creamy avocado is unexpectedly addictive.
  • You can make it in the time it takes to decide what to watch for lunch.
  • It works as breakfast, snack, or dinner without any judgment from anyone.
02 -
  • If your avocado isn't ripe enough, the texture will be grainy and flavorless, so wait an extra day or two if it's still rock hard.
  • Broilers vary wildly in intensity, so check after 90 seconds the first time you make this or you'll end up with burnt cheese and a smoke alarm situation.
  • Let the bread cool for 30 seconds after toasting before you spread the avocado, or it'll turn warm and brown too quickly.
03 -
  • Use a fork to lightly score the surface of the avocado before mashing, it breaks down faster and more evenly.
  • If you don't have a broiler, a hot skillet with a lid works, just cover it for a minute or two until the cheese melts.
  • Always taste your avocado mixture before spreading, it should be well seasoned enough to stand on its own.
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