Ingredients
Bread and Base
- 4 slices sourdough bread, or your choice of sturdy, rustic bread
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 whole cloves garlic, peeled
Toppings
- 4 ounces whole milk mozzarella, sliced thinly into about 8 slices (2 per toast)
- 8 to 12 slices of tomato (from about 2 large tomatoes)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Balsamic vinegar to drizzle (optional, as finishing touch)
- 1 small package fresh basil leaves (can be left whole, torn, or sliced thinly)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and prep by slicing the mozzarella thinly into around eight slices and slicing the tomatoes from about two large tomatoes. Tear or slice fresh basil leaves as desired.
- Preheat Broiler: Line a sheet pan with foil and place it under the oven broiler. Alternatively, you can use a countertop toaster oven with a broiler setting.
- Toast Bread: Lay the slices of sourdough bread on the prepared sheet pan. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil, then broil for 1-3 minutes until golden brown. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- Rub Garlic: Remove the toasted bread from the oven and rub about half a peeled garlic clove over each slice to infuse a fragrant garlicky flavor.
- Add Mozzarella and Broil: Place two slices of mozzarella on each slice of bread. Return to the broiler for 1-3 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is lightly golden on top.
- Top with Tomatoes and Seasonings: Remove the toasts from the oven and top each with 2-3 tomato slices. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the toasts if using, then sprinkle freshly torn or sliced basil leaves on top. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use heirloom tomatoes for extra flavor and color variety; choose firm tomatoes for best texture.
- Choose rustic, sturdy bread like sourdough to withstand rubbing garlic without tearing.
- Whole milk mozzarella is preferred for its superior meltability; if using fresh mozzarella, pat dry to avoid sogginess.
- Adjust garlic quantity to your taste preference when rubbing bread.
- Keep a close watch during broiling as bread and cheese can brown quickly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
