Description
Tomato Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer featuring fresh diced tomatoes, fragrant basil, and garlic atop crispy toasted baguette slices, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a bright and flavorful start to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Topping:
- 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Bread:
- 1 baguette (approximately 12 inches), sliced into 1-inch pieces
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven or Grill: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or prepare your grill for medium heat. This will ensure the baguette slices toast evenly, developing a golden brown and crispy texture in about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Topping: Dice the fresh tomatoes and finely chop the basil leaves and garlic cloves. In a mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes, basil, and garlic. Drizzle the mixture with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then gently toss to combine all flavors.
- Toast the Bread: Slice the baguette into 1-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet if using the oven or place directly on the grill grates. Toast until the slices are golden brown and crispy, which typically takes about 5 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- Assemble the Bruschetta: Just before serving, spoon a generous amount of the tomato topping onto each toasted baguette slice. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of crunchy bread and juicy, flavorful topping.
Notes
- Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor.
- For extra garlic flavor, rub a cut garlic clove on the toasted bread before topping.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with oregano or parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately after assembly to keep the bread from becoming soggy.
- Optionally, drizzle additional balsamic glaze over the assembled bruschetta for added sweetness.
