Description
This classic Italian appetizer features perfectly toasted bread rubbed with garlic and piled high with a vibrant mixture of fresh tomatoes, sweet basil, and extra virgin olive oil. It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large baguette or ciabatta loaf
- 1.5 lbs ripe Roma tomatoes (about 6–8 medium) or 2 pints cherry/grape tomatoes
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chiffonaded or torn
- 3–4 cloves garlic, 1 minced for topping, 2-3 whole for rubbing bread
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- Optional: Balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare Tomatoes: Dice Roma tomatoes into 1/4-1/2 inch pieces, or halve/quarter cherry tomatoes. Place in a bowl and season with salt and pepper.
- Add Basil & Garlic: Chiffonade basil and mince one clove of garlic. Add to the tomatoes along with 1/4 cup olive oil. Gently stir to combine and let sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Toast Bread: Slice bread on the diagonal into 1/2-3/4 inch slices. Drizzle lightly with olive oil. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 5-8 mins or grill until golden-brown and crisp.
- Rub Garlic: Immediately rub the warm toasted bread slices with the remaining peeled, raw garlic cloves.
- Assemble & Serve: Spoon the tomato mixture generously onto each garlicky bread slice. Serve your Delicious Bruschetta with Fresh Basil immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 8-10 mins