Description
Classic tomato basil bruschetta is a delightful Italian appetizer that bursts with fresh flavors. Imagine crispy toasted baguette slices topped with juicy diced tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. This vibrant dish is perfect for summer gatherings, elegant dinner parties, or as a satisfying snack any time of the year. Easy to prepare and full of taste, it’s sure to impress your guests and transport them to Italy with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 French baguette (about 10 oz)
- 2 cups ripe tomatoes (diced)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (divided)
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the baguette into half-inch thick pieces and place them on a baking sheet. Brush both sides with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and toast for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
- In a mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, chopped basil, salt, pepper, the remaining olive oil, and balsamic vinegar if desired. Mix gently.
- Once the bread is toasted, assemble by topping each slice with a generous spoonful of the tomato mixture.
- Drizzle with additional olive oil before serving warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bruschetta (approximately 40g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: For added flavor variations, consider incorporating mozzarella cheese or a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat. To store leftovers, keep tomato topping in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days but always toast fresh bread when serving again.