Classic Italian Bruschetta With Tomato and Basil

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Servings: 4

Equipment:
Baking sheet
knife
cutting board
mixing bowl
spoon

Cuisine Type: Italian

Classic Italian Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil is a delectable appetizer that embodies the essence of Italian cuisine. This dish features fresh, ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil, all atop toasted slices of crusty bread. The combination of ingredients is simple yet incredibly flavorful, making it a perfect starter for any meal or a delightful snack for gatherings.

The crunch of the bread contrasts beautifully with the juicy topping, creating a harmonious blend of textures. Bruschetta isn’t only easy to prepare but also highly customizable. You can experiment with various toppings, such as different types of cheese or other vegetables, to suit your taste.

This recipe uses high-quality ingredients to highlight the freshness and simplicity that Italian food is known for. Serve your bruschetta with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for an added layer of flavor, and enjoy this classic dish that never goes out of style.

Ingredients:

1 French baguette or Italian ciabatta
4 ripe tomatoes, diced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Balsamic vinegar (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the baguette or ciabatta into 1/2 inch thick slices and lay them out on a baking sheet.
Brush each slice of bread lightly with olive oil on both sides. Bake in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and crispy.
While the bread is toasting, prepare the topping by combining the diced tomatoes, chopped basil, minced garlic, and the remaining olive oil in a mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine, allowing the flavors to meld.
Once the bread is toasted, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Spoon the tomato mixture generously onto each slice of toasted bread, making sure to include some of the juices.
If desired, drizzle a little balsamic vinegar over the bruschetta for added flavor. Serve immediately while the bread is still warm and crispy.

Extra Tips:

For the best flavor, choose ripe, in-season tomatoes. You can also experiment with adding other ingredients, such as mozzarella or olives, to your topping mixture. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, consider rubbing a peeled garlic clove on the toasted bread instead of mixing it into the topping. This will give the bruschetta a subtle hint of garlic without overwhelming the fresh tomato taste.

Enjoy your delicious classic bruschetta!