Tomato Basil Garlic Bread
Tomato Basil Garlic Bread is a crispy, cheesy, herb-packed snack or side dish made with fresh Italian bread, juicy tomatoes, gooey mozzarella, and a hint of garlic and basil—perfect for casual dinners or garden parties.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 1 loaf of Italian bread or baguette fresh, preferably
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning optional
- 2 large tomatoes sliced
- Fresh basil leaves chopped (for topping)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to make cleanup easier later.
- Slice the loaf of Italian bread in half horizontally. For easier sharing or snacking, you can also cut it into individual slices. Arrange them cut-side up on the baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil or melted butter with minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Use a pastry brush to coat each bread slice evenly with this mixture. Be generous—this is where the flavor begins.
- Layer the tomato slices over the garlic-coated bread. Slightly overlap them if you’re working with smaller slices. Sprinkle salt and pepper lightly to bring out the tomato’s natural sweetness.
- Cover the tomatoes with shredded mozzarella cheese. If you want a sharper, nuttier flavor, dust some Parmesan over the top too.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes. Look for melted cheese that’s golden and bubbling, and edges of the bread that are crisp and toasted.
- Remove from the oven and immediately scatter chopped fresh basil on top. The residual heat will release the basil’s fragrance without wilting it entirely.
- Slice into portions and serve while hot. Perfect as an appetizer, a light lunch, or a fun addition to pasta night.