Save Pin My mornings used to blur together until I started keeping good bread in the house. One Tuesday, running late and tired of skipping breakfast, I grabbed a thick slice of sourdough, half an avocado, and whatever cheese was in the fridge. That cheese happened to be fresh mozzarella, and when I slid it under the broiler, the kitchen filled with the smell of toasted bread and bubbling cheese. I ate it standing by the window, and it felt like the first intentional thing I'd done all week.
I made this for a friend who showed up unannounced one Saturday afternoon, hungry and frazzled from apartment hunting. She sat at the counter while I toasted bread and mashed avocado, and by the time the mozzarella had melted, she was already calmer. We ate them warm, drizzled with olive oil, and she said it was exactly what she needed. Sometimes food doesn't have to be fancy to feel like care.
Ingredients
- Rustic country bread or sourdough: A sturdy, thick-cut bread holds up to the creamy toppings without getting soggy, and the crisp edges add texture.
- Ripe avocado: Look for one that yields slightly to gentle pressure, it should feel heavy and give just a little when you press the skin.
- Fresh lemon juice: This keeps the avocado bright green and adds a sharp note that balances the richness.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Don't skip the pepper, it wakes up the avocado in a way table salt alone won't.
- Fresh mozzarella: The soft, milky kind packed in water melts beautifully and doesn't overpower the avocado.
- Extra virgin olive oil: A good drizzle at the end ties everything together and adds a fruity, peppery finish.
- Fresh basil leaves: Optional, but a few torn leaves add a sweet, herbal brightness that feels summery even in winter.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: A pinch gives just enough heat to make each bite interesting.
Instructions
- Toast the bread:
- Preheat your broiler or toaster oven to high, then toast the bread slices until they're golden and crisp on both sides. You want them sturdy enough to support the toppings without bending.
- Prepare the avocado:
- Halve the avocado, twist to remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a small bowl. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then mash with a fork until mostly smooth but with a few small chunks for texture.
- Assemble the tartines:
- Spread the mashed avocado evenly over the toasted bread slices, then lay the mozzarella slices on top. Try to cover the avocado so it doesn't brown under the broiler.
- Broil until melted:
- Place the tartines on a baking tray and broil for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely, until the mozzarella melts and starts to bubble. The edges might blister slightly, which adds flavor.
- Finish and serve:
- Drizzle with olive oil, scatter fresh basil leaves and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like. Serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and stretchy.
Save Pin I started making this on Sundays when I wanted something that felt like brunch but didn't require planning or a trip to the store. It became a small ritual, the kind of thing that marks the end of the weekend without any pressure. Now when I smell bread toasting and see that first hint of steam rising from melted cheese, I feel a little more settled, like I've carved out a moment that's just mine.
Making It Your Own
Once you've made this a few times, it becomes a template for whatever you have on hand. I've added sliced cherry tomatoes when they're sweet and in season, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze when I want something a little sharper. A poached egg on top turns it into a full meal, the runny yolk mixing with the avocado and cheese in a way that feels indulgent. You can also swap in burrata if you're feeling fancy, or use a sharp white cheddar for a completely different flavor.
What to Serve Alongside
This tartine is rich enough to stand alone, but I like it with a handful of peppery arugula dressed in lemon juice and olive oil. A small bowl of soup, something light like gazpacho or a clear broth, makes it feel like a proper lunch. If you're serving it for friends, set out a plate of fresh fruit and maybe some olives, nothing complicated, just things that taste good together without competing.
Storage and Reheating
These are best eaten right away, but if you have leftover components, store them separately. The mashed avocado will keep in the fridge for a day if you press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to keep air out. The toasted bread can be stored in an airtight container and crisped up again in the oven. Don't assemble and store the whole thing, it will get soggy and sad.
- Keep avocado mash in an airtight container with a squeeze of extra lemon juice to slow browning.
- Reheat assembled tartines in a toaster oven, not the microwave, so the bread stays crisp.
- Mozzarella can be sliced ahead and stored in its brine until you're ready to use it.
Save Pin This tartine has become one of those recipes I make without thinking, the kind that fits into any part of the day and always feels right. I hope it finds a place in your kitchen too, quietly reliable and always satisfying.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this without broiling?
Yes, you can skip the broiling step and enjoy the tartine at room temperature with the mozzarella unmelted for a fresher texture. Alternatively, toast the assembled tartine in a regular toaster oven until the cheese softens slightly.
- → How do I choose a ripe avocado?
Look for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure but aren't mushy. They should have dark green skin and feel heavy for their size. If your avocado is too firm, let it sit at room temperature for a day or two before preparing this dish.
- → What type of bread works best?
Rustic country bread, sourdough, or ciabatta are ideal choices because they have a sturdy structure that won't collapse under the toppings. Avoid overly soft sandwich bread, which can become soggy when topped with the creamy avocado.
- → Can I make this gluten-free or dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version, and substitute the mozzarella with dairy-free mozzarella or another plant-based cheese alternative. Always check product labels for allergen information when making these substitutions.
- → How can I add more protein to this dish?
Top your tartine with a poached or fried egg, smoked salmon, crispy bacon, or grilled chicken for a heartier, protein-rich meal. These additions transform it from a light snack into a more substantial lunch.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Toast the bread in advance and store it in an airtight container. Prepare the avocado mixture just before assembly to prevent browning. It's best enjoyed immediately after broiling while the mozzarella is warm and melted.