Cravers' Cheese Toast

This scrumptious open-faced sandwich will remind you of the classic Margherita pizza.

Recipe Ingredients:

4 thick slices cheese bread of choice
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
2 ripe plum tomatoes, seeded, coarsely chopped
4 ounces fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced*
4 leaves fresh basil, finely chopped
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400ºF (205ºC).
2. Place bread on baking sheet. Bake 5 minutes on each side or until lightly toasted. Remove from oven.
3. Whisk together oil and vinegar. Drizzle teaspoon of mixture over bread slice. Layer 1 tablespoon of diced tomato on toast. Cover with 3 slices of mozzarella. Sprinkle with additional diced tomato, herbs, salt and a generous grinding of black pepper. Proceed with remaining toast slices.
4. Return to oven and bake 4 to 6 minutes or until cheese is soft and melted. Serve warm.

Makes 4 servings.

*May substitute regular mozzarella for the fresh.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of the American Dairy Association.