Tomato Toast Three Delicious Ways

Name: Tomato Toast
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 7 min
Ingredients: 5 thick slices sourdough bread (sliced into 3 pieces); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons basil pesto; 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 16 ounces mozzarella cheese (sliced); 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped); balsamic glaze (for drizzling); Fresh cracked black pepper; Flaky salt (to taste)

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Tomato toast is peak-summer toast: crisp bread, ripe tomatoes, and either a creamy mayo base or garlicky olive-oil finish—plus my Caprese twist with pesto + mozzarella. There are a few classic versions people love — the American-style mayo and tomato toast, the Spanish pan con tomate, and my personal favorite: a Caprese-inspired tomato toast with pesto, mozzarella, and balsamic glaze.

This post will show you all three, so you can pick your go-to or try them all.

TLDR: Mayo + tomatoes on hot toast (classic), garlic-rubbed toast with grated tomato + olive oil (pan con tomate), or my Caprese version with pesto, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic.

Caprese tomato toast (pesto, mozzarella, basil) – variation of tomato toast on sourdough.

Table of Contents

At a Glance

Best bread: thick-cut sourdough/country loaf (stays crisp)
Anti-sog: salt tomatoes 5 min, blot, assemble to serve
3 ways: mayo + tomato, pan con tomate, Caprese (pesto + mozz)

If there’s one thing I always have on hand in the summer, it’s cherry tomatoes and a loaf of sourdough bread. I started making this tomato toast years ago as a snack, but it turned into one of those recipes that guests ask for every time.

It reminds me of the caprese crostini you’d get at a restaurant, but even better. I’ve tested dozens of tomato-bread-cheese combos, and this one checks all the boxes: crispy, juicy, herby, tangy, and creamy. Plus, it’s ready in literally 7 minutes.

If you like fast appetizers like this, try my Asian Cucumber Salad or Whipped Cottage Cheese Dip next!

why you’ll love it

a girl wearing a black leather jacket holding a drink

Fast, Fresh, and Fancy: Takes 7 minutes but feels like something you’d be served at a chic wine bar.
Grilled Bread = Game Changer: Crisp edges, soft center, and grill marks that make it next-level. Plus the smoky flavor from the grill…YUM.
Perfect for Summer Parties: Bite-sized and easy to prep ahead for entertaining.

Jordan

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sourdough bread: Thick slices hold up to toppings and crisp up beautifully on the grill.
Butter + olive oil: Brushed on before grilling to give that golden, flavorful crust. Also helps with those gorgeous grill marks!
Basil pesto: Store-bought or homemade, whatever you’re feeling! This is my favorite store-bought pesto.
Cherry tomatoes: Sweet, and super summery.
Mozzarella cheese: Creamy and melty—go for fresh if you can!
Fresh basil: Adds a pop of freshness.
Balsamic glaze: For that tangy-sweet finish.
Cracked black pepper + flaky salt: Don’t skip the flaky salt! That’s what makes it taste restaurant-level.

*For a detailed list of instructions, ingredients and measurements, please reference the recipe card down below.

Tomato Toast: Classic Variations

Classic Tomato Mayo Toast (American-Style)

Toast thick-cut sourdough or country bread.
Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise edge to edge.
Top with salted, ripe tomato slices.
Finish with flaky salt, cracked pepper, and serve immediately.

Why it works: mayo emulsifies with tomato juices and creates the perfect creamy balance.

Pan con Tomate (Spanish Tomato Toast)

Toast or grill thick bread until golden.
Rub with a garlic clove while warm.
Spoon grated tomato pulp (discarding skins) over the bread.
Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil, sprinkle salt, and enjoy.

Why it works: simple, olive-oil rich, and all about peak-season tomatoes.

Pro Tips for the Best Tomato Toast

Bread matters: thick sourdough or country loaf > thin sandwich bread.
Drain your tomatoes: salt the slices for 5 minutes, blot, then layer to avoid soggy toast.
Assemble just before serving: crisp bread + juicy tomatoes = magic, but only if eaten right away.

Substitutions

Bread: Swap sourdough for a French baguette or ciabatta.
Mozzarella: Try burrata or whipped ricotta for a creamy twist.
Pesto: Use sun-dried tomato pesto or garlic-herb butter for a different flavor profile.
Tomatoes: When in season, grab heirloom tomatoes! Beefsteak tomatoes are a great option as well.

Tomato Toast FAQs

What is tomato toast?

At its simplest: toasted bread topped with ripe tomatoes and salt. The American classic uses mayonnaise + sliced tomatoes, the Spanish pan con tomate uses garlic-rubbed bread + grated tomato, and Caprese tomato toast adds mozzarella, pesto, and balsamic.

What’s the best bread for tomato toast?

Thick-cut sourdough or rustic country loaf holds up best. Avoid thin sandwich bread that gets soggy.

How do I keep tomato toast from getting soggy?

Salt your tomato slices and let them rest 5 minutes, blot, and toast your bread well. Always assemble right before eating.

Is tomato toast the same as pan con tomate?

They’re related but not identical. Pan con tomate is the Spanish version: garlic-rubbed bread topped with grated tomato and olive oil (no mayo or cheese).

Looking for more quick appetizers?

If you tried this Tomato Toast or any other recipe on my blog please leave a 🌟 star rating and tell me how it went in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you!