Tomato Basil Mozzarella Toast

A simple Italian-inspired dish featuring artisan bread, ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, finished with olive oil and optional balsamic glaze.

Equipment

• Oven with broiler
• Baking sheet
• Paper towels
• Serving plate

Ingredients

• 2 thick slices of Artisan Bread (Sourdough, ciabatta, or rustic Italian loaf)
• 1 large clove of Garlic, peeled and halved
• 2-3 medium, ripe Tomatoes (Heirloom, Roma, or vine-ripened)
• 8 oz (225g) Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (packed in water)
• 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Leaves (Genovese)
• 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 tbsp Balsamic Glaze (optional)
• Flaky Sea Salt (e.g., Maldon)
• Freshly Cracked Black Pepper

Instructions

1. Slice ripe tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds and pat the tops dry with a paper towel.
2. Tear or slice fresh mozzarella into pieces that lay flat; pick basil leaves from stems.
3. Preheat broiler on high and place an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source.
4. Brush both sides of bread slices with olive oil.
5. Broil bread for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
6. Immediately rub the halved garlic clove over the hot surface of one side of each toast slice.
7. Layer fresh basil leaves on the garlic-rubbed side of the toast.
8. Arrange tomato slices on top of the basil, slightly overlapping, and season generously with flaky sea salt and black pepper.
9. Drape fresh mozzarella pieces over the tomatoes.
10. Return toasts to the broiler and cook for 3-5 minutes until mozzarella is melted, bubbly, and golden brown in spots.
11. Remove from oven and let rest for 1 minute.
12. Transfer to a serving plate, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze.
13. Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves, a pinch of flaky sea salt, and a crack of pepper.
14. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use high-quality, fruity extra virgin olive oil. The balsamic glaze is optional but recommended. Serve with a simple arugula salad or chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Nutrition

Calories: ~450-500 kcal · Total Fat: 28g · Saturated Fat: 12g · Cholesterol: 60mg · Sodium: 650mg · Total Carbohydrates: 35g · Dietary Fiber: 3g · Sugars: 6g · Protein: 22g