Name: Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato Toast with Herb-Garlic Olive Oil Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 slices sourdough bread; 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing); 1 ball (4 oz fresh mozzarella, torn or sliced); 1 cup cherry tomatoes (thinly sliced); Salt and freshly cracked black pepper (to taste); 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 clove garlic (grated or minced); 1 tbsp fresh basil (finely chopped); 1 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped); 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional); Zest of ½ lemon (optional)

This Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato Toast is a bright, savory, and elegant dish perfect for summer lunches, brunch spreads, or effortless appetizers. Creamy mozzarella is layered onto golden sourdough, topped with juicy cherry tomatoes, and finished with a drizzle of vibrant garlic-herb olive oil. It’s simple, fresh, and bursting with flavor – a quick recipe that tastes like something you’d order at a café. Ready in under 15 minutes and naturally vegetarian, this toast makes the most of seasonal ingredients with minimal effort.

Two Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato Toasts on a white round plate

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Some recipes don’t need to be complicated to feel gourmet. This fresh mozzarella and tomato toast with herb-garlic olive oil is one of those quiet showstoppers – the kind of thing you can throw together in 10 minutes and still feel like you’re treating yourself. It’s colorful, crisp, creamy, garlicky, and has that beautiful balance of fresh and rich, crunchy and juicy.

There’s something deeply satisfying about toast like this. It’s a little rustic, a little elegant, and totally craveable. It reminds me of sunny mornings when I want something special but don’t want to turn on the stove, or lunches when I need something nourishing and beautiful that doesn’t feel like a chore.

The key to this toast is using the best ingredients: crusty sourdough, milky fresh mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a bold herb-garlic oil that makes everything sing. This post will walk you through everything – from choosing the right tomatoes to building a toast that stays crisp and flavorful. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato Toast

If you’re looking for a toast recipe that feels restaurant-worthy but is secretly simple, this one is for you. Here’s why it works:

It’s ultra-fresh and summery. Tomatoes and herbs are at their peak in the warmer months, and this recipe makes the most of them.
Quick to prepare. You only need 10–15 minutes, and there’s no cooking beyond toasting the bread.
Customizable. Add a protein, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or change up the herbs – this toast is so easy to play with!
Looks beautiful on a plate. It’s eye-catching enough for brunch, but casual enough for lunch on the porch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down the star players:

Sourdough Bread

Use a hearty, crusty sourdough. It holds up well under toppings and toasts to golden perfection. If you don’t have sourdough, a rustic country loaf or ciabatta works too.

Fresh Mozzarella

This is a game-changer. You want the kind that comes in a ball or log – not the pre-shredded variety. It’s creamy, slightly salty, and adds a luxurious layer to your toast.

Cherry Tomatoes

Look for bright, juicy cherry or grape tomatoes. I love slicing them thin so they overlap slightly across the toast. If you can get heirloom cherry tomatoes in a variety of colors, even better — they add beautiful depth and flavor.

Garlic-Herb Olive Oil

This is what takes the toast from good to unforgettable. Olive oil is infused with grated garlic, chopped fresh herbs like basil and parsley, lemon zest, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. It gets spooned generously over the top and soaks into the mozzarella just slightly, adding intense flavor in every bite.

Choosing the Best Ingredients: My Tips

This toast is all about quality ingredients. Here’s how to make each one count:

Mozzarella: Use fresh mozzarella that comes in a ball or log form. Burrata works beautifully too for an even creamier center. If using burrata, tear it open on the toast and let the center spill out – it’s indulgent and totally worth it.
Tomatoes: Make sure they’re ripe but not mushy. I prefer cherry tomatoes because they’re sweet, but if you only have larger tomatoes, just slice them thin and remove some of the seeds to avoid too much moisture.
Olive Oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil. You’ll really taste it here.
Herbs: Basil and parsley are my go-to, but you could easily use chives, thyme, or even tarragon depending on your herb garden or market haul.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key. Grate it on a microplane or mince very finely so it disperses well in the oil without overwhelming the other flavors.

Toast Technique: How to Get the Perfect Crunch

A great toast starts with a well-toasted slice. You want it golden brown, with crispy edges and a sturdy center that can hold toppings without getting soggy. I recommend:

Brushing both sides of the bread with olive oil.
Toasting it on a grill pan or in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until it’s deeply golden and firm, for about 6–8 minutes.
Letting it cool slightly before adding mozzarella to keep it from melting too fast unless that’s your goal!

You could also rub the toasted bread with a cut garlic clove if you want an extra garlicky base.

How to Assemble It Like a Pro

Here’s the order I use to build the toast so that the textures and flavors shine:

Bread – Toasted, golden, and slightly cooled.
Mozzarella – Torn or sliced and laid over the bread in an even layer.
Tomatoes – Overlapped in rows for that layered look.
Salt + Pepper – Don’t skip this step. It brings the flavors to life.
Garlic-Herb Oil – Drizzled generously over everything, making it glossy and flavorful.

Optional: Finish with microgreens, more chopped herbs, or a small drizzle of balsamic glaze.

When to Serve It

This toast fits almost any occasion:

Quick lunch – Serve with a small salad or a bowl of fruit.
Summer brunch – Stack on a tray with mimosas or iced espresso.
Appetizer board – Slice into halves or quarters for easy bites.
No-cook dinner – Especially when it’s too hot to turn on the oven.

You can even prep the garlic herb oil in advance and keep it in the fridge for 2–3 days. That way, all you have to do is toast, layer, and drizzle.

Recipe Variations to Try

I love starting with a solid base recipe and then switching it up depending on what’s in the fridge or what I’m craving. Here are a few ways to customize this toast:

1. Add Prosciutto

Layer a few thin slices of prosciutto between the mozzarella and tomatoes for a salty, savory bite. Finish with a drizzle of honey for contrast.

2. Top with a Fried Egg

For a brunch-worthy version, add a sunny-side-up egg on top. The yolk creates a creamy sauce that blends with the garlic oil.

3. Use Pesto Instead of Herb Oil

If you have fresh pesto on hand, you can skip the garlic herb oil and use a dollop of pesto instead. Or do both for a burst of herbaceous flavor.

4. Try with Goat Cheese or Ricotta

Swap out mozzarella for a thick layer of whipped ricotta or soft goat cheese for a tangier, lighter flavor.

5. Make It Vegan

Use plant-based mozzarella (there are great cashew-based ones available now) and proceed as usual. You won’t miss the dairy.

Common Questions About This Toast

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the garlic herb oil and slice the tomatoes in advance, but I recommend assembling just before serving so the toast stays crisp and the cheese stays fresh.

What if I don’t like garlic?

You can leave the garlic out of the herb oil or use roasted garlic for a milder flavor.

Can I serve it cold?

Absolutely. It’s delicious at room temperature or slightly chilled – just be sure the toast is still firm enough to hold the toppings.

Behind the Recipe: Why I Love It

This is one of those toasts I come back to again and again – not because it’s trendy or fancy, but because it’s right. It hits that perfect balance of effort and reward. The ingredients are simple, but when you put them together just right, it becomes more than the sum of its parts.

I’ve made this for brunch with friends, for a quiet solo lunch, and even as a quick appetizer for impromptu gatherings. Every time, someone asks what’s in the herb oil, and I always smile – because that little garlic-lemon-herb combo is magic.

Food doesn’t have to be complicated to be joyful. This toast is proof.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hosting friends, treating yourself to a luxe solo lunch, or just craving something that looks as good as it tastes, this fresh mozzarella and tomato toast is it. It’s proof that a handful of good ingredients, when layered with care, can feel like something truly special.

If you try it, tag me on Instagram @katerynascafe – I’d love to see your version! And don’t forget to save or pin this recipe for whenever you need a fresh, no-fuss meal that still feels elevated.