Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh tomatoes (Roma or cherry), finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh basil (or parsley, oregano, mint), chopped
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
- 1 baguette or Italian bread, sliced about ½ inch thick
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Variations
- ½ cup chopped olives
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 ripe avocado, mashed
- 1 cup sautéed mushrooms with garlic and thyme
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced
- 4 slices prosciutto
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Slice your crusty bread about ½ inch thick, then toast or grill it until golden and crisp. For extra flavor, rub a cut garlic clove over the toasted bread while still warm.
- Chop the Toppings: Finely dice the tomatoes and mince the garlic. Chop fresh herbs like basil or parsley carefully to preserve their fragrant oils without bruising.
- Mix the Toppings: In a bowl, combine the tomatoes, garlic, chopped herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, and a splash of balsamic vinegar if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture sit for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Assemble the Bruschetta: Spoon the tomato mixture generously over the toasted bread slices just before serving to maintain crunchiness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Optionally drizzle a bit more olive oil or garnish with extra herbs for color and added flavor. Serve immediately for best texture.
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread for better toasting and to prevent sogginess.
- Chill diced tomatoes before mixing to keep the topping fresh and juicy.
- Keep a balanced topping-to-bread ratio to avoid soggy bruschetta.
- Rubbing garlic on toasted bread adds subtle, aromatic flavor.
- Use quality extra virgin olive oil for richer taste and aroma.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: bruschetta, Italian appetizer, easy bruschetta, tomato bruschetta, fresh herbs, quick snack, light dinner