Sweet Breakfast Tomatoes with Olive Oil are something I had for the first time in Spain. It’s a Spanish breakfast, and it’s also a fabulous appetizer. Summer tomatoes are worth celebrating and this might just be the best way to do it.
The last time I was in Spain visiting my Spanish sister Pilar, her brother Rafael made a breakfast I will never forget.
Sweet Breakfast Tomatoes with Olive Oil. Though he called it simply, “Tomate con Pan,” (Tomato with Bread).
This Spanish breakfast is incredibly simple, beautiful and delicious.
What’s in Sweet Breakfast Tomatoes with Olive Oil?
This is so pure . . .
- tomatoes
- salt and pepper
- olive oil
Oh, and bread too, as a vehicle to eat it.
How to Make Breakfast Tomatoes
- Grate a tomato. Preferably a freshly picked, sun-kissed, summer tomato. Yep, you grate the tomato. Skin, seeds and all!
- Add a bit of coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Then give it a quick drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. If you can get your hands on a Spanish olive oil, that would be a great choice.
- Serve these breakfast tomatoes with a rustic loaf of bread, and just pull off pieces and dip them in.
Can you use a food processor to blend a lot of tomatoes at once?
Yes you can. That said, I think part of joy of this is grating the tomatoes one at a time, at the table, while you’re eating. This is easy for just a few people, but the food processor will definitely help for a big crowd.
What else can you do with Sweet Breakfast Tomatoes?
This is not only a Spanish breakfast — it also makes for a delightful summer appetizer!
Really, this is excellent as is, however there some some delicious possibilities . . .
- Spread it on toasted baguette slices and top them with avocado slices. Tomato toast! It’s sort of the reverse of my avocado toast.
- Mix it into pasta or rice.
- Serve it over or with chicken or fish.
- Add it to a sandwich.
During the summer, this is one tastiest breakfasts imaginable. And its simplicity is part of its beauty.
The key to this being amazing, is of course to start with an absolutely wonderful tomato — right off the vine if possible! Summer is the best time to make it!
Enjoy!
Update June 2019: This was originally published in 2012 and has been updated with new images and information.
This is a Spanish breakfast, and it's also a fabulous appetizer for any meal. Summer tomatoes are worth celebrating and this might just be the best way to do it.
- 2 large tomatoes (about 1/2-pound each), washed and dried
- pinch salt
- pinch freshly grated black pepper
- drizzle of extra virgin olive oil (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 small to medium-sized baguette
-
Grate the tomatoes and add the pulp to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil. Serve immediately with a baguette.
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This is just magnificent! I would love it. I will try it. I’m sure the bread was leftover from the previous day, a bit stale, and perfect for this purpose.
Thanks, Dorothy! And thank you for sharing on your FB page! 😀 Lovely to see you on Sunday!
I love tomatoes. I have even done something like this with canned tomatoes and cheese – oh so good. But you can bet I will fix this . right now. Thank you B
Thank you Barbara! I hope you love it!
So simple yet so delicious. It’s amazing how beautiful summer produce just speak for themselves. Start with amazing ingredients and you’ll have amazing results with very little fuss. Thank you for sharing! Wish I was in Spain again…
Quyen, I wish I was in Spain, too! Thanks!
I know one li’l girl who’d love tomatoes for breakie!
Colette — I hope your breakfast was delicious!
Yes. Simple perfection. GREG
tomatoes and bread. most cultures have discovered what a perfect marriage these two are…
We went to spain a few years ago and this was by far our favorite breakfast…and the olive oil…i just could not get enough…
Oh my yes! That looks simply amazing.
It is! Thanks, Mandy. xo
Never grated a tomato, but I love this idea. It’s like a simple, grated caprese (sans cheese and basil!) Delicious!
This is a fantastic! I’m showing my friends!
This is absolutely wonderful for any meal!
Thank you, Angie! I love it. 🙂 ~Valentina
Would gladly have it right now. And a glass of red wine 🙂
Perfect! I love it. 🙂 Thanks!
It’s recipes like this that make me so excited it’s summer! Love all the beautiful produce that’s around and this looks like such a delicious way to use it! A trip to Spain in every bite 😉 Yum!! Have a lovely week, my friend!
Gracias, Dawn. 😉 Enjoy the summer tomatoes. Cheers! ~Valentina
Tomato with bread? That totally doesn’t do this recipe justice! It sounds so basic and boring…but this recipe looks anything but boring. I love European breakfasts! (I mean I love American breakfasts, too, but there is something special about tomatoes and cheeses and assorted breads for breakfast.) Either way, this sounds like a fun recipe for sure!
Valentina, what a wonderful breakfast! The tomatoes look so delicious and I love how they’re grated. So irresistible with a garden fresh tomato!
Thanks, Kelly. Hope you try it over the summer. 🙂 ~Valentina
This looks incredible. Bet the flavor of this is wonderful. Easiest recipe ever, too. Thanks!
Thank you. Hope you try and enjoy! 🙂 Happy summer! ~Valentina
What a delicious way to shake up my avocado toast! Now I cannot wait for my garden tomatoes to ripen!
So great you have a garden. It’s hit or miss for me depending on how busy life gets. This year all we have are herbs. Next year tomatoes! 🙂 Thanks for visiting. ~Valentina
Fabulous! It’s almost tomato glut season here along the coast. I can hardly wait for too many tomatoes. It’s one of the best parts of summer.
Love, love tomato season. Really, summer fruit season is the best! 🙂 Thanks. ~Valentina
Definitely one of my favorite tapas when I’m in Spain! You just can’t beat simple recipes using the best quality ingredients!
Agreed! 😀 Thanks, Christina.
I started grating tomatoes in the past year or two – and my method leaves the skin but grates all else. There is something about grated tomatoes that is so much better than blitzing them in the food processor. Makes the best sauce! Never thought about them for breakfast, but I will now!
I love tomato season and this recipe is the perfect way to celebrate it.
Thank you, Cathy! 😀
My cherry tomatoes have ripened, but I’m still waiting on my larger varieties! It’s the only reason I stay here where I live for the summer. That and basil! Not that I have a place to go, but it’s hot hot hot here! Anyway, love your recipe.
Mimi, thank you. So great you can grow all of that deliciousness! The silver lining of the hot weather. Enjoy and hope your summer is lovely. ~Valentina