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Crispy toasted bread rubbed with garlic, piled high with a fresh mix of juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. A classic Italian-American appetizer that's perfect for parties or a light snack.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Tomato Topping
Toast the Bread
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Crispy toasted bread rubbed with garlic, piled high with a fresh mix of juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. A classic Italian-American appetizer that's perfect for parties or a light snack.
This italian_american recipe takes 20 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 390.73 calories per serving with 10.5g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for appetizer or snack.
Infuse with Garlic
Assemble and Serve
Add small, torn pieces of fresh mozzarella (bocconcini) to the tomato mixture or top with shaved Parmesan cheese after assembling.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato topping for a gentle kick of heat.
Mix in 1/4 cup of chopped Kalamata olives and 1 tablespoon of capers for a briny, savory twist.
Drape a thin slice of prosciutto over the bruschetta after topping, or mix in small, cooked shrimp with the tomatoes.
Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reducing the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
The extra virgin olive oil provides monounsaturated fats, which help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise good cholesterol (HDL). Fresh garlic also contributes to cardiovascular health by helping to manage blood pressure.
Garlic contains allicin, a compound known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help support a healthy immune system.
A typical serving of 3 pieces of Tomato and Basil Bruschetta contains approximately 290-310 calories, depending on the size of the bread slices and the amount of olive oil used.
Yes, it can be a very healthy choice. It's rich in lycopene from tomatoes, healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil, and allicin from garlic. Using a whole-grain baguette can further increase its fiber content.
The key is to seed the tomatoes to remove excess moisture and to assemble the bruschetta just before serving. Toasting the bread well also creates a barrier that helps keep it crisp.
Yes, you can prepare the tomato, onion, and garlic mixture up to 4 hours ahead and keep it covered at room temperature. However, for the best flavor and color, add the fresh basil and salt just before you plan to serve it.
A rustic, crusty Italian loaf or a French baguette is ideal. You want a bread with a sturdy crumb that can hold the topping without becoming mushy once toasted.
Absolutely! While Roma tomatoes are great for their low moisture content, you can use any ripe, flavorful tomatoes. Heirloom or cherry tomatoes (halved or quartered) are excellent choices.