Bruschetta with Tomatoes and Basil - Crusty baguette slices are toasted until golden and crisp, then topped with a vibrant mixture of diced ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. The simplicity of fresh, high-quality ingredients makes this classic Italian appetizer shine. It is light, refreshing, and bursts with summer flavor.

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Bruschetta with Tomatoes and Basil - I ate bruschetta daily in Rome, where they used the ripest tomatoes and crustiest bread. Back home, I struggled until I started salting the tomatoes ahead to draw out excess water. The 25-minute total time is mostly chopping and resting. That first bite of garlic-rubbed toast with the bright tomato mixture still takes me back to that sun-drenched piazza.

Dietary Notes

✓ No-Cook Topping
✓ Fresh & Vibrant
✓ Quick Appetizer
✓ Summer Favorite

♥

Why You'll Love This

Fresh Ingredients: Ripe tomatoes and basil are key.
Textural Contrast: Crispy bread with juicy topping.
5-Minute Assembly: Quick to prepare for guests.
Light & Healthy: A refreshing start to any meal.

Bruschetta with Tomatoes and Basil

👩‍🍳 Author: Chef Nour

⏰ Prep Time: 15min

❄️ Cool Time: 0

🔥 Cook Time: 10min

🥨 Yield: 6

🍞 Method: Toasting

🌾 Diet: Vegetarian

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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restaurant Ingredients

1 baguette
4-5 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
½ cup packed fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
to taste salt and black pepper

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✏️

Baguette Use crusty bread for crisp toast with chewy center. Toast well so it holds juicy tomato topping.
Ripe tomatoes Use ripe Roma or vine tomatoes for sweet flavor. Seed if very watery to prevent soggy bruschetta.
Fresh basil leaves Basil adds classic Italian aroma. Slice thinly (chiffonade) to release oils without bruising.
Garlic cloves Garlic flavors both topping and bread. Rub toasted bread with halved garlic for real Italian bruschetta taste.
Extra virgin olive oil Good olive oil is key: it adds fruity richness. Drizzle at the end for best flavor and shine.
Balsamic vinegar (optional) Adds sweet tang and depth. Use lightly so it does not overpower fresh tomato and basil.
Salt and black pepper Salt pulls juices and makes tomatoes taste sweeter. Pepper adds bite and balances olive oil.

list_alt Instructions

1

Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange baguette slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil or spray with cooking spray.
2

Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the bread is crisp and lightly golden around the edges.
3

While bread toasts, prepare the topping: In a medium bowl, combine diced tomatoes, sliced basil, 1 minced garlic clove, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and balsamic vinegar (if using).
4

Season the tomato mixture generously with salt and pepper. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5

Remove toasted bread from oven. While still warm, rub the cut side of the remaining halved garlic clove over one side of each slice - this imparts a subtle garlic flavor.
6

Spoon the tomato mixture onto the garlic-rubbed side of each toast just before serving, allowing some of the juices to soak in.
7

Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of good olive oil and an extra sprinkle of salt if desired. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

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Calories 140

Protein 4g

Carbs 20g

Fiber 2g

Sugar 3g

Fat 5g

Sodium 220mg

Potassium N/A

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Serving Suggestions

Arrange toasted bread slices on a platter. Either spoon the tomato mixture onto each slice just before serving, or serve the topping in a bowl alongside the bread for guests to assemble themselves. This prevents the bread from getting soggy. Drizzle with a final thread of good olive oil and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

How to Store?

Store the tomato mixture and toasted bread separately. The tomato mixture will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but is best used within a few hours as it will become watery. The toasted bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Assemble just before serving.

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