Laura’s Amazing Fresh Veggie Sandwich From The Food Charlatan Recipe

I recently tried a Veggie Lunch Sandwich that brings together butter-toasted sourdough, a vibrant garlic basil cream cheese spread, smooth mashed avocado with lemon, fresh tomato, crisp cucumber, and a slice of Havarti. Every bite feels lively and refreshing as the contrast of flavors and textures truly delights me.

I recently discovered this insanely good sandwich called Laura’s Amazing Fresh Veggie Sandwich From The Food Charlatan and I just had to share it with you. I was not really a veggie sandwich fan before but now I’m totally hooked.

Imagine two thick slices of sourdough bread perfectly toasted with unsalted butter so it never gets soggy. On one side, there’s a herby cheesy spread made of softened cream cheese, minced garlic, chopped fresh basil along with a pinch of salt and pepper.

On the other side, creamy mashed avocado mixed with a bit of lemon juice, extra salt and pepper adds a zing that you just can’t resist. Then add thin slices of tomato, cucumber, and a few crisp lettuce leaves, with a slice of Havarti cheese that neatly ties everything together.

This recipe is a game changer for a refreshing summer lunch or dinner and I promise, you’ll be coming back for more!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because the toasted sourdough is perfectly crunchy and never turns soggy, which makes every bite satisfyingly crispy. I really dig the herby cream cheese spread; the mix of garlic and basil gives it a fresh taste that makes the whole sandwich pop. The mashed avocado with a splash of lemon juice is amazing too—it’s super creamy and balances out the tanginess of the cheese nicely. And the layers of tomato, cucumber, and lettuce add that refreshing crunch that makes it the perfect light meal for summer.

Ingredients

• Sourdough bread provides hearty carbs, fiber and a chewy, satisfying base for fuel.
• Unsalted butter crisps the bread to a golden crunchy perfection that delight tastebuds.
• Cream cheese mixed with garlic and basil produces a rich herby spread that sparks flavor.
• Mashed avocado with lemon juice adds healthy fats and creaminess to every bite you take.
• Tomato slices lend a tangy, sweet burst alongside essential vitamins for a bright flavor.
• Crisp cucumber slices bring fresh crunch and hydrating minerals that boost the texture.
• A slice of Havarti cheese adds mild creaminess and a protein boost to finish off.
• Crisp lettuce leaves provide a vitamin boost and a refreshing, light crunch every time.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 thick slices of sourdough bread
• 2 teaspoons unsalted butter (for toasting)
• 2 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste (for the herby spread)
• 1 ripe avocado, mashed
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (for the avocado spread)
• Extra salt and pepper, to taste (for the avocado spread)
• 3 thin slices tomato
• 4 thin slices cucumber
• A few crisp lettuce leaves
• 1 slice Havarti cheese

How to Make this

1. First, preheat a pan over medium heat so you can toast your sourdough right and get that golden crunch.

2. In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese with the minced garlic, chopped basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper until it’s smooth.

3. In another bowl, mash the avocado and stir in the lemon juice along with a bit more salt and pepper; set aside.

4. Butter one side of each sourdough slice with the unsalted butter.

5. Place the slices in the pan butter-side down to toast them until they get a nice crisp and golden brown look.

6. Once the bread is toasted, take it out and on the non-buttered side of one slice, spread the herby cream cheese mix evenly.

7. On the other slice, spread the mashed avocado mixture evenly on its non-toasted side.

8. Now, layer 3 thin slices of tomato, 4 thin slices of cucumber, and a few crisp lettuce leaves neatly on top of the herby cream cheese spread.

9. Add a slice of Havarti cheese over the stacked veggies.

10. Finally, carefully close your sandwich with the avocado side down, press it a little so everything sticks together, and enjoy your fresh, delicious veggie sandwich while it’s still warm.

Equipment Needed

1. Medium-sized frying pan (for toasting the sourdough so it gets that golden crunch)
2. Stove or hotplate (to preheat the pan and toast the bread)
3. Two small mixing bowls (one to blend the cream cheese with garlic and basil, and one for mashing the avocado with lemon juice)
4. Butter knife (for buttering the sourdough slices and spreading the mixes)
5. Regular knife (to mince the garlic and slice the tomatoes, cucumber, and lettuce)
6. Cutting board (to chop the garlic and veggies safely)
7. Spatula (to flip the bread in the pan)
8. Fork or potato masher (to mash the avocado until it becomes creamy)
9. Measuring spoons (to accurately measure butter, lemon juice, and herbs)
10. Plate (to assemble and serve the finished sandwich)

FAQ

Laura’s Amazing Fresh Veggie Sandwich From The Food Charlatan Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Bread: Instead of sourdough, whole wheat or multigrain bread works fine if you want a slightly different flavor.
• Butter: If you dont have unsalted butter, a light brushing of olive oil or even margarine is a good substitute for toasting.
• Cream Cheese: You could swap it with goat cheese or thick ricotta for a tangier, creamier spread.
• Avocado: If you’re not in the mood for avocado, try using hummus or mashed green peas for a similar creamy texture.
• Havarti Cheese: Mild cheddar or provolone can replace Havarti when you’re looking for that melty, cheesy layer.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you keep an eye on your bread while toasting it so it doesnt get burnt. A heavy-bottomed pan works best cause it gives an even heat distribution and keeps your sourdough nice and crispy.
2. Let all your spreads come to room temp before mixing things up. It helps the cream cheese blend better with the garlic and basil and makes the avocado easier to mash up smoothly.
3. When you layer your veggies, try not to overstack them. Press gently after you close the sandwich so everything sticks together, otherwise it might fall apart while you eat it.
4. Feel free to experiment a bit with the flavors. If you like a stronger tang, add a bit more lemon juice to the avocado, or if you prefer a fresher taste, toss in a little extra basil.