Name: Catalan Tomato Bread (Pa Amb Tomàquet) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: 1 loaf rustic country bread or baguette; 2 to 3 ripe medium tomatoes; 1 to 2 cloves garlic; Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling; Flaky sea salt to taste

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There’s magic in simplicity, and no dish proves this quite like Catalan Tomato Bread (Pa Amb Tomàquet). This humble classic from Spain’s Catalonia region transforms the most basic ingredients—bread, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and salt—into something utterly craveable. Whether you enjoy it as a tapas favorite, a starter for summer gatherings, or a quick snack, each bite delivers a punchy balance of crispiness, juiciness, and bold Mediterranean flavor. Ready in minutes yet brimming with tradition, it’s a celebration of honest ingredients and convivial meals that you’ll want to share with everyone at your table.

Catalan Tomato Bread (Pa Amb Tomàquet) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be fooled by the short ingredient list! Every element in Catalan Tomato Bread (Pa Amb Tomàquet) is chosen for maximum flavor and plays a crucial role—from the crusty bread base to the sun-ripened tomatoes. Choose the best you can find, because true greatness here comes down to quality and freshness.

Rustic country bread or baguette: Look for a sturdy, crusty bread that will hold up to toasting and soaking in tomato juices.
Ripe medium tomatoes: Opt for the juiciest, reddest tomatoes you can find, as these provide all the robust flavor and lively color.
Garlic cloves: Just one or two will infuse the bread with a subtle, aromatic sharpness without overpowering the other ingredients.
Extra virgin olive oil: A generous drizzle of high-quality olive oil enhances richness and ties the flavors together.
Flaky sea salt: That final pinch of salt brightens everything and heightens the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.

How to Make Catalan Tomato Bread (Pa Amb Tomàquet)

Step 1: Toast the Bread

Start by slicing your rustic loaf or baguette into thick, hearty slices—wide enough to grab with your hands but thin enough to crisp up nicely. Toast them over a grill for smoky notes, in the toaster for convenience, or under the broiler for a golden, crunchy foundation. The warm, toasty surface is perfect for absorbing those amazing flavors you’ll add next.

Step 2: Rub with Garlic

Peel 1 or 2 garlic cloves and cut each in half. While the bread is still warm, gently rub the cut side of the garlic over the toast. You control the intensity: a quick pass gives a hint of flavor, while more pressure brings out bolder garlic undertones. This step couldn’t be simpler—yet it transforms the bread into a savory canvas.

Step 3: Add the Tomato

Cut your ripe tomatoes in half. Using the cut side, rub the tomatoes directly on the garlicky bread slices, letting all those tomato juices, seeds, and soft pulp work their magic. The bread soaks up the flavor, turning ruby red and slightly tangy—it’s wonderfully messy in the best way.

Step 4: Drizzle with Olive Oil

Grab your richest, fruitiest extra virgin olive oil and drizzle a generous stream over each tomato-topped slice. The oil mingles beautifully with the tomato and garlic, enriching the entire bite and giving it a gorgeous sheen.

Step 5: Sprinkle with Flaky Sea Salt

Finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt on each slice. This brightens every component, making the flavors pop and balancing the acidity of the tomato. Don’t skip this step—the salt brings everything together and makes each bite irresistible.

How to Serve Catalan Tomato Bread (Pa Amb Tomàquet)

Garnishes

Keep things classic with just a touch of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or a few cracked black peppercorns. Some folks love topping Catalan Tomato Bread (Pa Amb Tomàquet) with anchovies, roasted peppers, or even a sprinkle of grated Manchego for a fusion of flavors. No matter how simple or dressed up, it never loses its charm.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with a spread of Spanish tapas. Think marinated olives, vibrant cheeses, or a platter of Jamón Ibérico. If you want something more substantial, serve Catalan Tomato Bread (Pa Amb Tomàquet) alongside grilled vegetables or a Spanish omelette (tortilla española) for a truly festive meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Take the rustic route by arranging slices on a wooden board, or embrace creativity: cut them into bite-sized squares for party platters, or build open-faced sandwiches with layers of cheese, cured meats, or grilled vegetables. Let your imagination go wild—the bread welcomes almost any topping you love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s rare!), keep the tomato-rubbed bread stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. The texture will soften but the flavors remain vibrant.

Freezing

It’s best to freeze just the toasted bread slices before you’ve added the tomato or oil. Let them cool, then wrap airtight and freeze for up to a month. To serve, just re-toast, then proceed with garlic, tomato, olive oil, and salt as usual.

Reheating

If your bread has softened, pop it in the oven or toaster for a couple of minutes to revive that delightful crunch. If the tomato is already on the bread, warm gently in the oven at a low temperature—the topping will get even juicier!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought sliced bread instead of rustic bread?

You can use store-bought sliced bread in a pinch, but the texture and flavor won’t be quite as authentic. The key to great Catalan Tomato Bread (Pa Amb Tomàquet) is a hearty bread that stands up well to toasting and absorbing those luscious juices.

What kind of tomatoes work best?

The juicier and riper, the better! Seek out peak-season tomatoes, especially heirlooms, roma, or vine-ripened varieties. They should feel heavy for their size and yield slightly when pressed.

Is this dish vegan and gluten-free?

It’s naturally vegan as written, provided your bread contains no dairy. For a gluten-free version, simply use your favorite sturdy gluten-free bread—it works beautifully with the same toppings.

Can I prepare Catalan Tomato Bread (Pa Amb Tomàquet) ahead of time?

You can pre-toast the bread and even rub with garlic ahead, but it’s best to add tomato, oil, and salt just before serving to preserve texture and maximize flavor. Assemble at the last minute for the ultimate experience.

What’s the difference between this and Italian bruschetta?

While both feature toasted bread and tomatoes, Catalan Tomato Bread (Pa Amb Tomàquet) calls for rubbing tomato directly on the bread rather than making a diced topping. The process is a bit messier, but the resulting flavor is bright, rustic, and uniquely Catalonian.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Catalan Tomato Bread (Pa Amb Tomàquet) is beloved across Spain—it’s deceptively simple yet totally unforgettable. Gather your favorite bread, the juiciest tomatoes, and dive in with friends and family. You’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again for its flavor, versatility, and the pure joy it brings to the table!

Catalan Tomato Bread (Pa Amb Tomàquet) Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the flavors of Catalonia with this simple yet delicious Catalan Tomato Bread, known as Pa Amb Tomàquet in the region. This traditional Spanish dish features ripe tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil on crispy toast for a burst of Mediterranean taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread:

1 loaf rustic country bread or baguette

Tomatoes:

2 to 3 ripe medium tomatoes

Garlic:

1 to 2 cloves garlic

Additional:

Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
Flaky sea salt to taste

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Instructions

Slice and Toast Bread: Slice the bread into thick slices and toast until golden and crisp.
Prepare Garlic: Peel and halve the garlic cloves, then rub them over the warm toasted bread.
Prepare Tomatoes: Cut the tomatoes in half and rub the cut side over the bread to release juices and pulp.
Drizzle and Serve: Drizzle each slice with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt, and serve warm.