🍅🌿🧄 Mediterranean Tomato Basil Garlic Bread
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4–6):
🥖 For the Bread:
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1 loaf crusty bread (like ciabatta, sourdough, or French bread), halved lengthwise
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3 tbsp olive oil
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2–3 cloves fresh garlic, minced or crushed
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1/4 tsp salt
🍅 For the Topping:
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1 ½ cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved (or chopped roma tomatoes)
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2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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1/2 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for brightness)
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1/4 tsp sea salt
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Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped or torn
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Optional: crumbled feta or shaved Parmesan cheese
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Optional garnish: chopped Kalamata olives or a drizzle of pesto
🔪 Instructions:
1. Prep the tomato topping:
In a bowl, combine tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic (if using), salt, pepper, and chopped basil. Toss gently and set aside to marinate while you prepare the bread.
2. Make garlic oil:
In a small pan, heat olive oil gently over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant (about 30 seconds to 1 minute). Do not let it brown. Remove from heat.
3. Toast the bread:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Brush the cut sides of the bread with the garlic oil.
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Place on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 8–10 minutes, or until golden and slightly crisp around the edges.
4. Assemble:
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Spoon the tomato basil mixture generously over the toasted bread.
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Add crumbled feta, olives, or a drizzle of pesto if desired.
5. Serve:
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Slice and serve immediately while warm and crusty. Great as an appetizer or side!
📝 Tips:
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Want a more melty version? Sprinkle cheese on the bread before toasting.
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Make it heartier with sliced avocado, white beans, or a poached egg on top.
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Use this as a base for Mediterranean bruschetta boards.
Would you like a version with mozzarella and balsamic glaze, or a low-carb alternative using roasted eggplant rounds or zucchini?
