Description
Tomato Basil Garlic Bread is a deliciously simple and fresh appetizer or snack featuring warm, crusty bread topped with melted mozzarella, ripe tomato slices, garlic, and fragrant basil. Perfectly baked until bubbly and golden, this easy recipe combines classic Italian flavors in a quick and satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Cheese
- 1 large baguette or Italian loaf, sliced thick
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or fresh mozzarella slices)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2–3 ripe tomatoes, sliced into rounds
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or thinly sliced (julienned)
Seasoning and Oil
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing bread)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, or thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the bread slices.
- Prepare Bread: Slice the baguette into thick pieces and brush each slice generously with olive oil. Arrange the slices evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Add Garlic: Rub or sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over each bread slice, ensuring good coverage for a robust garlic flavor.
- Assemble Toppings: Top each slice with shredded mozzarella cheese followed by the tomato rounds. Lightly season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried Italian herbs to enhance the flavors.
- Optional Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top if you want to add an extra layer of savory flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes until the cheese has melted into a bubbly, golden topping and the edges of the bread are nicely toasted.
- Add Fresh Basil and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and immediately top with chopped fresh basil leaves. Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor and juiciness.
- Adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference for a milder or stronger garlic taste.
- If you prefer a crispier bread texture, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the baguette with gluten-free bread.
- Fresh mozzarella can be used instead of shredded cheese for a creamier texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Tomato Basil Garlic Bread, Italian garlic bread, mozzarella tomato bread, baked garlic bread, easy appetizer
