1-First, prepare all ingredients by washing vegetables and slicing the baguette into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) if toasting bread for that extra crunch.

2-Toast the bread slices lightly in the oven for 5-7 minutes until they turn crisp and golden, which brings out the best texture and flavor. Here, you might want to check out our cherry goat cheese crostini recipe for more ideas on toasting techniques that add a twist.

3-In a bowl, mash the avocados with lemon juice and a pinch of salt to make a creamy spread that also keeps them from browning. For the salt beef variation, mix cucumber slices with white wine vinegar, sugar, and dried red chili flakes in another bowl and let them pickle briefly.

4-Spread a thin layer of cream cheese or its vegan alternative on each toast, then add the avocado mixture for that balanced creaminess. If using the salt beef recipe, blend equal parts mustard and mayonnaise in a small bowl for the spread.

5-Top the tartines with sliced cherry tomatoes and smoked salmon or, for the variation, layer on the salt beef. This step lets you customize based on what you have on hand.

6-Garnish with fresh basil leaves or, in the salt beef version, sprinkle chopped dill and add the pickled cucumbers. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil to boost the flavors.

7-Serve right away for the best texture, or cover and chill if you’re prepping ahead. Remember, these steps work well for dietary tweaks like vegan or gluten-free versions by swapping ingredients as needed.