Spanish Tomato Bread with Garlic and Olive Oil

Spanish Tomato Bread with Garlic and Olive Oil

This authentic Spanish Tomato Toast (Pan con Tomate) is made with crisp toasted bread, ripe grated tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and flaky sea salt. An easy 15-minute Spanish breakfast, tapas recipe, or light lunch that's fresh, simple, and packed with Mediterranean flavor.

Course Appetizer, Appetizers, Breakfast

Prep Time 12

Cook Time 3

Total Time 15

Servings Servings

Calories 258kcal

Author Diana Reis

Equipment

Baking Sheet
Bread Knife
Basting Brush
Box grater
Cutting Board

Ingredients

1 Loaf Good Bread baguette French Bread, Basque loaf, Rustique
1 Pound Tomatoes Beef Steak, Roma, Early Girl, Cocktail
2 Cloves Garlic
3 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive oil
Flaky Salt or Coarse Kosher Salt

Instructions

Peel the garlic cloves, trim off the root end, and leave them whole.
Cut the tomatoes in half crosswise. Gently squeeze each half to remove some of the seeds and excess juice. Grate or squeeze the tomato halves over a bowl until only the skins remain, collecting the fresh tomato pulp.
Slice the loaf in half lengthwise and and again into two inch wide pieces. Then, place it cut-side up on a sheet pan. Brush generously with olive oil.
Place under a broiler set to Low using the middle oven rack to prevent burning. Broil for 1 to 3 minutes, rotating the pan if needed, until the bread is lightly golden and crisp.
While the bread is still warm, rub each piece with the whole garlic cloves to lightly flavor the toast. The heat and rough texture of the bread will soak up the oils in the garlic clove and leave a light garlic flavor.

Notes

Diana's Tips for Success

Use ripe, in-season tomatoes whenever possible for the sweetest flavor.

Toast the bread until golden and crisp around the edges while keeping the center slightly chewy.

Rub the garlic onto the bread while it's still warm so the oils release into the toasted surface.

Serve immediately after topping with the tomatoes to keep the bread crisp.

A Traditional Spanish Favorite

In Spain, Pan con Tomate is often served very simply with a light layer of grated tomato rather than piled high. In many cafés, the toasted bread is served alongside fresh tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and salt so everyone can prepare their own toast exactly how they like it. This rustic presentation highlights the quality of the ingredients and is part of what makes this humble recipe so memorable.

Nutrition