Description
A classic Italian Bruschetta recipe featuring juicy diced tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and a hint of balsamic vinegar served on toasted baguette slices. This easy appetizer is perfect for entertaining and highlights fresh, vibrant flavors.
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 ounces baguette or French bread
- Olive oil spray, for toasting bread
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled (for rubbing on toasted bread)
Instructions
- Prepare 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 basil leaves. Stir well and set aside for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Slice Bread: Cut the baguette into 1/2 inch thick slices to prepare for toasting.
- Apply Olive Oil: Arrange the bread slices on a tray and lightly spray both sides with olive oil spray to enhance toasting and flavor.
- Toast Bread: Place the bread slices under the oven broiler. Toast until golden brown, watching closely to prevent burning, about 2-4 minutes.
- Rub with Garlic: Immediately after toasting, rub each bread slice with a whole peeled garlic clove to infuse garlic flavor.
- Assemble Bruschetta: Place the toasted bread slices on a serving platter and spoon the tomato mixture generously on top of each slice.
- Serve: Serve the bruschetta immediately to avoid sogginess, or serve the tomato mixture on the side to keep the bread crisp.
Notes
- Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor; plum tomatoes work well if beefsteak aren’t available.
- Adjust garlic and onion amounts to your taste preference.
- To keep bread crisp longer, serve tomato mixture on the side and build bruschetta just before eating.
- Basil can be substituted with fresh oregano or parsley if desired.
- For a meatier variation, add diced mozzarella or prosciutto on top before serving.
