Avocado Mozzarella Tartine

# 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

# How-To 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. Serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Hints:

01 -

It takes less time than waiting for delivery and tastes twice as good.
The contrast between creamy avocado and melted mozzarella is quietly addictive.
You can dress it up or keep it simple, depending on your mood or what's in the pantry.

02 -

Don't skip toasting the bread properly, soggy bread turns this into a mess instead of a meal.
Watch the broiler like a hawk because mozzarella goes from melted to burnt in seconds.
Season the avocado well before spreading it, adding salt after the cheese melts doesn't work the same way.

03 -

Rub the toasted bread with a cut garlic clove before spreading the avocado for a subtle savory note.
Use a mix of mozzarella and a sharper cheese like aged cheddar if you want more flavor contrast.
If your avocado isn't perfectly ripe, mash it with a tiny bit of Greek yogurt to add creaminess.