Here’s a simple and delicious Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil recipe—perfect as an appetizer or light snack. The combination of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and crispy toasted bread makes for a classic Italian treat.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of rustic Italian bread (baguette or ciabatta also works well)
- 4-5 medium ripe tomatoes, diced (Roma or plum tomatoes are ideal)
- 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus extra for brushing the bread)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Instructions
- Dice the tomatoes and place them in a mixing bowl. If you want a less watery topping, you can remove the seeds and excess juice from the tomatoes before dicing.
- Add the minced garlic, chopped basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix gently to combine.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary (add more salt, pepper, or olive oil as you prefer). Let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Slice the loaf of bread into 1/2-inch thick slices.
- Brush each slice lightly with olive oil on both sides.
- Toast the bread. You can either:
- Once the bread is toasted, spoon the tomato mixture generously onto each slice, making sure to get some of the juicy tomato mixture along with the chopped basil and garlic.
- Optionally, drizzle a little more olive oil on top for extra richness.
- Serve the bruschetta immediately while the bread is still warm and crispy. You can also sprinkle a little extra fresh basil on top for garnish or a light dusting of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
