Description
This Tomato Bruschetta recipe offers a fresh, simple, and flavorful Italian appetizer featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and toasted baguette slices. Perfectly seasoned and served at room temperature, it’s an easy dish to prepare that bursts with vibrant, Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Tomato Topping
- 20 to 24 ounces ripe tomatoes (4 to 5 Roma tomatoes or 3 to 4 regular tomatoes, diced small)
- ¼ cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves (chopped finely)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Bread and Garnish
- 1 baguette
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or to taste)
- 1 clove garlic (for toast)
Instructions
- Dice Tomatoes: Begin by dicing the ripe tomatoes into approximately ¼ inch pieces. Lightly drain them to remove excess juice, which helps maintain a balanced texture for the topping.
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, finely chopped basil, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to mix all flavors together and allow this mixture to stand at room temperature for at least one hour to meld the flavors thoroughly.
- Prepare Bread: Slice the baguette into thin pieces. Brush each slice with olive oil, then toast or grill them for about 2 to 4 minutes until they are lightly browned and crisp.
- Finish Toast: Rub each toasted baguette slice with a raw garlic clove to impart a subtle garlic flavor. Then, top each slice generously with the tomato mixture, serving immediately for the best freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Use ripe, firm tomatoes for the best texture and flavor.
- Letting the tomato mixture rest at room temperature enhances the flavor infusion.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste before serving.
- Serve immediately after assembling to keep the bread crisp.
- Optionally, drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the top for an added touch of sweetness and acidity.
