If you are looking for a delicious appetizer or side dish, you have to try this Garlic Pepper Toast recipe. Super simple to make and packed full of flavor.
I grow fresh basil in my garden so I always have some on hand. There’s nothing like the smell of fresh basil. If you are not fortunate enough to grow your own basil, most grocery stores sell fresh basil.
If you don’t have access to fresh basil, you can use dried basil but use a little less than what is listed on the recipe card. Maybe cut it in half. In a pinch, you can use oregano but it will change the flavor profile of this recipe.
When making this garlic pepper toast, I like to use roasted bell peppers from a jar. Since they are already “cooked” it doesn’t take much time for the pepper mixture to come together. If you want to use fresh red bell peppers, you will need to roast them yourself ahead of time.
Like most of you, I always have a bag of shredded mozzarella cheese on hand. It’s my go-to when I am looking for a bubbly cheese top. Another option would be to use some Monterey Jack Cheese which also melts nicely.
Since I am in the kitchen almost every day working on recipes and feeding family and friends, I always have a bunch of garlic on hand.
99% of the time I use my garlic press to mince fresh garlic. A simple substitute would be to use some garlic out of a jar.
Gather your Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make this Garlic Pepper Toast recipe (see recipe card for quantities): Red Onion, Roasted Red Bell Pepper Strips, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Basil, Garlic Salt, French Bread and Mozzarella Cheese.
How to Make Garlic Pepper Toast
- In a skillet, sauté the onion, roasted red bell pepper, olive oil and crushed garlic until fragrant and tender. Remove from heat.
- Add the fresh basil and garlic salt stir till combined. Set aside.
- Cut the bread into 1-inch slices and place on an ungreased baking sheet. Broil each side for 1 to 2 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Brush one side of the toasted bread with some olive oil. Top each piece of bread with the pepper mixture. Sprinkle each with some of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes or until cheese is brown and bubbly.
Printable Recipe Card
Garlic Pepper Toast
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Ingredients
- 1 Cup Red Onion, chopped
- 16 oz Roasted Red Bell Pepper Strips, drained & julienned
- 5 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 3 Tbsp Garlic Cloves, crushed
- 1 Tbsp Fresh Basil, julienned
- 1 Tsp Garlic Salt
- 1 loaf French Bread
- 1 Cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
Instructions
- In a skillet, sauté the onion, roasted red bell pepper, olive oil and crushed garlic until fragrant and tender. Remove from heat.
- Add the fresh basil and garlic salt stir till combined. Set aside.
- Cut the bread into 1 inch slices and place on an ungreased baking sheet. Broil each side for 1 to 2 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Brush one side of the toasted bread with some olive oil. Top each piece of bread with the pepper mixture. Sprinkle each with some of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes or until cheese is brown and bubbly.
This garlic pepper toast was fantastic. So easy to make and oh so good. I did not have fresh basil on hand, so I went to buy some, but after having this toast I think I will grow my own so I can make this more often. It was the best I have ever tasted.