Description
This easy bruschetta recipe features toasted baguette slices topped with a fresh, flavorful mixture of ripe tomatoes, basil, garlic, and balsamic vinegar. Perfect as a classic Italian appetizer, it comes together quickly and is great for entertaining or a light snack.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Toast
- 1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing
- Optional: 1 garlic clove, halved (for rubbing on toast)
For the Tomato Topping
- 4–5 ripe Roma tomatoes, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Bread: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides lightly with olive oil to ensure they crisp up nicely.
- Toast the Bread: Place the baking sheet in the oven and toast the baguette slices for 8–10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Toast until the slices are golden brown and crisp on both sides.
- Prepare the Tomato Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let the mixture sit for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Optional Garlic Rub: Once toasted, optionally rub each bread slice with the cut side of a garlic clove to impart a subtle garlic aroma and flavor to the toasts.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the tomato mixture generously onto each toasted bread slice just before serving to keep the bread crisp. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra richness, sprinkle shredded Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese on top before serving.
- This recipe is best served fresh to maintain the bread’s crispness.
- You can prepare the tomato mixture up to one day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Toasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
