Tomato Basil Garlic Bread
Crispy, garlicky bread topped with juicy tomatoes and fresh basil—perfect as an appetizer, side, or snack.
⏱️ Time
Prep: 10 minutes
Bake: 12–15 minutes
Total: ~25 minutes
🍽️ Serves
4–6
🧺 Ingredients
1 loaf crusty bread (baguette or Italian loaf)
3 tbsp olive oil or softened butter
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, finely chopped
¼ tsp salt (or to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried oregano (optional)
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
¼ cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
½ cup shredded mozzarella or grated Parmesan (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
Preheat oven
Heat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the bread
Slice bread in half lengthwise or into thick slices.
Mix olive oil (or butter) with minced garlic.
Spread evenly over bread.
Add tomato topping
In a bowl, mix tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
Spoon mixture evenly over bread.
Bake
Place bread on baking sheet.
Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are golden.
Optional cheese finish
Sprinkle cheese on top.
Return to oven for 2–3 minutes until melted.
Finish & serve
Remove from oven.
Top with fresh basil.
Slice and serve warm.
🧀 Serving Ideas
Serve with pasta or soup
Pair with salad or grilled chicken
Dip in balsamic glaze or marinara
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Yes! Use olive oil instead of butter and skip the cheese or use vegan cheese.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: You can prep the garlic spread and tomato mixture up to 1 day ahead. Assemble and bake just before serving.
Q: How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
A: Chop tomatoes finely, remove excess juice, and pre-toast the bread for 3–4 minutes before topping.
Q: Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
A: You can, but use only 1–2 teaspoons—fresh basil gives the best flavor.
Q: What cheese works best?
A: Mozzarella for meltiness, Parmesan for sharp flavor, or a mix of both.
Q: Can I cook this in an air fryer?
A: Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes, checking often.
Q: How should leftovers be stored?
A: Store in the fridge up to 2 days. Reheat in oven or air fryer to re-crisp.
