Description
Italian bruschetta with ripe tomatoes and fresh basil brings classic Mediterranean flavors to your table. Crusty bread topped with garlic-infused tomatoes creates a simple yet elegant appetizer you’ll savor with friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 Roma tomatoes (fresh, ripe)
- 1 baguette (sliced into ½-inch or 1.27 cm slices)
- ¼ cup (4 tbsps) fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) balsamic vinegar
- 3 tbsps (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Extra olive oil (for brushing)
- Parmesan cheese (grated, optional)
Instructions
- Tomato Preparation: Dice ripe tomatoes into uniform, small cubes to ensure consistent texture and easy eating.
- Flavor Infusion: Combine diced tomatoes in a large bowl with minced garlic, chopped basil leaves, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and cracked black pepper. Gently mix to allow flavors to meld and develop while resting at room temperature.
- Bread Transformation: Slice baguette diagonally into half-inch thick pieces, brushing both sides thoroughly with olive oil. Position oven rack near broiler and set to high heat.
- Toasting: Place bread slices on a baking sheet and broil until edges turn golden and crisp, watching carefully to prevent burning. Immediately remove and rub each slice with a halved garlic clove to infuse aromatic essence.
- Assembly and Garnish: Top toasted bread generously with the tomato mixture, creating an abundant and visually appealing presentation. Optionally, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the bruschetta for an additional layer of savory complexity.
Notes
- Tomato Selection: Choose ripe, firm tomatoes like Roma or San Marzano for best flavor and texture, avoiding overripe or mealy varieties.
- Olive Oil Quality: Use high-grade extra virgin olive oil to enhance the overall taste and provide authentic Mediterranean depth.
- Bread Broiling Technique: Watch bread closely under broiler, as it can burn quickly; golden-brown edges indicate perfect toasting.
- Flavor Resting Time: Allow tomato mixture to sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before serving to develop rich, harmonized flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg