Tomato and Basil Bruschetta
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
4 steps. 5 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Tomato Topping
- b.To prevent a watery topping, core and seed the Roma tomatoes before dicing them into small, 1/4-inch pieces.
- c.In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, finely diced red onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and chopped fresh basil.
- d.Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- e.Gently stir to combine. Set aside at room temperature for at least 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Toast the Bread
- b.Position an oven rack about 6 inches from the heating element and preheat the broiler to high.
- c.Slice the baguette on a slight diagonal into 12 slices, each about 1/2-inch thick.
- d.Arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- e.Brush the tops of the bread slices with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- f.Broil for 1-3 minutes, watching very closely, until the tops are golden brown and crisp. There is no need to flip them.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Infuse with Garlic
- b.Immediately after removing the bread from the oven, take the halved garlic clove and rub the cut side over the warm, toasted surface of each slice.
- c.The heat from the bread will release the garlic's essential oils, infusing the toast with a subtle, aromatic flavor.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.Give the tomato mixture one last stir to redistribute the juices.
- c.Just before serving, spoon a generous amount of the tomato topping onto each slice of garlic-rubbed toast.
- d.If desired, drizzle with balsamic glaze for a touch of sweet acidity.
- e.Arrange on a platter and serve immediately to ensure the bread remains perfectly crispy.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use the best quality ingredients you can find. Ripe, in-season tomatoes and good extra virgin olive oil make a huge difference.
- 2Seeding the tomatoes is a crucial step to prevent the topping from becoming too wet and making the bread soggy.
- 3For a more rustic flavor, grill the bread slices on a barbecue over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side.
- 4Let the tomato topping marinate at room temperature, not in the fridge. Cold temperatures can make tomatoes mealy and dull their flavor.
- 5To save time, you can prepare the tomato topping a few hours in advance, but only add the basil just before serving to keep it from turning dark.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cheesy
Add small, torn pieces of fresh mozzarella (bocconcini) to the tomato mixture or top with shaved Parmesan cheese after assembling.
SpicySpicy
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato topping for a gentle kick of heat.
MediterraneanMediterranean
Mix in 1/4 cup of chopped Kalamata olives and 1 tablespoon of capers for a briny, savory twist.
Protein RichProtein-Rich
Drape a thin slice of prosciutto over the bruschetta after topping, or mix in small, cooked shrimp with the tomatoes.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reducing the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
Supports Heart Health
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.
Boosts Immunity
Garlic contains allicin, a compound known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help support a healthy immune system.
Frequently asked questions
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.