Cheesy Tomato Bread – consist of toasty seasoned garlic bread topped with a slice of fresh tomato and melted cheese that is served as an appetizer. It is both satisfying and fulfilling with an appearance similar to a pizza, but the flavors closely related to the bruschetta.
This year we had an abundance of fresh tomatoes in our garden so we canned tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and froze homemade tomato soup. We also shared a lot of the produce with our friends, family and neighborhood. With the remaining fresh tomatoes, I decided to create my own cheesy tomato bread recipe. The fresh tomatoes provide a sweet and tart flavor that complements the garlic bread and melted cheese.
Roasting a Whole Head of Garlic!
With a sharp knife, cut off the top of garlic head, about ¼ inch, exposing the cloves. Remove any loose outer skin.
Place garlic head in a small baking pan with aluminum foil and wrap the garlic with foil. Roast the garlic for 40 minutes to 1 hour at 400°F or until the garlic cloves are soft.
The garlic is completely roasted and the garlic cloves are soft and caramelized. Let stand to cool for a few minutes.
Slicing the Fresh Tomatoes!
Depending on the size of the tomatoes, cut 2 to 3 fresh tomatoes into ¼-inch slices.
NOTE: These round tomatoes are known as Globe tomatoes and are often seen at the supermarket.
Most fresh garden tomatoes tend to be very juicy. When that occurs, place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the excess juice. This will prevent your bread from becoming soggy.
Preparing the Garlic Mixture for the Cheesy Tomato Bread!
Squeeze out the garlic pulp into a bowl when the garlic is cool enough to handle.
Stir until a smooth texture is formed, using a whisk.
Add 2 tablespoons of softened salted butter and 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
Continue with ⅛ teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of chopped basil.
NOTE: You can use other ingredients to suit your taste.
Combine all the ingredients until a paste is formed.
Cutting the Bread for the Cheesy Tomato Bread!
Cut the bread into ½ to ¾-inch round slices. This is a sourdough bread, but you can use the bread of your choice. I prefer breads with a chewy interior and outer crispy crust. Place the bread slices on a plate and set aside.
NOTE: You can also use French or Italian bread for this recipe. This loaf of bread yield approximately 12 to 14 round slices.
Assembling the Cheesy Tomato Bread!
Spread evenly on top of each bread slice with the garlic mixture.
Top with a slice of fresh tomato.
Sprinkle with chopped basil.
Cover tomato with a slice or shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat this process.
Baking the Cheesy Tomato Bread!
Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
They are done when the cheese is completely melted.
NOTE: I initially baked 6 Cheesy Tomato Breads for this cooking demonstration. However, this recipe yields at least 12 to 14 servings.
Cheesy Tomato Bread!
The bread has a toasty texture topped with fresh tomato and melted cheese. You will experience the different layers of texture and flavor in one bite.
A satisfying and fulfilling appetizer to serve your guests at home or at a gathering – especially when using fresh tomatoes from your garden. Serve warm.
Click on the button below to watch my YouTube video on How to Prepare Cheesy Tomato Bread!
Recipe and Nutritional Facts!
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. Please refer to our Nutritional Facts Disclaimer for more information.
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Cheesy Tomato Bread
- Prep Time: 20 Minutes
- Cook Time: 50 Minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 Servings 1x
Description
Cheesy Tomato Bread – Consist of toasty seasoned garlic bread topped with a slice of fresh tomato and melted cheese that is served as an appetizer. It is both satisfying and fulfilling with an appearance similar to a pizza, but the flavors closely related to the bruschetta.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cut into ½ to ¾-inch round slices
- 2 to 3 fresh or regular round tomatoes, sliced into ¼-inch thick
- 12 to 14 slices Mozzarella cheese or shredded Mozzarella
- Chopped basil (for sprinkling on top of tomato slices)
Garlic Mixture
- 1 roasted whole head of garlic, garlic pulp released
- 2 tablespoons softened salted butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ⅛ teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chopped basil
Instructions
- Cut off the top of this garlic head, about ¼ inch, exposing the cloves.
- Remove any loose outer skin and wrap in aluminum foil. Place in a baking pan.
- Roast the whole head of garlic for 40 minutes at 400°F or until the garlic cloves are soft and caramelized.
- Gently squeeze the garlic pulp into a bowl and whisk into a smooth texture.
- Add the remaining ingredients for the garlic mixture and whisk until a paste is formed. Set aside.
- Spread evenly on top of each bread slice with the garlic mixture.
- Top with a slice of tomato and sprinkle with some chopped basil.
- Cover the tomato with a slice of mozzarella cheese. Place on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
- Serve warm.
Notes
You can use French, Italian or Sourdough bread. The bread usually yields 12 to 14 slices.
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Cheesy Tomato Bread, Tomato Bread, Pan con Queso y Tomate
