Description
Tomato Basil Garlic Bread is a flavorful twist on classic garlic bread. It features crusty bread topped with garlic butter, melted cheese, juicy roasted cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil. This easy-to-make bread is perfect as a side dish for pasta, an appetizer for gatherings, or a satisfying snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf French bread or ciabatta, halved lengthwise
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter and minced garlic until well combined to create the garlic butter spread.
- In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften and begin to blister. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
- Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread halves.
- Top each bread half with a layer of shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese.
- Evenly distribute the sautéed tomatoes over the cheese.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the tomatoes.
- Place the prepared bread halves on the lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges of the bread are golden and crisp.
- Remove the bread from the oven and immediately sprinkle the fresh basil leaves over the top.
- Let the Tomato Basil Garlic Bread cool for a minute or two before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For extra crunch, lightly toast the bread halves before adding toppings.
- You can add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a pinch of red pepper flakes before baking for added flavor.
- If cherry tomatoes are unavailable, diced Roma or heirloom tomatoes can be used.
- This Tomato Basil Garlic Bread is best served warm. Leftovers can be reheated in a toaster oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: Approx. 200-250
- Sugar: Approx. 2-4g
- Sodium: Approx. 300-400mg
- Fat: Approx. 10-15g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 5-7g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 5-8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 20-25g
- Fiber: Approx. 1-2g
- Protein: Approx. 5-7g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 20-30mg