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Tasty Tomato Basil Toast

Featured in: Snacks and Appetizers for Every Gathering

This toast brings together ripe tomatoes, plant-based mozzarella, and fragrant basil on crispy gluten-free bread. A drizzle of sweet balsamic glaze ties everything together. Ready in just 20 minutes, it's perfect for your morning meal, lunch break, or when guests drop by. You can switch to regular cheese if you don't need dairy-free options, and play around with the toppings to match what you like. Every bite gives you a mix of textures and flavors - from the crunchy bread to the soft cheese and sweet, juicy tomatoes.
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Updated on Sat, 19 Apr 2025 17:22:42 GMT
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When garden tomatoes peak in summer, this Italian-inspired toast makes the most of them. You'll fall in love with how creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and ripe tomatoes come together on crisp bread. The whole thing gets a drizzle of balsamic glaze that adds just the right sweet-tangy kick to round out the flavors.

We first tried this dish during our Tuscany vacation and now it's our summer staple. I love how using just a few simple things lets each flavor stand out, bringing back memories of sunny Italian days.

Superior Ingredient Guide

  • Sourdough Bread: Go for a hearty, rustic option with a nice chew inside and crisp outside that won't get soggy under toppings
  • Fresh Mozzarella: Tiny pearls or bigger balls stored in water work best for that smooth, mild dairy taste
  • Garden Tomatoes: Look for ones with bright colors that feel slightly soft when you give them a gentle squeeze
  • Fresh Basil Leaves: Choose vibrant green ones without spots that smell strongly when you sniff them
  • Balsamic Glaze: The thicker and more syrupy kind works better since it stays put instead of running everywhere

Crafting Your Delicious Creation

Getting The Toast Just Right:
Brown your bread slices until they turn golden and crunchy outside but stay soft inside. Run a cut garlic clove over them for extra flavor.
Building The Flavor Base:
Put thin slices of mozzarella on the warm toast so they start to soften slightly from the heat.
Topping With Fresh Stuff:
Cover with neat tomato slices and tear basil by hand to spread its flavor throughout.
Adding The Finishing Touches:
Make a zigzag pattern with balsamic glaze and add a little sea salt and fresh ground pepper on top.
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I come from a family of garden lovers, and they taught me to wait for tomatoes to fully ripen. My grandma would only make this dish when tomatoes were at their peak season. She showed me how waiting for the right moment makes food taste so much better.

Stunning Presentation Ideas

Serve your toast with some tiny microgreens and pretty edible flowers scattered around. The mix of colors and different textures makes a plate that looks as amazing as it tastes.

Fun Variations

Switch things up by adding grilled peach slices in summer or soft roasted peppers when winter comes. These seasonal changes keep the dish interesting all year while staying true to its Mediterranean roots.

Storage Solutions

You can get everything ready separately and keep them in sealed containers. If you make toast ahead, warm it gently in a cool oven to bring back the crunch. Don't put the fresh stuff on until right before you're gonna eat it.

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I've made this toast countless times over the years and learned it's not just about what goes into it but how much love you put in. The magic happens when you take basic ingredients and handle them with care. That's what Italian cooking is all about - simple, fresh stuff put together with attention and heart.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use normal cheese instead of plant-based?
Absolutely! Regular fresh mozzarella works great if you don't need a dairy-free version.
→ How should I keep any leftover toast?
This toast tastes best right after making it. The bread gets mushy if kept too long, so try to make just what you'll eat right away.
→ What bread works best for this recipe?
Try a chunky sourdough or any crusty bread. If you need gluten-free, brands like Bread Srsly or AWG Bakery work really well.
→ Can I skip the balsamic topping?
Sure thing! You can leave it off completely or just add some nice olive oil with a tiny bit of salt instead.
→ What's the point of rubbing garlic on the toast?
The warm toast picks up just enough garlic flavor when you rub it. It's not overpowering but adds something special that goes well with the other stuff on top.

Tomato Basil Toast

This toast layers juicy tomatoes, plant-based mozzarella and fresh basil on crispy bread, topped with a splash of balsamic glaze.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Patricia


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 1 Servings

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Toast Foundation

01 Country-style gluten-free sourdough loaf, one thick chunk (AWG Bakery or Bread Srsly works great)
02 Raw garlic bulb, skin removed and tip sliced off
03 Avocado oil or olive oil for browning

→ Add-ons

04 Plant-based mozzarella, 2 oz (roughly 2 circles) - try Violife's Cashew Milk Mozzarella
05 Handful of baby spinach, roughly ¼ cup
06 Sliced red Heirloom tomatoes, 2 pieces
07 Two basil leaves (chop one, keep one whole for decoration)
08 Thick balsamic reduction, 1-2 teaspoons

→ Flavor Boosters

09 Sea salt or kosher salt, as needed
10 Ground black pepper, as needed
11 Spicy red pepper oil or garlic chili flakes, as needed

Instructions

Step 01

Splash some oil on your bread and cook it in a skillet with gentle heat until it turns golden brown on each side.

Step 02

After toasting, grab your peeled garlic and swipe the cut side across the warm bread to add flavor.

Step 03

Put your dairy-free mozzarella pieces across the garlic-flavored toast.

Step 04

Scatter spinach leaves on top of the cheese layer.

Step 05

Add tomato slices over your greens, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a dash of chili oil. Toss on the chopped basil, add the whole leaf on top, and finish with a light stream of balsamic.

Step 06

Slice your creation down the middle and eat while it's still warm!

Notes

  1. This fancy toast works for morning meals, quick bites, midday meals, or party starters using what's fresh right now.
  2. You can swap in traditional mozzarella if you don't care about the dairy-free aspect.

Tools You'll Need

  • Flat cooking pan for bread
  • Good knife for slicing veggies and herbs

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Watch out for nuts if you're using mozzarella made from cashews

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~