Description
This Bruschetta recipe is an easy and fresh Italian appetizer featuring toasted baguette slices topped with a flavorful mixture of ripe tomatoes, red onion, garlic, fresh basil, and a touch of balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. Perfect for impressing guests with a simple yet delicious starter that’s vibrant and full of authentic flavors.
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 and Toast Bread: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush each slice lightly with olive oil. Toast in the oven for 5–7 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
- Prepare Topping: While the bread is toasting, in a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, red onion, minced garlic, chopped basil, balsamic vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then stir gently to combine all the flavors.
- Rub Bread with Garlic: Remove the toasted bread from the oven and immediately rub the top of each slice with the whole garlic clove. This infuses the bread with subtle garlic flavor while it’s still warm.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the tomato mixture onto each toasted slice just before serving to ensure the bread remains crisp. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For added richness, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese or add a dollop of fresh mozzarella on top of the tomato mixture.
- Grilling the bread slices instead of oven-toasting enhances the smoky flavor.
- This recipe is best served fresh, but you can prepare the tomato mixture up to an hour in advance. Keep the bread separate until ready to serve.
