Grilled Bread with Tomatoes and Mozzarella

Grilled bread with tomatoes and mozzarella is a delightful dish that's perfect as an appetizer or a light meal. This recipe combines the savory flavors of garlic, fresh basil, and ripe tomatoes atop slices of crunchy bread. The gooey mozzarella melts irresistibly over the top, adding a rich creaminess to every bite. Not only is this dish simple to make, but it's also a great way to enjoy seasonal ingredients. The preparation is quick and easy, making it an excellent choice for last-minute entertaining or a weeknight dinner. It's a versatile dish, customizable to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Serve it at parties, picnics, or even as a delectable snack. With its vibrant flavors and textures, grilled bread with tomatoes and mozzarella will surely become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Dive into this recipe for a taste of freshness and comfort.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 8 slices of white bread
• 3 tomatoes
• 125 g mozzarella cheese
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1/2 bunch of basil

Spices:

• Salt
• White pepper

Other:

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 15 minutes
  (includes prep and cook time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 250°C (482°F) to get it ready for baking.

2. Prepare the Bread: Place the slices of white bread on a baking sheet, spacing them evenly to ensure they toast consistently.

3. Garlic Mixture: Peel the garlic cloves and use a garlic press to mince them. Mix the minced garlic with 2 tablespoons of olive oil until well combined.

4. Coat the Bread: Brush each slice of bread with the garlic-oil mixture, ensuring the surfaces are well covered for an even flavor.

5. Mozzarella Topping: Slice the mozzarella cheese into thin pieces. Place these slices on top of the bread pieces, distributing them evenly.

6. Bake the Bread: Transfer the tray to the preheated oven and bake at 230°C (446°F) for about 5 minutes, or until the bread turns golden-brown and the cheese melts.

7. Tomato Preparation: While the bread is in the oven, wash the tomatoes, remove the stems, and slice them into rounds.

8. Prepare the Basil: Rinse the basil under cold water, shake off excess moisture, pluck the leaves, and chop them finely.

9. Assemble the Dish: Once the bread is out of the oven, arrange the tomato slices on top of each piece, ensuring a nice even layer.

10. Add Seasoning: Sprinkle salt and white pepper over the tomatoes to enhance their natural flavor.

11. Final Touches: Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the prepared bread and tomatoes for an extra touch of richness.

12. Garnish: Scatter the chopped basil generously over each piece of bread to add freshness and color.

13. Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while the cheese is still melty and warm.

Tips

• Garlic: For a less intense garlic flavor, use roasted garlic instead.
• Mozzarella: Replace mozzarella with burrata for a creamier texture.
• Herbs: Use other fresh herbs like oregano or thyme for a unique twist.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 300 per serving
• Protein: 12g
• Fats: 15g
• Carbs: 30g

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Vegan: Substitute mozzarella with a plant-based cheese alternative.
• Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a mixed green salad for a wholesome meal.
• Serve alongside fresh fruit for a light brunch.
• Complement with a glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc.

Best Places

• PepeBistro - Known for their exquisite Italian cuisine. Location: 15 Via Antonio, Rome, Italy.
• Tomato Toast Co. - Famous for their creative toast variations. Location: 100 Brick Lane, London, UK.
• Mozarella Hub - Best place for cheese lovers. Location: 42 Market St, Sydney, Australia.
• Garlic Delight - Offers a wide range of garlic-infused dishes. Location: 24 Rue des Carmes, Paris, France.
• The Basil Leaf - A go-to spot for fresh herbations. Location: 8 A'Beckett St, Melbourne, Australia.
• Grilled Goodies - Specializes in grilled bread creations. Location: 500 Madison Ave, New York, USA.
• Salts & Peppers - Known for their unique spice blends. Location: 35 Queen St, Toronto, Canada.
• Veggie Heaven - Offers plant-based variations of classic dishes. Location: 722 Granville St, Vancouver, Canada.
• Crisp Creations - Dedicated to perfectly toasted bread. Location: 271 Burwood Rd, Sydney, Australia.
• Fresh Bites - Renowned for using local produce in their meals. Location: 90 George St, Edinburgh, UK.