Description
This Garlic & Cheese Tomato Toast recipe is a delicious and easy Italian-inspired appetizer featuring crusty bread topped with garlic, fresh tomato slices, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfectly baked to achieve a crispy base with gooey, bubbly cheese on top, it makes a quick and flavorful snack or starter.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 4 slices of crusty bread (like sourdough or Italian)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic (peeled and halved)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 medium tomato (sliced thin)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the toast.
- Prepare Bread: Brush both sides of the bread slices lightly with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet to toast.
- Initial Toasting: Toast the bread in the oven for 5 minutes until slightly crisp, providing a sturdy base.
- Garlic Rub: Remove the bread and gently rub one side of each slice with the cut side of the garlic clove to impart flavor.
- Add Toppings: Top each slice with thin tomato slices, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano or Italian seasoning.
- Add Cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of each slice.
- Bake with Cheese: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and become bubbly.
- Optional Broiling: For a golden, slightly crispy cheese top, broil the toast for an additional 1–2 minutes if desired, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving warm.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella with shredded cheddar or a blend of Italian cheeses for varied flavors.
- Use cherry tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes to add a colorful and tasty twist.
- For extra flavor, drizzle balsamic glaze over the finished toast before serving.
