Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a large baking tray with parchment paper. You want the oven fully hot so the bread crisps up immediately.

Prepare the garlic butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Mash everything together with a fork until the herbs and garlic are evenly distributed. You should smell the fragrant garlic and parsley immediately.

Slice and butter the bread: Cut the ciabatta or baguette in half lengthwise, creating two long open-faced pieces. Spread the garlic butter generously over the cut sides, making sure to cover every inch right to the edges. The butter will look pale and speckled with green herbs.

Arrange the tomatoes: Place the buttered bread on the prepared tray. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes cut-side up over the bread, pressing them gently into the butter so they stay put. As the bread bakes, the tomatoes will soften and their juices will mingle with the garlic butter.

Add the cheese: Lay the mozzarella slices evenly over the tomatoes. Don't worry if they overlap slightly; the cheese will melt and spread as it bakes. You'll see the white rounds sitting on top of the red tomatoes.

Bake until golden and bubbling: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. After 8 minutes, check the bread—you want the edges to be deep golden brown and the cheese to be fully melted and beginning to bubble. The kitchen will smell of toasted bread, garlic, and warm tomatoes. If you prefer a darker top, switch to the grill for the final 1-2 minutes, watching carefully so it doesn't burn.

Finish and serve: Remove the tray from the oven and let it rest for 2 minutes. This brief rest allows the cheese to set slightly so it doesn't slide off when you cut it. Tear the fresh basil leaves over the top, drizzle generously with balsamic glaze and a little extra virgin olive oil, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Slice into portions and serve warm, while the cheese is still stretchy and the bread is crisp.