Total Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
1 French baguette or Italian bread loaf
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 large ripe tomatoes, diced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese (optional)
Balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare Bread: Slice the baguette in half lengthwise and place it on a baking sheet, cut side up.
Make Garlic Oil: In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic and olive oil.
Toast Bread: Brush the garlic oil mixture generously over the cut sides of the bread. Toast in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, until the bread starts to get golden and crispy.
Prepare Tomato Basil Topping: In a bowl, mix the diced tomatoes, chopped basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Assemble: Remove the toasted bread from the oven. If using cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the bread now. Then spoon the tomato basil mixture over the bread.