🍅 Tomato Basil Garlic Bread
Crispy, juicy, garlicky, and bursting with Mediterranean flavor
This Tomato Basil Garlic Bread takes classic garlic bread and gives it a fresh Mediterranean upgrade. Toasty bread is rubbed with garlic, drizzled with olive oil, topped with juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a hint of cheese. It’s simple, rustic, and incredibly satisfying — perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or light meal with a salad.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
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1 large baguette or ciabatta loaf
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3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced (or halved for rubbing)
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1½ cups cherry tomatoes, diced
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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½ tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Toppings
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¼ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
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⅓ cup shredded mozzarella or grated Parmesan (optional)
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Balsamic glaze (optional drizzle)
🔪 Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Bread
Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F.
Slice bread in half lengthwise and place on a baking sheet.
2️⃣ Garlic Oil Base
Mix olive oil with minced garlic. Brush generously over the bread.
(Or rub cut garlic cloves directly onto toasted bread for milder flavor.)
3️⃣ Tomato Topping
In a bowl, toss tomatoes with salt, pepper, oregano, and a drizzle of olive oil.
4️⃣ Bake
Bake bread for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden.
Remove from oven, spoon tomatoes over the top, sprinkle cheese if using, and return to oven for 5–7 minutes until bubbly.
5️⃣ Finish
Top with fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze if desired. Slice and serve warm.
🌿 Serving Ideas
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Pair with pasta, soup, or salad
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Serve as a bruschetta-style appetizer
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Add to a Mediterranean mezze spread
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prep the toppings ahead, but bake just before serving for best crunch.
Q: What bread works best?
A: Baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough all work beautifully.
Q: Can I make it vegan?
A: Yes — skip the cheese or use plant-based cheese.
Q: How do I avoid soggy bread?
A: Pre-toast the bread and don’t overload with tomatoes.
Q: Can I add protein?
A: Absolutely! Add prosciutto, anchovies, or white beans.
