Description
Spanish Tomato Bread (Pan Con Tomate) is a traditional Catalonian appetizer featuring toasted bread rubbed with garlic and topped with fresh, grated ripe tomatoes, basil, flaky sea salt, and drizzles of extra virgin olive oil. This simple yet flavorful dish highlights the freshness of heirloom tomatoes and is perfect as a crunchy, savory snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 baguette (or use ciabatta bread)
Garlic and Oil
- 4–5 cloves garlic (peeled)
- 3–4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (more to drizzle on top)
Tomato Mixture
- 2 lbs heirloom tomatoes (about 3 tomatoes)
- 2 tablespoons flaky sea salt (more to taste, Maldon sea salt recommended)
- 1 cup basil (chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Cut the baguette in half lengthwise and 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 each piece with olive oil.
- Toast the bread: Toast the bread pieces in an air fryer at 400°F for 6-7 minutes, or alternatively broil them for 2-3 minutes (watching closely to avoid burning), or grill the bread for 2-3 minutes on the cut side. Adjust toasting time based on the bread type and thickness.
- Rub with garlic: Take peeled garlic cloves and rub them generously over the toasted cut side of the bread to infuse flavor.
- Prepare tomatoes: Cut tomatoes in half horizontally and grate them on the large holes of a box grater, keeping the skins. Finely chop the skins and mix them into the grated tomato flesh.
- Mix in basil: Finely chop fresh basil and stir into the tomato mixture to combine evenly.
- Assemble the toasts: Arrange the toasted bread on a platter or board. Spoon the tomato and basil mixture generously on top of each piece. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over them and sprinkle generously with flaky sea salt.
- Serve: Serve immediately while the bread is still crunchy for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Choose ripe heirloom tomatoes for the freshest and sweetest flavor.
- Adjust sea salt quantity according to taste preference.
- Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best depth of flavor.
- Serving immediately ensures bread remains crunchy and fresh.
- Grating tomatoes retains more juice and creates a rustic texture.
- You can substitute fresh basil with oregano or parsley for a different flavor twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Spanish
Keywords: Spanish Tomato Bread, Pan Con Tomate, tomato toast, air fryer bread, Catalan appetizer, heirloom tomato recipe, garlic bread, basil tomato bread
