Tomato Basil Bruschetta Appetizer (Printable Version)
Marinated tomatoes and basil top warm, garlic-rubbed bread for a vibrant Italian appetizer.
# What You'll Need:
→ Tomato Topping
01 - 4 ripe medium tomatoes, diced (about 2 cups)
02 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
03 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
04 - 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
05 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
06 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Bread
07 - 1 crusty baguette, cut into 8 diagonal slices
08 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
→ Garlic
09 - 2 large garlic cloves, peeled
# Steps to Follow:
01 - In a medium bowl, combine diced tomatoes, chopped basil, 2 tablespoons olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss gently and let marinate for at least 10 minutes at room temperature.
02 - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides lightly with olive oil.
03 - Toast baguette slices in the oven for 5–7 minutes, turning once, until golden and crisp.
04 - Remove toasted bread from the oven. While still warm, rub one side of each slice with the cut side of a garlic clove.
05 - Spoon the marinated tomato mixture generously onto each slice just before serving. Serve immediately while the bread is still warm and crisp.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Ready in under thirty minutes from kitchen to table
- Fresh flavors burst in every bite
- Uses basic pantry ingredients and peak-season produce
- Make-ahead friendly for parties and gatherings
02 -
- Bruschetta is naturally vegetarian and can even be vegan
- This recipe is incredibly flexible for topping swaps
- Best enjoyed fresh for maximum crunch and flavor
03 -
- Let the tomato mixture marinate at least ten minutes for best flavor
- Use a really sharp knife for clean tomato cuts and a neater topping
- Always rub the bread with fresh garlic while warm for a mellow heat