Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F. Toss together tomatoes, garlic, thyme, fennel seeds, salt, vinegar, and 1/4 cup of the oil in an 11- x 7-inch baking dish. Roast; stirring once, until tomatoes are tender and skins blister, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool 10 minutes.

Step 2

Meanwhile, place baguette slices in a shallow baking pan, and drizzle with 1/4 cup of the oil. Bake at 350°F until slightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Carefully remove and discard blistered peels from cooled tomatoes, if desired. Spread goat cheese on warm baguette slices, and place on a serving platter. Top with tomatoes, drizzle with remaining 1/4 cup oil, and sprinkle with basil leaves.