Avocado Mozzarella Tartine (Printable)

Creamy avocado and melted mozzarella on toasted bread. A vibrant, quick vegetarian tartine ready in 15 minutes.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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 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 mashed avocado evenly over the toasted bread slices.
05 - Arrange mozzarella slices on top of the avocado layer.
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 Tips:

01 -
  • It feels like a fancy cafe lunch but takes less time than waiting in line for one.
  • The creamy avocado and gooey melted cheese create a texture combination that somehow feels both indulgent and light.
  • You probably have most of these ingredients already, and the ones you don't are worth keeping around.
  • It's impressive enough to serve guests but easy enough to make when you're half asleep on a Sunday morning.
02 -
  • Don't walk away from the broiler, mozzarella goes from perfectly melted to sad and browned in about thirty seconds.
  • Season the avocado generously before spreading it, once the cheese is on top it's too late to fix bland avocado.
  • If your avocado is too firm, it won't mash smoothly and the texture will be off, wait another day or run it under warm water for a minute to speed ripening.
03 -
  • Keep the broiler rack about 6 inches from the heat source, any closer and the cheese browns before it melts, any farther and it takes too long.
  • Use a fork to mash the avocado instead of a food processor, you want some texture left for contrast against the smooth melted cheese.
  • If your mozzarella releases a lot of water while broiling, pour it off before serving so the bread doesn't get soggy.
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