Toasted, garlicky bread is topped with a flavorsome tomato and basil mixture then finished with torn fresh mozzarella. An ideal appetizer that is quick, easy and super tasty!
8slicessourdough bread(in ½ inch slices (or a little less than 1½ cm))
2garlic cloves
4tomatoes
3tablespoonsextra virgin olive oil(plus more for finishing)
1teaspoonsalt (plus more for finishing)
fresh basil leaves(as much as you like)
4oz(115 grams) bocconcini(or fresh mozzarella)
Instructions
Cut the tomatoes roughly over a bowl to catch all the juices.
Stir in torn basil leaves, extra virgin olive oil and salt.
Peel garlic and cut in half.
Toast the bread then rub the warm bread with a cut garlic cloves.
Divide the tomato mixture and as much of the juices as you like onto prepare bread.
Tear mozzarella into some chunks and scatter over the tomato.
To finish, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
Serve immediately after assembly so that the bread is not soggy
Notes
Tips for Success
Firstly choose a great sourdough loaf. Please, please, don't use a soft, fluffy, white loaf. You need the sourdough for its density, thick crust and of course, flavor.
Use a good serrated knife to cut it into thick slices and toast a little bit longer than normal or until nicely charred. To toast the bread use a griddle pan, electric toaster or or just pop it under the top element in the oven.
Don't skip the step of rubbing the warm bread with a cut garlic clove.
Some recipe will ask you to deseed or drain the juice from the tomatoes. This is not necessary if you use the dense bread that is well toasted. If the tomatoes are extra watery, leave the juices behind and just spoon over as much as you want.
FAQ'sCan I use gluten free bread?Yes you can. The result will be slightly different but still delicious!I don't have fresh basil. Can I use dried basil?No, dried basil doesn't have much flavor so I wouldn't use it. Try spreading a think layer of basil pesto on the bread after rubbing with garlic as an alternative.Can I make bruschetta with mozzarella in advance?This is so quick to make so that shouldn't be necessary. However, if you prefer, the tomato mixture can be made around 30 minutes beforehand and the bread can be sliced in advance. The tomato mixture can become very watery if made too far in advance.