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This Tomato Basil Garlic Bread is a flavorful twist on the classic garlic bread. Juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and a touch of garlic-infused butter make it a fresh and savory side dish or appetizer. Think of it as a cross between garlic bread and bruschetta—easy to make, impressive to serve.
⏱️ Prep Time
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10–12 minutes |
| Total Time | ~20–25 minutes |
🧰 Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Small saucepan (optional, for melting butter)
- Spoon or pastry brush
- Oven or toaster oven
🧂 Ingredients (Makes about 8 slices)
- 1 loaf French bread or Italian bread (or ciabatta)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes (cherry or Roma)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or parmesan (optional)
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional)
📌 Ingredient Notes
- Bread: A crusty loaf works best; day-old bread is ideal for toasting.
- Tomatoes: Use ripe but firm tomatoes to prevent sogginess.
- Cheese: Mozzarella gives it a melty top; Parmesan adds a nutty flavor.
- Basil: Fresh is key here—dried basil won’t give the same burst of flavor.
🍳 Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment (optional for easy cleanup).
- Prepare Tomato Topping:
- In a bowl, mix diced tomatoes, chopped basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside to let flavors mingle.
- Toast the Bread:
- Slice the bread into 1-inch thick pieces. Arrange on the baking sheet.
- In a small bowl or saucepan, combine olive oil (or butter) with minced garlic.
- Brush each slice with the garlic oil/butter.
- Top with Tomatoes and Cheese:
- Spoon the tomato-basil mixture onto each slice.
- Sprinkle with cheese if using.
- Bake:
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until bread edges are crisp and cheese is melted.
- Serve:
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired. Serve warm as a side dish, starter, or snack.
🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per slice, with cheese)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150 kcal |
| Carbs | 16g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Sodium | 220mg |
Nutrition will vary based on bread and cheese choice.
💡 Tips
- Don’t overload the bread with tomatoes—it can get soggy.
- Add garlic last-minute if you want a sharper, spicier garlic bite.
- Use a baguette for smaller, bite-sized party appetizers.
🔄 Variations
- Caprese Style: Add a slice of fresh mozzarella and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Roasted Tomato Version: Roast tomatoes first for a richer, deeper flavor.
- Pesto Swap: Spread pesto under the tomato mixture for extra basil punch.
- Vegan: Skip cheese or use a dairy-free alternative and olive oil.
