Description
Crispy bread topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic, perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of Italian bread or baguette (fresh, preferably)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 2–3 ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise and place cut side up on a baking sheet.
- Brush the cut sides generously with olive oil or melted butter.
- In a small bowl, combine finely chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, and chopped fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the tomato mixture evenly over the bread halves. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10–15 minutes until the bread is crispy and the topping is heated through. Broil for an additional 1–2 minutes if extra crispiness is desired.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before slicing into pieces. Serve warm.
Notes
- Add roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Mix in fresh oregano or thyme with the basil for a complex herbal taste.
- Use garlic-infused olive oil for stronger garlic flavor.
- Make it cheesy by adding mozzarella, Parmesan, or a combination before baking.
- Make a spicy version by sprinkling red pepper flakes over the topping.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, or toast in a skillet until warmed and crispy. Frozen bread can be thawed and reheated similarly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
