Simple Caprese Tartine

Looking for a versatile, simple party appetizer? This tasty Caprese Tartine recipe with avocado pesto has you covered!

Originating in France, a tartine is basically an open-faced sandwich made on toast, with different toppings. We've adapted the traditional tartine and given the Caprese tartine recipe an Italian spin with fresh grape tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and a creamy avocado pesto.

It makes for a great appetizer for your next get-together with friends, alongside other starters like mushroom crostini, cucumber shrimp canapes, or shrimp pintxos.

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🌟 Why this recipe works

• Great for groups: These tasty tartines are the ideal appetizer for parties. The recipe makes enough for six large servings. But you can easily double on the ingredients and make second batch.
• Fast: From start to finish, these caprese tartines with avocado pesto only take 20 minutes to make.
• Full of flavor: The homemade pesto is made with vibrant basil herbs and avocado and the tartines are topped with creamy mozzarella and juicy grape tomatoes. So fresh and tasty!
• Versatile: You can make these with white or wheat bread piece of toast, or even use a baguette or sourdough. And you can drizzle some balsamic vinegar over them for even more flavor.

🛒 Ingredient notes

This recipe comes together in two phases. First, you make the avocado pesto, then you assemble the tartines. Here are the ingredients you'll need.

For the avocado pesto

Fresh basil leaves – Basil is a mainstay of traditional pesto. We use about a cup of fresh basil leaves for this recipe.

Spinach leaves – Some added greens to complement the basil.

Avocado – A medium ripe avocado so it's not too hard or mushy.

Garlic – Two garlic cloves, roughly chopped for some aromatic goodness.

Olive oil – Extra virgin oil to help create a smooth, luxurious pesto.

Pine nuts – Also a traditional pesto ingredient, they provides a bit or crunchy texture.

Lemon juice – This provides some bright acidity.

Parmesan cheese – Shredded parmesan for a bit of tanginess.

Salt and black pepper – to taste.

For the tartines

Bread – We use whole wheat bread with grains for this recipe, but you can use white bread or even a baguette if you prefer.

Tomatoes – Small grape tomatoes quartered.

Mozzarella – Fresh mozzarella cheese cut into slices.

Basil – Fresh basil leaves to garnish.

Balsamic vinegar (optional) – To drizzle on top.

✅ Step-by-step instructions

Ready to make this simple Caprese tartine recipe? Here are step-by-step photos to help you! You'll find the full list of ingredients, as well as measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

For the avocado pesto

• Add all the ingredients for the avocado pesto to a food processor (or blender) and pulse until well blended.

For the tartines

• Spread pesto each slice of bread.
• Add a single layer of mozzarella cheese slices.
• Top with quartered grape tomatoes.
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• Optional: drizzle with balsamic vinegar and stack leaves of basil to garnish.

👩🏻‍🍳 Recipe FAQs

Do you serve Caprese tartines hot or cold?

While We serve this tartine recipe cold, you can prepare it heated. That allows the balsamic drizzle to caramelize the tomatoes and melt the cheese. Simply be sure not to leave them in the oven for too long; 5-7 minutes at 375 degrees is all you need!

Can We make this dairy-free?

Yes! Simply swap out the mozzarella cheese for dairy-free mozzarella or vegan mozzarella.

Can We use other types of tomatoes for these tartines?

We use small grape tomatoes because they're simple to quarter and place on top of the mozzarella, but cherry tomatoes will work as well. You could also use larger Roma or beefsteak tomatoes cut into thin slices if you prefer.

🍽 Serving ideas

These delightful Caprese tartines can make for a great snack all on their own. But they can be a first-course along with other pesto dishes like pesto bread, pesto orzo pasta salad, or pesto mushroom pasta.

It's also a good starter to Italian-inspired entrees, including shrimp and sausage pasta, Tuscan kale and white bean soup, or chicken marsala.

And if you're looking for Caprese salad ideas, try our melon and prosciutto Caprese salad or this tasty corn and quinoa Caprese salad.

🍳 Kitchen tools and equipment

Ready to make this recipe? Here are the kitchen tools and equipment you'll need:

• Food processor – Use a food processor to give the pesto a creamy texture.
• High-powered blender – Or you can use a blender for the pesto.

🛍️ SHOP the favorite kitchen tools & equipment

More appetizer recipes

• Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken (Yan Su Ji)
• Game Day Appetizers
• Pressure-cooker Corn on the Cob
• Simple Cabbage Recipes

Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to leave a 5-Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card, and if you truly loved it, please leave a comment further down on the page. Thank you!

Caprese Tartine Recipe

By Marlynn Schotland Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 10 mins Total Time: 20 mins Servings: 6 servings These Caprese Tartines are addictively tasty and are great as party appetizers!

Ingredients

For the avocado pesto

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• ½ cup spinach leaves
• 1 medium ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
• 2 medium-sized cloves garlic, roughly chopped
• 1 tbsp pine nuts
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• salt and pepper, to taste

For the tartines

• 6 slices bread, whole wheat
• 8 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced thinly
• 1-2 cups grape tomatoes, quartered
• Optional: balsamic vinegar, sliced basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

• Add all ingredients for the avocado pesto to a food processor (or blender) and pulse in 10-second increments until well blended. Makes about 1 cup of avocado pesto.
• Spread desired amount of pesto on one side of each slice of bread.
• Top each slice with mozzarella cheese slices.
• Sprinkle each with a small handful of the quartered grape tomatoes.
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: drizzle balsamic vinegar over each tartine and garnish with sliced basil leaves.

Notes

Can be served hot or cold. To serve as a hot tartine: bake at 375 degrees for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 360 kcal, Carbohydrates: 19 g, Protein: 14 g, Fat: 26 g, Saturated Fat: 8 g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3 g, Monounsaturated Fat: 13 g, Trans Fat: 0.01 g, Cholesterol: 33 mg, Sodium: 448 mg, Potassium: 340 mg, Fiber: 4 g, Sugar: 3 g, Vitamin A: 994 IU, Vitamin C: 10 mg, Calcium: 281 mg, Iron: 2 mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.