Classic Italian Bruschetta
Fresh tomato and basil topping on crispy toasted bread, a perfect Italian appetizer.
15 mins
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
4
Servings
Ingredients
- 4 slices of rustic Italian bread
- 2 large ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Nutrition Facts
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Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the bread into 1-inch thick pieces and place them on a baking sheet.
Toast the bread in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Remove and let cool slightly.
While the bread is toasting, prepare the topping. In a bowl, combine diced tomatoes, chopped basil, minced garlic, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.
Season the tomato mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
Rub one side of each toasted bread slice lightly with a garlic clove for extra flavor.
Spoon the tomato mixture generously onto each bread slice. Drizzle with a little more olive oil if desired and serve immediately.
Chef's Tips
- Bread Choice: Use a rustic, crusty bread like ciabatta or baguette for the best texture.
- Tomato Tip: Remove seeds from the tomatoes to prevent the bruschetta from becoming too watery.
- Garlic Trick: For a stronger garlic flavor, rub the toasted bread with a cut garlic clove before adding the topping.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the tomato mixture ahead of time, but add the basil just before serving to keep it fresh.
- Variation: Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or fresh mozzarella for extra richness.
