
Tomato Bread the Spanish Way!
Pan con tomate, also known as pantomate or “pa amb tomàquet” in Catalan, is a classic Spanish dish that embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. This simple yet flavorful recipe highlights the freshness of ripe tomatoes and the richness of quality olive oil, all served on crusty bread. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, a snack, or even a light meal, pan con tomate is the best.
How to make pan con tomate

Selecting the Best Tomatoes
The star of pan con tomate is undoubtedly the tomatoes.
- Ripe and Juicy: Look for plump, fragrant tomatoes and slightly soft to the touch.
- Seasonality: Opt for tomatoes that are in season for the best flavor.

Preparing the Tomatoes
- Grating: Grate the tomatoes on the coarse side of a box grater. This method ensures you get a smooth, juicy pulp.
- Straining: Optional, but I don’t recommend it.

Types of Bread
The foundation of pan con tomate is the bread. Choosing the right type of bread can make or break the dish.
- Crusty Bread: Opt for a rustic, crusty bread like a baguette or a country loaf.
- Toast: Slice the bread thickly and toast until it’s golden brown and crispy. This helps it withstand the tomato topping without becoming soggy.
Other Ingredients
While tomatoes and bread are the stars, the supporting ingredients play crucial roles in enhancing the dish’s flavors.
- Olive Oil: For its robust flavor, use extra virgin olive oil.
- Fresh Garlic: Rub a cut clove of garlic on the toasted bread before adding the tomato. This adds a subtle but impactful layer of flavor.
- Flaky Sea Salt: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top to enhance the sweetness of the tomatoes and add a delightful crunch.
Pan Con Tomate: A Step By Step Guide
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ripe tomatoes
- 1 loaf of rustic crusty bread like a baguette or country loaf
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic cloves
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Grate the tomatoes on the coarse side of a box grater, discarding the skins.
- Season the tomatoe pul with a pinch of salt and a small gulp of olive oil. Set the tomato pulp aside in a bowl.
- Slice the bread thickly, drizzel with olive oil, toast the slices until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Peel the garlic clove and rub with it the toasted bread slices.
- Spoon the grated tomato pulp onto the toasted bread slices.
- Finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt on each slice. Serve immediately while the bread is still warm.
Notes
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the bread slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy. You may need to flip the slices halfway through for even toasting.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes. Place the bread slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket. Air fry the bread slices for about 3-5 minutes. Check them halfway through and flip if necessary. The bread should be golden brown and crispy.
Nutrition
information
Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
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