Tomato Bread is a simple recipe made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, cheese, and French bread. It’s quick to prepare and full of flavor. You can serve it as a snack, side dish, or light meal that everyone will enjoy.
Why We Love This Tomato Bread Recipe
There are a lot of reasons why this Tomato Bread recipe deserves a permanent spot in your kitchen. First of all, it’s incredibly easy to make. You don’t need any fancy equipment or complicated techniques. If you’ve got an oven and a baking sheet, you’re ready to go.
Second, it’s a great way to use up fresh tomatoes. Whether they’re from your garden or a local market, their natural sweetness shines when baked. They soften slightly under the heat, soaking into the bread and combining with garlic, butter, and olive oil for a rich, satisfying bite.
The melted mozzarella is the final touch—it stretches when you pull a piece apart and adds that cozy comfort you want from warm bread. And don’t forget the oregano. It gives this recipe a subtle herby note that makes each bite feel more complete.
Another reason you’ll love this recipe is its flexibility. You can make it your own by adjusting the garlic level, using different cheeses, or trying whole grain bread for a healthier version. It’s great for kids, perfect for parties, and always a hit at the dinner table.
Ingredients for Tomato Bread
You’ll only need a handful of ingredients for this dish, and most of them are probably already in your kitchen. It’s a recipe that proves simple doesn’t mean boring.
- 1 loaf French bread, sliced lengthwise
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ½ to 1 tablespoon garlic powder (adjust to your taste)
- 3 to 4 fresh tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or ½ tsp if using salted butter)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 8 ounces sliced or shredded mozzarella cheese
How to Make Tomato Bread Directions
To start, preheat your oven to a high temperature—500°F. This helps the bread toast quickly while the cheese melts and bubbles just right. If your oven takes time to heat, turn it on before you begin preparing your ingredients.
Take your loaf of French bread and slice it in half lengthwise. You should now have two large open-faced pieces. Spread the butter evenly across the cut sides of the bread. If the butter is soft, it’ll spread more easily, but you can also melt it briefly to brush it on with a spoon or pastry brush.
Next, sprinkle the garlic powder evenly over the buttered bread. The amount is up to you—if you love a strong garlic flavor, go with the full tablespoon. For a milder taste, use less. This layer gives the bread that warm, savory aroma that makes this dish irresistible.
Now it’s time for the tomatoes. Use a sharp knife to slice them thinly. If you’re using garden tomatoes that are especially juicy, place the slices on a paper towel for a minute or two before adding them. This helps prevent the bread from getting soggy. Once ready, arrange the tomato slices over the bread in a single layer.
Sprinkle the kosher salt over the tomatoes. Then drizzle each slice with a little olive oil. The oil adds flavor and helps the edges of the bread crisp up while baking. After that, sprinkle the oregano evenly across the top. This dried herb gives the dish that classic Mediterranean touch.
Now for the cheese. Whether you’re using shredded mozzarella or slices, spread it generously over the top of each bread half. Make sure you cover the tomatoes but don’t worry about being too precise—it’ll melt and spread in the oven.
Place the prepared bread on a foil-lined baking sheet. This makes cleanup easier and helps prevent sticking. Slide the sheet into the oven and bake for about 5 to 7 minutes. Keep an eye on it—the cheese should be fully melted and the edges of the bread lightly golden.
After that, switch your oven to the broil setting. Let the bread broil for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the cheese begins to brown and bubble. This step adds that final bit of texture and flavor that takes the dish from good to great. Watch closely during this stage—broiling happens fast, and you don’t want it to burn.
When it’s done, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the bread cool slightly, then cut it into smaller sections—about 4 inches long works well. Serve it warm and enjoy the melty, flavorful goodness in every bite.
How to Serve Tomato Bread
Tomato Bread works in so many settings, and you can serve it in more than one way. If you’re putting together a quick lunch, pair it with a bowl of soup. Tomato or vegetable-based soups go especially well. The bread soaks up the broth and makes your meal feel hearty and complete.
It also makes a great appetizer or party snack. Cut the bread into smaller bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a platter. You can serve it warm, straight out of the oven, or let it sit at room temperature—it tastes great both ways.
If you’re planning a bigger meal, Tomato Bread can be a tasty side dish. Serve it alongside pasta, grilled chicken, or a green salad. It adds flavor and texture without overpowering the rest of your plate.
Another fun idea is to use it as a base for a light sandwich. Top the finished bread with fresh arugula, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or even a slice of avocado. This gives you a more filling version that still feels light and fresh.
Expert Tips: Tomato Bread
To make the most of this recipe, here are a few tips that will help you get the best flavor and texture every time:
- Use fresh tomatoes – The better your tomatoes, the better your bread. Look for ones that are ripe, firm, and full of flavor. Roma or heirloom tomatoes work especially well.
- Let the tomatoes rest – If your tomatoes are really juicy, place them on a paper towel before adding them to the bread. This prevents the bread from getting too soggy in the oven.
- Don’t skip the broil – Broiling adds a golden, bubbly finish to the cheese that’s worth the extra few minutes. Just be sure to keep a close watch to avoid burning.
- Customize the garlic level – Garlic powder is flexible. Taste as you go and adjust based on how strong you want the flavor to be.
- Serve immediately – Tomato Bread is best right out of the oven. The cheese is melty, the bread is crispy, and the flavors are fresh and vibrant.
How to Store Tomato Bread
If you have leftovers (which isn’t always the case!), you can store Tomato Bread for later. Let it cool completely, then place it in an airtight container or wrap it in foil. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
When you’re ready to eat it again, reheat it in the oven at 350°F until the cheese is melted and the bread is warm. Avoid using the microwave if you want to keep the bread crispy. You can also reheat it under the broiler for a quick warm-up and to restore that golden finish.
Freezing is not ideal for this recipe, as the tomatoes can release water and make the bread soggy when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a day or two.
Variation of Tomato Bread
One of the best things about Tomato Bread is how easy it is to change it up. Here are some fun variations you can try:
- Add herbs – Swap oregano for basil or thyme for a different herbal twist. Fresh herbs can also be added after baking for extra flavor.
- Try different cheeses – Mozzarella is classic, but you can use provolone, feta, or even cheddar for a unique taste.
- Make it spicy – Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before baking if you like a little heat.
- Add toppings – Consider sliced olives, sautéed mushrooms, or thin strips of bell pepper for extra texture and flavor.
- Use different bread – A whole grain loaf, ciabatta, or sourdough can give the recipe a new flavor base and change up the texture slightly.
These variations let you keep the core of the recipe while adding new elements to match your taste or mood.
FAQ – Tomato Bread
What is Tomato Bread made of?
Tomato Bread is made with French bread, butter, garlic powder, sliced tomatoes, olive oil, salt, oregano, and mozzarella cheese. It’s baked until toasty and the cheese is melted and golden.
Can I make Tomato Bread ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the bread with butter, garlic, and tomatoes a few hours ahead. Store it covered, then add cheese and bake right before serving.
Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of regular ones?
Yes! Just slice them thinly and spread them out evenly. They’re a great option when you want a sweeter tomato flavor.
Is this Tomato Bread vegetarian?
Yes, it uses only plant-based ingredients and dairy, making it a good choice for vegetarians.
What kind of bread works best?
French bread is ideal for its crisp crust and soft center, but ciabatta or sourdough also work well if you want a heartier option.
Tomato Bread
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread (sliced lengthwise)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 to 1 tablespoon garlic powder (adjust to taste)
- 3 to 4 whole fresh tomatoes (thinly sliced)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or ½ tsp if using salted butter)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 8 ounces sliced or shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C).
- Slice the French bread in half lengthwise and spread butter evenly across the cut sides.
- Sprinkle garlic powder over the buttered bread according to your taste.
- Arrange thinly sliced tomatoes on top of the bread and sprinkle with kosher salt.
- Drizzle olive oil over the tomatoes and sprinkle oregano on top.
- Cover the tomatoes with mozzarella cheese.
- Place the bread on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is melted and the edges are golden.
- Switch to broil for 2 to 3 minutes to brown the cheese, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then cut into sections and serve warm.
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