This Mediterranean Tomato Basil Garlic Bread is a delicious twist on the classic garlic bread. It combines fresh, juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and roasted garlic atop a crispy, golden loaf. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or a tasty snack, it’s bursting with vibrant flavors that bring the Mediterranean right to your table.
Total Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
1 French baguette or Italian bread loaf
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 large ripe tomatoes, diced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese (optional)
Balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare Bread: Slice the baguette in half lengthwise and place it on a baking sheet, cut side up.
Make Garlic Oil: In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic and olive oil.
Toast Bread: Brush the garlic oil mixture generously over the cut sides of the bread. Toast in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, until the bread starts to get golden and crispy.
Prepare Tomato Basil Topping: In a bowl, mix the diced tomatoes, chopped basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Assemble: Remove the toasted bread from the oven. If using cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the bread now. Then spoon the tomato basil mixture over the bread.
Bake: Return to the oven for another 5-8 minutes, until the cheese melts (if using) and the toppings are heated through.
Finish & Serve: Optionally drizzle with balsamic glaze for extra flavor. Slice and serve warm.
Tips:
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, ripe tomatoes and basil really make a difference in flavor. Cherry tomatoes work great too!
Garlic Intensity: Adjust the amount of garlic to your liking—roasting the garlic before mixing with oil will mellow the flavor.
Crispier Bread: For extra crispy bread, toast the bread a bit longer before adding toppings or broil for 1-2 minutes at the end (watch carefully to avoid burning).
Drain Tomatoes: If your tomatoes are very juicy, drain them slightly to prevent soggy bread.
Serve Immediately: This bread is best served warm and fresh to keep the bread crispy and toppings vibrant.
Variations:
Cheese Options: Swap mozzarella or Parmesan with feta, goat cheese, or provolone for different flavor profiles.
Add Olives: Mix in chopped Kalamata or green olives with the tomato topping for extra Mediterranean flair.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño to the tomato mixture for some heat.
Pesto Twist: Spread a thin layer of basil pesto on the bread before adding the garlic oil for richer basil flavor.
Vegan Version: Skip the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative to make it vegan-friendly.
Herb Mix: Experiment with other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley alongside basil.
Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen bread for this recipe?
A: It’s best to use fresh bread for optimal texture and flavor, but you can thaw frozen bread and toast it lightly before adding toppings.
Q: How long can I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the bread crispy.
Q: Can I prepare the toppings ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can mix the tomato and basil topping a few hours in advance and refrigerate. Just add to the bread before the final bake.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Not as is, but you can use gluten-free baguette or bread as a substitute.
Nutrition (per serving, based on 8 servings, approximate)
Calories: 180-220 kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 350mg
(Values vary depending on bread type and if cheese is used)
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Tomato Basil Garlic Bread is a quick, flavorful dish that brings fresh Mediterranean tastes to your table. It’s perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a tasty snack any time. The combination of garlic, fresh tomatoes, and basil on crispy bread creates a simple yet satisfying treat. Feel free to customize with your favorite cheeses, herbs, or spices to make it your own
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