Baked Mozzarella with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe
A simple and delicious baked mozzarella recipe featuring fresh mozzarella slices and cherry tomatoes broiled to bubbly perfection. This dish is enhanced with garlic, fresh basil, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, served with crusty bread for dipping—a perfect appetizer or snack.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 10 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For Garnish and Serving
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Crusty bread (for serving)
Others
- Extra virgin olive oil (for greasing and drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat Broiler: Preheat your oven broiler to get it ready for cooking the mozzarella and tomatoes quickly and evenly.
- Prepare Dish: Lightly grease a small ovenproof dish with extra virgin olive oil to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Layer Ingredients: Alternately layer the slices of fresh mozzarella and halved cherry tomatoes in the greased dish, creating an even and attractive arrangement. Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the top to infuse flavor during broiling.
- Drizzle Olive Oil: Drizzle a bit more extra virgin olive oil over the layered ingredients to enhance browning and add richness to the dish.
- Broil: Place the dish on the middle rack of your oven under the broiler. Broil for 4-7 minutes or until the mozzarella melts completely and becomes bubbly. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped basil for a fresh, herbal note. Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping into the melted cheese and tomato juices.
Notes
- Keep a close eye on the dish while broiling to prevent the cheese from burning.
- You can add a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or chili flakes for extra flavor if desired.
- Use fresh, high-quality mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the gooey, warm cheese texture.
Keywords: baked mozzarella, mozzarella cheese, cherry tomatoes, easy appetizer, broiled cheese, Italian appetizer
