Tomato Basil Garlic Bread

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Tomato Basil Garlic Bread

### Description

This recipe takes the buttery, aromatic foundation of garlic bread and tops it with a fresh “salsa” of Roma tomatoes and sweet basil. The key is to toast the bread with the garlic butter first, then top it with the cold, seasoned tomatoes. This creates a beautiful contrast of temperatures and textures—warm, crispy bread with cool, refreshing toppings.

### Recipe: Tomato Basil Garlic Bread

  • Prep time: 15 minutes

  • Cook time: 10 minutes

  • Total time: 25 minutes

  • Servings: 6-8 slices

Ingredients

  • The Bread: 1 large loaf of French or Italian bread (sliced lengthwise).

  • The Butter Spread:

    • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened.

    • 4 cloves garlic, minced.

    • 1 tsp dried oregano.

    • 1/4 tsp salt.

  • The Topping:

    • 3 large Roma tomatoes, diced (seeds removed).

    • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chiffonade (thinly sliced).

    • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil.

    • 1 tsp balsamic glaze (optional drizzle).

    • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or parmesan (optional).

Instructions

  1. Preheat: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Prep the Topping: In a medium bowl, toss the diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and olive oil. Set aside at room temperature so the flavors marry.

  3. Make Garlic Butter: Mix the softened butter, minced garlic, oregano, and salt until smooth.

  4. Toast: Spread the garlic butter generously over the cut sides of the bread. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes until the edges are golden brown.

    • Note: If using cheese, sprinkle it on for the last 3 minutes of baking.

  5. Assemble: Remove bread from the oven. Spoon the tomato-basil mixture evenly over the warm bread.

  6. Finish: Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired, slice into thick pieces, and serve immediately.

### Tips for Success

  • Drain the Tomatoes: After dicing, let the tomatoes sit in a colander for 5 minutes. This prevents the juices from making your crispy bread soggy.

  • Fresh is Best: Dried basil will not work here. The soul of this dish is the aromatic punch of fresh leaves.

  • The Rub: For extra flavor, rub a raw garlic clove directly onto the toasted bread before adding the butter for a sharper “bite.”

### Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Estimate based on 1 slice of a standard French loaf.

Metric Amount
Calories 210 kcal
Total Fat 12g
Carbohydrates 22g
Protein 4g
Fiber 2g

### Benefits

  • Lycopene Boost: Cooked and raw tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health.

  • Anti-Inflammatory: Fresh garlic and basil both contain compounds that help reduce inflammation in the body.

  • Crowd Pleaser: It’s an affordable way to make a meal feel “fancy” without hours of prep.

### Q&A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: You can prep the garlic butter and dice the tomatoes ahead of time, but do not assemble until right before serving, or the bread will lose its crunch.

Q: What’s the best bread to use?

A: A sturdy Ciabatta or a classic French Baguette works best. Avoid very soft “sandwich” style loaves as they can’t support the weight of the tomatoes.

Q: Can I make this vegan?

A: Absolutely. Simply swap the butter for a high-quality olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute.

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