This easy tapas board brings the vibrant flavors of Spain right to your home, centered around the iconic Catalan pan con tomate—crusty bread rubbed with ripe tomatoes, garlic, and drizzled with olive oil. It’s a perfect no-fuss appetizer or light meal for entertaining.
Easy Pan Con Tomate Tapas Board
This easy tapas board brings the vibrant flavors of Spain right to your home, centered around the iconic Catalan pan con tomate—crusty bread rubbed with ripe tomatoes, garlic, and drizzled with olive oil. It's a perfect no-fuss appetizer or light meal for entertaining.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf crusty baguette or rustic bread sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
- 2 cloves garlic peeled
- 3 ripe tomatoes halved
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
- 0.5 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Toast the bread slices until golden and crisp, either under a broiler, in a toaster, or on a grill pan.
- While still warm, gently rub one side of each toasted bread slice with a peeled garlic clove.
- Take the halved tomatoes and rub the cut side vigorously over the garlic-rubbed bread, squeezing gently to release the pulp and juice.
- Drizzle each piece generously with extra virgin olive oil.
- Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Arrange the pan con tomate on a serving board along with other tapas elements like olives, cheese, or cured meats. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use good quality extra virgin olive oil. Experiment with adding thin slices of serrano ham or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the pan con tomate. Other board elements can include olives, Manchego cheese, chorizo, or almonds.
