Description
This Tomato Basil Garlic Bread is a deliciously cheesy and flavorful appetizer or snack, featuring fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil atop crispy toasted bread. It offers a perfect blend of savory mozzarella, aromatic herbs, and a hint of Parmesan for extra depth, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Base
- 1 large baguette or Italian loaf, sliced thick
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing bread)
Toppings
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or fresh mozzarella slices)
- 2–3 ripe tomatoes, sliced into rounds
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or thinly sliced (julienned)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 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 prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Bread: Slice the baguette into thick pieces. Using a brush, evenly coat each slice with olive oil, then arrange them neatly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Add Garlic: Sprinkle or rub the minced garlic evenly over the oiled bread slices to distribute the flavor thoroughly.
- Layer Cheese and Tomatoes: Generously top each slice with shredded mozzarella or fresh mozzarella slices. Follow with placing the tomato rounds uniformly over the cheese. Lightly season each slice with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried Italian herbs for aromatic taste.
- Add Parmesan: Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top for an extra layer of savory flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the bread edges turn golden and crisp.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and immediately top with fresh basil leaves for a fresh herb finish. Serve warm to enjoy the melty cheese and vibrant tomato flavors.
Notes
- For a crunchier bread base, broil for 1-2 minutes after baking but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Fresh mozzarella offers a creamier texture, while shredded mozzarella melts more evenly.
- Use ripe, firm tomatoes to prevent sogginess on the bread.
- Can be adapted to a gluten-free bread substitute if desired.
- Adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving can enhance the flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: tomato basil garlic bread, cheesy garlic bread, tomato mozzarella bread, Italian appetizer, easy garlic bread
