A simple and savory Mediterranean open-faced sandwich, perfect for a light lunch or casual appetizer. Crispy toasted bread, creamy fresh mozzarella, and juicy ripe tomatoes come together in a delightful harmony of fresh and delicate flavors.
⏱️13 min
📊Easy
👥2 servings
🍽️Snack
quickbudget-friendlyvegetarianlight
Ingredients
4 trancheswhite bread or whole wheat bread
200 gfresh mozzarella
2 piècesripe tomatoes
3 cuillères à soupeextra virgin olive oil
6 feuillesfresh basil
1 pincéefine salt
1 pincéefreshly ground black pepper
Instructions
1TOAST THE BREAD: Preheat your toaster or oven to 200°C. Arrange the bread slices and toast for approximately 3 to 4 minutes until golden and crispy. The bread should be colored but still tender inside to properly hold the toppings. Remove and let cool for a few moments on a cutting board.
2PREPARE THE TOMATOES: Wash the tomatoes and pat dry gently. Slice them into regular slices approximately 5 mm thick. Arrange them on paper towels and sprinkle lightly with fine salt so they begin to release excess moisture, preventing the tartines from becoming soggy. Wait 1 to 2 minutes.
3SLICE THE MOZZARELLA: Remove the fresh mozzarella from the refrigerator and slice into regular pieces approximately 4 to 5 mm thick or into small pieces. If using fresh mozzarella balls, drain well from its brine. The mozzarella should be fresh and tender so it softens slightly from the residual heat of the warm bread.
4ASSEMBLE THE TARTINES: Place the toasted bread on a plate. Drizzle each slice with a splash of extra virgin olive oil. Arrange harmoniously one tomato slice, then two or three thin slices of mozzarella on top. Let the mozzarella soften slightly from the residual heat of the bread for approximately 30 seconds.
5FINISHING AND PRESENTATION: Gently place one or two fresh basil leaves on each tartine. Drizzle with an additional splash of extra virgin olive oil in a steady stream. Finish with a turn of the black pepper mill and a pinch of fine salt to enhance the flavors. Serve immediately while the bread is still crispy and the mozzarella is still warm.