Tomato Basil Garlic Bread

by

A fresh, flavorful twist on classic garlic bread—this Tomato Basil Garlic Bread layers juicy ripe tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and sweet basil on a crispy, golden loaf. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, this easy recipe celebrates the bold, summery flavors of a Caprese salad on warm, toasty bread.

Ingredients

For the Bread:

  • 1 loaf of Italian bread or baguette (fresh, preferably)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
  • 2 large tomatoes, sliced
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice the Italian bread in half lengthwise and place it on a baking sheet, cut side up.
  3. Mix olive oil (or melted butter) with minced garlic and Italian seasoning.
  4. Brush the garlic mixture evenly over the bread halves.
  5. Layer tomato slices over the bread.
  6. Bake in the oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the tomatoes are soft.
  7. Top with fresh chopped basil just before serving.
  8. Slice and serve warm!

Variation

  1. Cheesy Garlic Bread Upgrade:
    Add a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella, parmesan, or provolone over the tomatoes before baking. The cheese will melt into a bubbly, golden layer that adds extra richness and makes it more filling—perfect for turning it into a light lunch or indulgent appetizer.
  2. Add a Balsamic Glaze Drizzle:
    A light drizzle of balsamic reduction after baking brings a sweet, tangy contrast to the savory garlic and juicy tomatoes. It enhances the overall flavor profile and gives a restaurant-style presentation with minimal effort.
  3. Switch Up the Herbs:
    Try using fresh oregano, thyme, or even arugula instead of basil for a slightly different flavor twist. Each herb adds its own unique fragrance and depth to the bread, letting you tailor the recipe to what’s in your garden or fridge.

Cooking Notes

  1. Use Fresh, Ripe Tomatoes:
    The quality of the tomatoes really makes a difference in this recipe. Opt for vine-ripened or heirloom varieties when in season—they’re juicy, flavorful, and won’t turn soggy during baking.
  2. Toasting Time Matters:
    Keep a close eye during baking to avoid over-drying the bread. You want it crisp on the edges but still tender in the center, so it’s easy to bite without being too crunchy or tough.
  3. Bread Choice Affects Texture:
    A crusty Italian loaf will give you a nice crunch, while a softer baguette or ciabatta will yield a more tender bite. Pick based on your texture preference or what’s available at your local bakery.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Pair with Soup or Salad:
    Serve this bread alongside a warm bowl of tomato basil soup or a crisp green salad for a balanced, satisfying meal. The bread’s garlicky, herbaceous notes complement both creamy and acidic dishes beautifully.
  2. Great for Brunch Platters:
    Slice into smaller pieces and add to a brunch board with olives, cheeses, and fresh fruit. It adds a savory, comforting element that rounds out sweet or lighter fare.
  3. Party-Ready Appetizer:
    Cut into bite-sized pieces and secure with cocktail picks for an easy-to-serve finger food. It’s ideal for potlucks, game nights, or casual gatherings—guests will love the fresh flavors and simple elegance.

Tips

  1. Don’t Overload with Toppings:
    While it might be tempting to pile on the tomatoes or cheese, too much moisture can lead to soggy bread. Keep layers even and thin to maintain the right balance of crisp and juicy.
  2. Prep Ahead for Easy Entertaining:
    You can assemble the bread (minus the tomatoes) a few hours in advance. Store it in the fridge and add the tomato slices just before baking to keep everything fresh and crisp.
  3. Chiffonade Your Basil for Better Flavor and Presentation:
    Stack basil leaves, roll them tightly, and slice into thin ribbons. This not only looks beautiful on top of the bread but also helps release the basil’s oils, giving you a more aromatic finish.

Prep Time:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 22 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per slice, based on 8 slices)

  • Calories: 180
  • Protein: 4g
  • Sodium: 280mg

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I make this garlic bread ahead of time?
    Yes! You can prep the bread with the garlic oil mixture and keep it refrigerated for a few hours. Wait to add the tomatoes until right before baking to prevent the bread from getting soggy.
  2. What’s the best type of tomato to use?
    Heirloom, Roma, or vine-ripened tomatoes work best. They’re firm, flavorful, and won’t release too much water during baking, which helps keep the bread crisp.
  3. Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
    Fresh basil is strongly recommended for this recipe—it adds a bright, fresh flavor that dried basil just can’t match. If needed, sprinkle a small amount of dried basil into the oil mixture rather than using it as a topping.
  4. Can I make it vegan?
    Absolutely! Just use olive oil instead of butter and skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative. The core flavors of tomato, garlic, and basil are naturally vegan and just as delicious.

Conclusion

This Tomato Basil Garlic Bread is the kind of simple, crowd-pleasing recipe that never goes out of style. With just a few fresh ingredients and under 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to summertime parties. Whether you’re serving it alongside pasta, soup, or on its own, it brings bold flavor and rustic charm to any table. Don’t be surprised if it disappears before you even set it down.

Print
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Tomato Basil Garlic Bread

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4–6 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

A fresh, flavorful twist on classic garlic bread—this Tomato Basil Garlic Bread layers juicy ripe tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and sweet basil on a crispy, golden loaf. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, this easy recipe celebrates the bold, summery flavors of a Caprese salad on warm, toasty bread.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf of Italian bread or baguette (fresh, preferably)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
  • 2 large tomatoes, sliced
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice the Italian bread in half lengthwise and place it on a baking sheet, cut side up.
  3. Mix olive oil (or melted butter) with minced garlic and Italian seasoning.
  4. Brush the garlic mixture evenly over the bread halves.
  5. Layer tomato slices over the bread.
  6. Bake in the oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the tomatoes are soft.
  7. Top with fresh chopped basil just before serving.
  8. Slice and serve warm!

Notes

  • For extra indulgence, add shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese before baking.
  • Use heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes for maximum flavor.
  • A drizzle of balsamic glaze on top adds a delicious tangy finish.
  • This recipe is easily doubled for a crowd!
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer / Side
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 280mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: garlic bread, tomato basil, summer appetizer, easy side dish, Italian bread

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