Description
Crispy toasted bread topped with juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a hint of garlic and olive oil. This classic Italian bruschetta is fresh, flavorful, and perfect as a quick appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
- Tomatoes: 4 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
- Fresh Basil: ½ cup, thinly sliced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, peeled (1 minced, 1 whole for rubbing)
- Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons
- Balsamic Vinegar (optional): 1 tablespoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon
- Bread: 1 baguette or rustic Italian loaf, sliced into ½-inch pieces
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix diced tomatoes, minced garlic, basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar (if using), salt, and pepper. Let the mixture sit for at least 10 minutes.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Place bread slices on a baking sheet or grill pan.
- Assemble the Dish: Toast the bread for 5–7 minutes in the oven or 2–3 minutes per side on the grill, until golden brown and crisp.
- Cook to Perfection: Remove bread and immediately rub each slice with the reserved garlic clove while still warm.
- Finishing Touches: Spoon the tomato mixture generously onto each piece of toasted bread.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange on a platter, drizzle with extra olive oil or balsamic glaze if desired, and serve fresh.
Notes
- Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for best flavor.
- Let the tomato mixture sit to deepen the taste.
- Toast bread just before serving to keep it crisp.
- Try heirloom tomatoes for added color and sweetness.