Tomato Basil Garlic Bread – Crispy, Cheesy, and Bursting with Fresh Flavor 🍅🧄🧀
Move over plain garlic bread—this Tomato Basil Garlic Bread is here to steal the show. Loaded with juicy tomato slices, fresh basil, and gooey melted mozzarella, it’s everything you love about a margherita pizza, baked onto a crispy slice of Italian bread. It comes together in minutes and disappears even faster, making it perfect for appetizers, side dishes, or late-night snacking.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe takes a humble loaf of bread and turns it into something unforgettable. It’s light yet rich, crisp yet gooey, and the combo of garlic, basil, and melted cheese is pretty much perfection. Whether you serve it with pasta, soup, salad, or just a glass of wine, it’s always a hit.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 1 loaf of Italian bread or baguette (fresh is best)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for topping)
Swaps and Notes
- Bread: French bread or ciabatta also work well—anything sturdy with a good crust.
- Cheese: Try provolone or a mozzarella-provolone blend for extra melt and stretch.
- Tomatoes: Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes hold their shape best.
- Add heat: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes takes it up a notch.
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Bread
- Slice the bread horizontally or into thick individual slices.
- Lay them flat on the baking sheet.
3. Make the Garlic Spread
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil or melted butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning (if using).
- Brush the mixture evenly over each slice.
4. Add the Toppings
- Arrange sliced tomatoes on the bread.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and a bit of Parmesan.
5. Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden.
6. Finish with Fresh Basil
- Remove from the oven and immediately top with chopped fresh basil.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy while warm!
Tips for Success
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes to avoid soggy bread.
- Don’t overload the cheese—just enough for gooey texture without overpowering the tomato and garlic.
- Toast lightly first (before topping) if you want extra crispiness.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This bread makes a great companion to your favorite mains—or a star all on its own:
- 🍗 Serve with Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders for the ultimate garlic-lover’s combo.
- 🧀 Add to a game-day spread with Beer Cheese Dip.
- 🥪 Use leftovers to dip into Cheesy Sandwich Dip.
- 🌮 Pair with Sheet Pan Quesadillas for an appetizer buffet.
- 🧂 Serve with Dorito Casserole for a weeknight comfort food win.
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in foil or a container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Re-crisp in a toaster oven or 375°F oven for 5–7 minutes.
- Freezer: Assemble unbaked and freeze. Bake straight from frozen, adding 5 minutes.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Love cheesy, shareable dishes? Try these next:
- Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders – saucy, melty, and perfect for parties.
- Beer Cheese Dip – warm, cheesy, and addictively dip-worthy.
- Dorito Casserole – bold and crunchy with layers of flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Tomato Basil Garlic Bread is more than just a side dish—it’s an experience. With fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and gooey melted cheese, it’s guaranteed to impress your guests (or just make your own dinner a little more special).
Tried it? Share your photos and tell me how you served it! And don’t forget to follow for more simple, crave-worthy recipes like this one. 🍅🧄🧀✨
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