Description
This Bruschetta recipe is a fresh, flavorful Italian appetizer that’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Crisp toasted baguette slices topped with a vibrant mixture of ripe tomatoes, red onion, garlic, basil, and a hint of balsamic vinegar make for a delicious starter or snack that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing bread)
Topping
- 4 ripe Roma tomatoes, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (plus 1 whole clove for rubbing on bread)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for toasting the bread slices evenly and achieving a perfect golden crust.
- Prepare the Bread: Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Lightly brush each slice with 2 tablespoons of olive oil to ensure crispiness and flavor during toasting.
- Toast the Bread: Place the baking sheet in the oven and toast the bread slices for 5 to 7 minutes, or until they are golden and crisp on the edges.
- Make the Topping: While the bread is toasting, combine the diced tomatoes, finely minced red onion, 2 cloves of minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, and 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste and gently mix the ingredients to meld the flavors.
- Flavor the Bread: Remove the toasted bread from the oven. Immediately rub the top of each slice with the whole garlic clove to infuse a subtle garlic aroma and depth of flavor into the crust.
- Assemble and Serve: Just before serving, spoon the fresh tomato mixture generously onto each toasted bread slice to keep the bread from becoming soggy. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a cheesy variation, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or add a dollop of fresh mozzarella on top of the tomato mixture.
- Grilling the bread slices instead of toasting in the oven can enhance the flavor with a smoky char.
- This recipe is best served fresh but you can prepare the tomato topping up to an hour in advance and toast the bread close to serving time.
