30-Minute Open-Faced Tomato Avocado Hummus Melts
These satisfying open-faced melts layer creamy hummus, fresh avocado, and ripe tomatoes on ciabatta bread, topped with melted mozzarella and broiled until golden. The accompanying fennel and strawberry arugula salad provides a crisp, sweet-tart contrast with balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner when you want something fresh yet comforting. The combination of Mediterranean flavors with seasonal produce makes this a versatile meal that works year-round.
Ingredients
- 1 small bulb fennel, thinly sliced
- ½ pint strawberries, sliced
- 1 ½ Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 6 oz arugula
- ¼ cup pecans
- 1 loaf ciabatta breadsourdough or French bread1:1
Similar crusty texture
- 2 avocados, sliced
- 2 tomatoes, sliced
- 8 oz hummus
- 4 slices mozzarella or fontina cheese
Instructions
- 1
Spread hummus onto bread slices
- 2
Top with avocado slices, tomato slices, and cheese
- 3
Place on baking sheet and broil for 6 to 8 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden
- 4
Whisk together balsamic vinegar, mustard, and olive oil for vinaigrette
- 5
Season vinaigrette with salt and pepper to taste
- 6
Toss fennel, strawberries, arugula, and pecans with vinaigrette
- 7
Serve melts with salad
Tips
Mix in roasted red pepper sauce with the hummus for extra flavor depth if you have it available.
Choose ripe but firm avocados that will hold their shape when sliced and broiled.
Watch the melts carefully under the broiler as cheese can go from golden to burnt quickly.
Good to Know
Store assembled melts covered in refrigerator up to 1 day before broiling. Store salad components separately up to 2 days.
Prepare salad components and vinaigrette up to 4 hours ahead. Assemble melts just before broiling for best texture.
Serve immediately while cheese is hot and bubbly. Salad can be served at room temperature.
Common Mistakes
Don't over-broil the cheese to avoid burning
Pat tomato slices dry to prevent soggy bread
Use firm avocados to prevent mushiness when heated
Substitutions
Similar crusty texture
FAQ
Can I make these melts in a regular oven instead of broiling?
Yes, bake at 425°F for 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly golden. Broiling gives better browning but oven works too.
What if I don't have fennel for the salad?
Substitute thinly sliced cucumber, celery, or radishes for similar crunch. Apple slices also work well with the strawberries.
How long will leftover hummus melts keep?
Best eaten fresh, but leftovers keep 2 days refrigerated. Reheat in toaster oven to crisp the bread again.