Description
Spanish Tomato Bread, or Pan Con Tomate, is a simple yet flavorful tapas dish featuring toasted bread rubbed with garlic and topped with fresh grated tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and flaky sea salt. This traditional Spanish recipe highlights the freshness of ripe heirloom tomatoes and the aromatic taste of basil, making it a perfect appetizer or snack that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Oil
- 1 baguette (or ciabatta bread)
- 3–4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus more to drizzle on top)
Garlic
- 4–5 cloves garlic (peeled)
Tomato Mixture
- 2 lbs heirloom tomatoes (about 3 medium tomatoes)
- 1 cup fresh basil (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons flaky sea salt (such as Maldon, more to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Cut the baguette in half, then into 2-inch pieces. If using ciabatta, cut in half and then in half again to get 2-inch pieces. Brush the cut side of the bread generously with extra virgin olive oil.
- Toast the bread: Toast the bread pieces in an air fryer at 400°F for 6-7 minutes, or broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning. Alternatively, grill the bread for 2-3 minutes on the cut side until crisp and golden. Adjust time depending on bread thickness.
- Rub with garlic: Take peeled garlic cloves and rub the cut, toasted side of each bread piece generously so the garlic flavor infuses the bread.
- Prepare the tomato mixture: Cut the tomatoes in half horizontally. Using a large box grater, grate the tomatoes to release the flesh while leaving the skins behind. Finely chop the tomato skins and add them back into the grated tomato flesh.
- Add basil: Finely chop the fresh basil and stir it well into the grated tomato and skins mixture.
- Assemble the tomato bread: Lay the toasted bread out on a serving platter or board. Spoon the tomato and basil mixture generously onto each piece. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the top and sprinkle with flaky sea salt to taste.
- Serve immediately: Serve the Pan Con Tomate while the bread is still crisp and crunchy for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- Choose ripe heirloom tomatoes for best flavor and freshness.
- Use good quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the taste.
- Adjust the amount of garlic rubbed on the bread to your preference.
- Flaky sea salt like Maldon adds a lovely crunch and bursts of salty flavor.
- This dish is best served immediately to maintain bread crispness.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread.
- Try adding a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or a few chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Toast / Grill
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Spanish Tomato Bread, Pan Con Tomate, tomato bruschetta, Spanish tapas, easy appetizer, heirloom tomatoes, garlic bread
