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Fresh Spring Sandwich Recipe Easy Homemade Crispy Artisan Bread Ideas

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A fresh spring sandwich featuring crispy homemade artisan bread paired with vibrant spring veggies and creamy mozzarella, perfect for quick, wholesome meals and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp instant yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¾ cup (180ml) warm water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 oz (115g) fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • 1 cup (30g) baby arugula or spring mix
  • 1 medium heirloom tomato, sliced
  • ¼ cup (60g) cucumber, thinly sliced
  • Fresh basil leaves, a handful
  • 2 tbsp pesto or basil mayo (store-bought or homemade)
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Make the Artisan Bread Dough (10 minutes prep, 1 hour rise): In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour, 1 tsp instant yeast, and 1 tsp salt. Stir to blend evenly. Add ¾ cup (180ml) warm water and 1 tbsp olive oil. Mix with a wooden spoon or hands until a sticky dough forms. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  2. Shape and Bake the Bread (30 minutes): Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a baking sheet or cast iron skillet in the oven to heat. Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and gently shape it into a round loaf—no need to knead much here, just fold it over itself a couple of times. Transfer the dough carefully onto parchment paper. Slide the parchment and dough onto the hot pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and crisp. The loaf should sound holl…
  3. Prepare the Fresh Filling (10 minutes): While the bread cools, slice 4 oz (115g) fresh mozzarella, 1 ripe avocado, 1 heirloom tomato, and ¼ cup (60g) cucumber thinly. Wash and dry a handful of baby arugula and fresh basil leaves. Spread 2 tbsp pesto or basil mayo on one side of each bread slice.
  4. Assemble the Sandwich (5 minutes): Layer mozzarella, avocado slices, tomato, cucumber, arugula, and basil on the bottom slice of bread. Lightly season with salt and cracked black pepper. Top with the other slice of bread, press gently, and slice into halves or quarters for easy serving.
  5. Serve Immediately: This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh to savor the crispy bread texture and vibrant, juicy filling.

Notes

If the dough feels too sticky, dust hands and surface lightly with flour. Preheat the baking pan for a crisper crust. Avoid overloading the sandwich with wet ingredients to keep bread crispy. Toast bread slightly before assembling if making ahead. Use store-bought crusty bread if short on time. For gluten-free, substitute flour with almond or oat flour blends. Vegan options include plant-based cheese and dairy-free pesto.

Nutrition

Keywords: spring sandwich, artisan bread, fresh sandwich, homemade bread, mozzarella sandwich, easy sandwich recipe, vegetarian sandwich, crispy bread