Description
Savor Mediterranean flavors with this classic tomato bruschetta recipe that celebrates fresh ingredients and simple Italian culinary traditions. Crisp bread topped with ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and golden olive oil creates a perfect appetizer you’ll love serving at summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4–5 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) balsamic vinegar
Seasoning:
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for brushing (additional amount)
Instructions
- Select ripe, firm tomatoes and dice them into small, uniform cubes, transferring to a spacious mixing bowl.
- Finely chop fragrant basil leaves and mince fresh garlic, adding both to the tomato mixture.
- Generously drizzle high-quality extra-virgin olive oil over the ingredients, ensuring even coverage.
- Splash a touch of aged balsamic vinegar into the bowl, creating a vibrant flavor profile.
- Gently toss all components to integrate the herbs, garlic, and liquids thoroughly.
- Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasonings for balanced flavor.
- Allow the tomato medley to rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, enabling ingredients to develop depth and complexity.
- Preheat oven to 375°F or prepare a grill to medium-high heat.
- Slice a crusty baguette diagonally into half-inch thick pieces for optimal crunch and surface area.
- Brush each bread slice with olive oil, ensuring complete and even coating.
- Toast bread until edges turn golden brown and surfaces become crisp, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Spoon the marinated tomato mixture generously atop each toasted bread slice.
- Transfer bruschetta to a serving platter, garnishing with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Serve immediately while bread remains warm and crisp, capturing the essence of fresh ingredients.
Notes
- Choose ultra-ripe, juicy tomatoes for maximum flavor burst and authentic Italian taste.
- Chop tomatoes uniformly to ensure consistent texture and balanced bites throughout the bruschetta.
- Allow tomato mixture to rest at room temperature so herbs and garlic infuse deeply into ingredients.
- Use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil and authentic balsamic vinegar for enhanced gourmet experience.
- For gluten-free version, swap baguette with grilled polenta slices or gluten-free bread alternatives.
- Prepare ingredients just before serving to maintain crisp bread and fresh tomato integrity.
- Customize by adding crumbled feta cheese or fresh mozzarella for extra protein and creamy texture.
- Skip garlic if sensitive or prefer milder version, replacing with roasted garlic or mild herbs.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg