Cheesy Italian Tomato Bread π π§π₯
Recipe Information:
- Name: Cheesy Italian Tomato Bread
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Calories per Serving: 157
- Recipe Category: Breads
- Keywords: Grains, Brunch, Broil/Grill, < 60 Mins, Oven, Easy
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Loaf of Italian bread |
| 2 tbsp | Olive oil |
| 6 | Plum tomatoes, chopped |
| 1 cup | Mozzarella cheese, grated |
| Handful | Fresh basil leaves, torn |
Nutrition per Serving:
- Calories: 157
- Fat: 5.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.8g
- Cholesterol: 7.4mg
- Sodium: 290.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 5.7g
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C).
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Toast the Bread: Slice the Italian loaf lengthwise, creating two open-faced halves. Place them on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until they turn a beautiful golden brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
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Drizzle with Olive Oil: Once toasted, take the bread out of the oven. Drizzle each half with a tablespoon of luscious olive oil, ensuring every corner gets a bit of that flavorful goodness.
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Layer on the Goodness: Now, it’s time to layer on the delicious toppings! Spread the chopped plum tomatoes generously over the olive oil-drizzled bread, creating a juicy and vibrant base.
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Add the Cheese: Next comes the star of the show – the melty mozzarella! Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the tomatoes, covering them in a comforting layer of cheesy goodness.
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Garnish with Basil: Complete your masterpiece by scattering torn fresh basil leaves over the cheesy layer. This adds a burst of aromatic flavor that will make your kitchen smell divine.
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Bake to Perfection: Pop the loaded bread back into the oven, still open-faced, and let it bake for another 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it – you’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbling, and the edges of the bread are crisp and golden.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once out of the oven, let it cool for a minute or two to set. Then, slice it into generous portions and serve warm. π½οΈ
Serving Suggestions:
- This Cheesy Italian Tomato Bread makes for a fantastic appetizer at gatherings or a delicious accompaniment to a cozy family meal.
- Pair it with a fresh green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a delightful light lunch.
- Serve alongside a bowl of your favorite soup for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Tips:
- For an extra kick of flavor, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the cheese before baking.
- Feel free to customize with additional toppings such as sliced olives, caramelized onions, or thinly sliced pepperoni for a personal touch.
- If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made garlic bread as the base for this recipe. Just add the toppings and bake as directed!
This Cheesy Italian Tomato Bread is a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients coming together to create something truly spectacular. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, enjoying a cozy night in, or simply craving a savory snack, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to indulge in a slice of cheesy, tomatoey bliss! π β¨
