Description
This classic Bruschetta recipe is a vibrant and fresh appetizer featuring ripe tomatoes, garlic, basil, and toasted baguette slices. Perfectly balanced with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, it’s quick to prepare and ideal for entertaining or as a light snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Tomato Mixture
- 6 to 7 large beefsteak tomatoes (or ripe plum tomatoes, diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 small red onion (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 8 fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Bread and Garnish
- 16 ounce baguette (or French bread)
- 2 garlic cloves (peeled for rubbing on toasted bread)
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Prepare the tomato mixture: In a bowl, combine diced tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped red onion, balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and chopped fresh basil leaves. Stir well and set aside for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Slice the bread: Cut the baguette into 1/2 inch thick slices, ensuring even thickness to toast properly.
- Prepare the bread for toasting: Lay the bread slices on a tray and lightly spray them with olive oil to enhance browning and add flavor.
- Toast the bread: Place the tray under the broiler in your oven. Toast the bread slices until they become golden brown, watching closely to prevent burning (this usually takes 1-2 minutes).
- Rub garlic on toasted bread: Once toasted, immediately rub each slice with a peeled garlic clove to infuse them with a subtle garlic flavor.
- Assemble the bruschetta: Arrange the garlic-rubbed bread slices on a platter and carefully top each piece with the prepared tomato mixture.
- Serve immediately: Serve the bruschetta right away to keep the bread crisp and prevent sogginess, or serve the tomato mixture on the side if preferred.
Notes
- Use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Keep an eye on the bread while broiling as it can burn quickly.
- For a different twist, add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
- Serve immediately after assembling to maintain bread crispness.
- Can be made vegetarian and gluten-free by choosing appropriate bread alternatives.
