Garlic Cheese Tomato Toast (Print-Friendly Version)

Buttery sourdough, fresh cheese, tomatoes, garlic rub, and basil create a flavorful, crowd-pleasing appetizer.

# What You’ll Need to Make This:

→ Toast Base

01 - 1 sourdough loaf, sliced
02 - 60 ml salted butter (1/4 cup), plus extra as needed

→ Toppings

03 - 1 garlic clove, peeled
04 - 3 to 4 large heirloom tomatoes, sliced thickly
05 - 120 ml soft cheese, such as burrata, ricotta, soft goat cheese, queso fresco, or triple creme (1/2 cup)
06 - Small bunch of fresh basil leaves
07 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
08 - Balsamic vinegar, for drizzling
09 - Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

# How to Prepare:

01 - Preheat a frying pan or griddle over medium-high heat and melt a portion of the butter. Toast 3 to 4 slices of sourdough at a time for 3 to 4 minutes per batch, until the bread is golden and crisp. Add more butter as needed. Cool toasted bread on a wire rack.
02 - While the toast is still warm, gently rub the exposed surface of each slice with the garlic clove several times, ensuring aromatic garlic flavor without crushing the bread.
03 - Spread a generous layer of your chosen soft cheese onto each slice. Top with thick slices of heirloom tomatoes.
04 - Season tomatoes with salt and black pepper. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Roll basil leaves, thinly slice, and scatter over the toast. Serve immediately.

# Extra Tips:

01 - To serve as a self-serve option, keep each component separate and offer as a buffet bar for guests to assemble their own toast.