Prepare to transform your ordinary lunch or dinner into a mouthwatering Mediterranean-inspired feast that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This simple yet incredibly delicious Garlic Toast with Balsamic Tomatoes and White Beans is about to become your new obsession. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that's bursting with flavor, combining crispy garlic-infused bread, sweet roasted tomatoes, and creamy white beans. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive appetizer to wow your guests, this recipe is your golden ticket to culinary happiness.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of crusty bread
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the crusty bread diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Arrange bread slices on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix minced garlic with 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Brush each bread slice generously with the garlic-infused oil.
- In a separate bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes with balsamic vinegar, a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat.
- Place bread slices in the preheated oven and toast for 8-10 minutes until edges are golden and crispy.
- While bread is toasting, drain and rinse the white beans. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Remove bread from oven and top each slice with white beans and marinated cherry tomatoes.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to warm the beans and slightly roast the tomatoes.
- Remove from oven, drizzle with additional olive oil and balsamic vinegar if desired.
- Serve immediately while bread is still warm and crispy, garnishing with fresh herbs like basil or parsley if available.
Tips
- Choose a high-quality crusty bread like ciabatta or sourdough for the best texture and flavor.
- Use fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes for maximum sweetness and roasting potential.
- Don't skip the balsamic vinegar - it adds a crucial tangy depth to the dish.
- For extra flavor, try adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme before serving.
- Ensure your oven is fully preheated for perfect toasting and caramelization.
- Pat white beans dry to help them crisp up slightly when roasted.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the bread at its crispiest and tomatoes at their warmest.
- For a vegan version, ensure your bread is vegan-friendly and use high-quality olive oil.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
