Bruschetta With Tomato and Basil
Bruschetta with tomato and basil is a classic Italian appetizer featuring toasted baguette slices topped with a fresh mixture of ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, garlic, and olive oil. It’s quick to prepare, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole baguette sliced into ½ inch thickness, diagonally
- 1-2 cloves garlic peeled and lightly crushed
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3-4 whole ripe tomatoes diced (choose Roma or vine-ripened for best flavor)
- 10-12 leaves fresh basil chopped
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- balsamic vinegar optional, splash
- grated Parmesan cheese optional, sprinkle
Instructions
- Slice your baguette diagonally into ½-inch thick pieces. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet and brush each slice lightly with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Toast the slices in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Once the bread slices are toasted, immediately rub one side of each slice with the peeled and lightly crushed garlic cloves to infuse the bread with garlic flavor.
- While the bread is toasting, dice the tomatoes and place them in a mixing bowl. Add the chopped basil leaves, drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Gently toss to combine. Optionally, add a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.
- Spoon the tomato and basil mixture generously on top of each toasted baguette slice. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for a savory finish.
- Arrange the slices on a serving platter and garnish with a few whole basil leaves. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast between the crunchy bread and the juicy topping.
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Mixing Bowl
- Knife
Notes
Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for best flavor, preferably Roma. Don't skip rubbing the toasted bread with garlic to add depth of flavor. Toast bread until golden for a satisfying crunch without hardness. Prepare tomato mixture just before serving to avoid soggy bread. Variations include adding mozzarella, avocado, or grilled meats. Store toasted bread and tomato topping separately to maintain freshness.