Description
Garlic & Cheese Tomato Toast is a delicious and easy-to-make baked appetizer featuring crusty bread topped with garlic, seasoned cherry tomatoes, and melted mozzarella cheese. This Mediterranean-inspired snack combines savory flavors with a hint of freshness from basil, perfect for a quick snack or light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread & Oil
- 4 slices crusty bread (like sourdough or ciabatta)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Garlic
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and halved
Toppings
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare bread: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Brush both sides of the bread slices with olive oil and place them on the baking sheet.
- Initial toasting: Toast the bread in the oven for 5 minutes until it is lightly crisped. Remove from the oven and rub the tops of the warm bread with the cut sides of the garlic cloves to infuse flavor.
- Prepare tomato topping: In a small bowl, toss the halved cherry tomatoes with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano or Italian seasoning until evenly coated.
- Assemble toasts: Divide the shredded cheese evenly among the toasted bread slices, then top each with the seasoned cherry tomatoes.
- Bake to melt cheese: Return the assembled toasts to the oven and bake for another 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve the toasts immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top for extra flavor.
- Use heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes as a flavorful alternative.
- For a heartier version, add a fried egg or cooked bacon on top.
