Description
A classic and refreshing Tomato Bruschetta recipe featuring ripe diced tomatoes marinated with garlic, basil, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil, served on toasted crusty bread rubbed with garlic for a perfect appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Tomato Mixture
- 1 pound ripe tomatoes (any variety)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic (grated or crushed)
- 15 fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Bread & Garnish
- 10 slices crusty bread or baguette, cut into ½ inch (1.2 cm) thick slices
- 1 clove garlic (whole, for rubbing on bread)
Instructions
- Cut tomatoes: Rinse the tomatoes under cold water and pat dry. Cut them into small dice, removing excess seeds or watery liquid if tomatoes are very juicy to prevent sogginess.
- Marinate tomatoes: In a mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes with 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 clove grated or crushed garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and the chopped basil leaves. Toss everything together until well mixed. Taste and adjust salt if necessary. Let the mixture marinate at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes to develop flavors.
- Prepare bread slices: Slice the crusty bread or baguette into 10 to 12 pieces about ½ inch (1.2 cm) thick. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet or grill rack.
- Toast bread: Toast the bread under the oven broiler until golden and crunchy, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. This typically takes a few minutes depending on your oven.
- Rub bread with garlic: While the toasted bread is still warm, take a whole garlic clove and rub it over the surface of each toasted slice. This will infuse the bread with a mild garlic flavor.
- Assemble bruschetta: Spoon one or two tablespoons of the marinated tomato mixture onto each garlic-rubbed slice of bread. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use very ripe tomatoes for the best flavor and sweetness in this dish.
- If tomatoes are too watery, draining some of the liquid prevents soggy bread.
- The garlic rubbing on the toast gives a subtle garlic taste without overpowering the freshness of the tomato mixture.
- This bruschetta is best served immediately after assembling to maintain bread crispiness.
- You can substitute fresh basil with other fresh herbs like oregano or parsley if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: tomato bruschetta, Italian appetizer, toasted bread, fresh basil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, easy bruschetta recipe
