Tomato and Fresh Basil Bruschetta
A crisp slice of toasted baguette supports fresh diced tomatoes, basil, garlic and olive oil.
A crisp slice of toasted baguette supports fresh diced tomatoes, basil, garlic and olive oil. Salt the tomatoes shortly before serving and spoon them onto the warm bread at the last moment; that timing keeps the toast crunchy. A small drizzle of balsamic vinegar makes the topping brighter. Add shaved cheese only if you want a richer variation. Heat a grill pan or oven broiler; lightly brush twelve baguette slices with 1 tbsp oil and toast until crisp on both sides. Rub one cut garlic clove over warm toast; finely chop the other clove. Mix diced tomatoes, chopped garlic, basil, remaining oil, balsamic, salt and pepper; drain if very juicy.
Recipe card
Tomato and Fresh Basil Bruschetta
Equipment: Large pot or pan, knife, board and measuring tools
Ingredients
Instructions
Bread
Heat a grill pan or oven broiler; lightly brush twelve baguette slices with 1 tbsp oil and toast until crisp on both sides.
Garlic
Rub one cut garlic clove over warm toast; finely chop the other clove.
Tomato
Mix diced tomatoes, chopped garlic, basil, remaining oil, balsamic, salt and pepper; drain if very juicy.
Top
Spoon tomato mixture onto toast shortly before serving.
Serve
Arrange on a platter and serve immediately while bread remains crisp.
How to tell when it is ready
Arrange on a platter and serve immediately while bread remains crisp.
Tips
- Heat a grill pan or oven broiler.
- Rub one cut garlic clove over warm toast.
- Mix diced tomatoes, chopped garlic, basil, remaining oil, balsamic, salt and pepper.
- Spoon tomato mixture onto toast shortly before serving.
Troubleshooting
- If bread softens, toast again and top immediately.
- If tomatoes are watery, drain after dicing.
Substitutions
- Use another firm crusty white bread.
- Use red wine vinegar sparingly in place of balsamic for a sharper finish.
Variations
- Top with shaved vegetarian hard cheese.
- Add finely diced roasted pepper to tomato.
Serving suggestions
- Serve as an appetizer.
- Pair with a green salad.
- Offer before pasta.
- Add to a summer buffet.
Make ahead
Prepare the measured ingredients in advance. Keep tomato topping refrigerated up to 1 day; store bread separately and assemble just before eating.
Storage
Keep tomato topping refrigerated up to 1 day; store bread separately and assemble just before eating.
Food safety
Wash tomatoes and basil and refrigerate the chopped topping promptly.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know tomato and fresh basil bruschetta is ready?
Arrange on a platter and serve immediately while bread remains crisp.
How should I store tomato and fresh basil bruschetta?
Keep tomato topping refrigerated up to 1 day; store bread separately and assemble just before eating.
Serve as an appetizer. Keep tomato topping refrigerated up to 1 day; store bread separately and assemble just before eating.
More recipes to try
Spotted a detail that needs correcting? Contact the FeastDelights editors.