Effortless Tomato Basil Bread (Print Version)
Toasty bread smothered with tomato, gooey cheese, basil, and garlicky flair. Every crunchy bite is packed with flavor.
# Ingredients:
→ Bread Base
01 -
1 fresh baguette or Italian loaf
→ Garlic Herb Mixture
02 -
2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
03 -
1 teaspoon Italian herbs, if you want
04 -
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
→ Toppings
05 -
Handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped for sprinkling
06 -
0.5 cup Parmesan, grated (add if you feel like it)
07 -
1.5 cups mozzarella, shredded
08 -
Salt as needed
09 -
Black pepper, freshly cracked, to taste
10 -
2 big tomatoes, sliced thin
# Instructions:
01 -
Cut into pieces and hand out while it's still hot—great as a side or light meal.
02 -
As soon as you pull the tray from the oven, toss on some chopped basil while it’s still piping hot.
03 -
Slide the tray into the oven you heated earlier and bake about 10–15 minutes. You want bubbly cheese and lightly toast edges.
04 -
Take your mozzarella and sprinkle it all over the tomatoes. You can toss on some Parmesan too if you'd like extra flavor.
05 -
Lay out your tomato slices on the bread, then shake on some salt and pepper however you like it.
06 -
Spread the herby garlic mix over every slice—don’t be shy with it!
07 -
Grab a bowl and stir together the minced garlic, melted butter or oil, and Italian herbs (if you want). Mix till combined.
08 -
Cut the bread however you want—just down the middle or into small pieces. Put them all, cut side up, on your tray with or without parchment.
09 -
Crank your oven up to 190°C (375°F) and let it get nice and hot before you do anything else.
# Notes:
01 -
For the best crunch, eat right after baking. If you need to make ahead, prep everything except the last bake, then just pop it in when you’re ready.