Description
This Bruschetta recipe is a fresh, flavorful Italian appetizer featuring toasted baguette slices topped with a vibrant mixture of diced tomatoes, red onion, garlic, basil, and balsamic vinegar. Easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress, it’s perfect for gatherings or a light snack.
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
- 1 whole garlic 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 the oven and toast bread: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the sliced baguette rounds on a baking sheet and brush each slice lightly with olive oil. Toast in the oven for 5–7 minutes or until they are golden and crisp.
- Prepare the tomato topping: While the bread is toasting, combine the diced tomatoes, finely minced red onion, minced garlic, chopped basil, balsamic vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil in a medium bowl. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste, then stir gently to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Garlic rub the toasted bread: Remove the toasted bread slices from the oven and immediately rub the top of each slice with the whole garlic clove to impart a subtle garlic flavor.
- Assemble and serve: Just before serving, spoon the tomato mixture generously onto each toasted bread slice. This ensures the bread remains crisp. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a variation, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of fresh mozzarella on top of the tomato mixture.
- You can also grill the bread slices instead of toasting them for extra smoky flavor.
- This recipe is best served fresh but can be prepped up to an hour in advance by keeping the topping and toasted bread separate.
