Avocado Mozzarella Tartine (Print View)

A vibrant open-faced tartine featuring creamy smashed avocado and gooey melted mozzarella on crisp toasted bread.

# Components:

→ 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

# Preparation 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 small 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 Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 15 minutes but tastes like you put real thought into it.
  • The contrast between cool creamy avocado and warm melted mozzarella is unexpectedly perfect.
  • You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen right now.
02 -
  • Don't walk away from the broiler, mozzarella can go from melted to burnt in seconds.
  • If your avocado isn't ripe, let it sit in a paper bag with a banana overnight to speed things up.
  • Cold mozzarella takes longer to melt, so let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before you start.
03 -
  • Run your knife under hot water before slicing the mozzarella, it cuts cleaner and doesn't stick.
  • If you don't have a broiler, a hot skillet with a lid works too, just cover it for a minute to melt the cheese.
  • Season each layer as you go, a little salt on the avocado and a crack of pepper on the cheese makes a bigger difference than seasoning at the end.
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