Tomato Basil Garlic Bread

Tomato Basil Garlic Bread 🍅🌿🥖
Crispy, buttery, and bursting with fresh flavor—perfect as an appetizer or side.

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Ingredients

• 1 loaf Italian or French bread, halved lengthwise

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup diced fresh tomatoes (seeds removed for less moisture)

• 2 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or grated Parmesan

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

Optional

• Balsamic glaze drizzle

• Red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven
   Heat to 375°F (190°C).

2. Make garlic spread
   Mix butter, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.

3. Prepare bread
   Spread garlic butter evenly over bread halves.

4. Top
   Sprinkle tomatoes and basil over bread.
   Add cheese evenly.

5. Bake
   Place on baking sheet and bake 12–15 minutes until cheese melts and edges are golden.

6. Broil (optional)
   Broil 1–2 minutes for extra crispiness—watch closely.

7. Finish & serve
   Drizzle balsamic glaze or sprinkle red pepper flakes if desired. Slice and serve warm.

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Flavor & Texture

• Crispy edges, soft center

• Fresh tomato-basil brightness

• Savory garlic butter richness

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Pro Tips

• Pat tomatoes dry to prevent soggy bread

• Use fresh basil—dried won’t give the same pop

• For extra garlic flavor, rub toasted bread with a raw garlic clove

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Variations

• Caprese Style: Add fresh mozzarella after baking

• Cheesy: Use a mozzarella–Parmesan blend

• Bruschetta Twist: Skip butter, drizzle olive oil after baking

• Vegan: Use plant-based butter and vegan cheese

If you’d like, I can turn this into a tomato basil garlic bread pizza, air-fryer version, or make-ahead party appetizer 🥖✨