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Bruschetta with Tomato & Basil

Bruschetta with Tomato & Basil

This classic Italian antipasto features crispy bread topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic. Dating back to 15th century Italy, this simple yet flavorful appetizer creates a perfect harmony of flavors that transports you straight to the Italian countryside.
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Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Bruschetta, Tomato Appetizer, Fresh Tomato, Italian Appetizer, Basil
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 180kcal

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Cutting Board
  • Colander

Ingredients

Bread Base

  • 1 French baguette or Italian bread sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
  • extra virgin olive oil for brushing bread
  • 1 clove garlic whole, for rubbing bread

Tomato Mixture

  • 6 medium ripe tomatoes diced (about 3 cups)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves thinly sliced into ribbons
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar aged balsamic adds exceptional depth
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Optional Additions

  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese optional
  • 1 tablespoon capers drained, optional for added tanginess

Instructions

  • Dice tomatoes into small, uniform cubes and place them in a colander for 5 minutes to drain excess liquid.
  • Transfer drained tomatoes to a mixing bowl and add minced garlic, basil ribbons, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Gently toss to combine, being careful not to crush the tomatoes.
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange bread slices on a large baking sheet and lightly brush both sides with olive oil.
  • Bake for 5-7 minutes until the edges turn golden brown but the centers remain slightly soft. For extra crispiness, broil for the final 30 seconds, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  • While the toast is still warm, take the whole garlic clove and rub it over the surface of each bread slice.
  • Spoon the tomato mixture generously onto each garlic-rubbed toast. If using, sprinkle with a light dusting of Parmesan cheese.
  • For best flavor, let the assembled bruschetta rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the bread to absorb the juices while still maintaining its crunch.

Notes

The key to exceptional bruschetta is using the freshest ingredients possible. Garden-ripened tomatoes will elevate this dish from good to extraordinary.
For make-ahead preparation, store the tomato mixture separately from the bread. You can refrigerate the tomato mixture in an airtight container for up to 24 hours and toast the bread up to 8 hours in advance.
Leftover tomato mixture makes an excellent pasta sauce when gently warmed or a delicious addition to omelets.

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1.5g | Sodium: 320mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 10IU | Vitamin C: 15mg
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