Fresh Tomato Basil Bruschetta
This easy, rustic appetizer features sun-ripened tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlicky olive oil piled onto crunchy toasted baguette slices. It’s a quick, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for summer gatherings or cozy nights in.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium ripe tomatoes (about 1 lb), diced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar or a drizzle of balsamic glaze (optional)
- 1 large rustic baguette (about 12 oz), cut into 1/2-inch slices
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing bread)
- 1 whole garlic clove, peeled (for rubbing on toast)
Instructions
- Dice tomatoes into 1/4-inch pieces, removing excess seeds and watery pulp if needed.
- Add diced tomatoes to a medium mixing bowl. Toss in chopped basil, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. Add balsamic vinegar or glaze if desired.
- Gently stir the mixture and let sit for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Slice baguette into 1/2-inch thick pieces (15–20 slices). Lay slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush both sides of bread slices lightly with olive oil.
- Preheat oven broiler to high or toaster oven to 425°F. Toast bread slices for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
- While bread is still warm, rub one side of each toast with the peeled garlic clove.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of tomato-basil mixture onto each slice of toasted bread, using a slotted spoon to avoid excess liquid.
- Optionally, drizzle with balsamic glaze and garnish with extra basil leaves.
- Serve immediately for maximum crunch and freshness.
Notes
For best results, use ripe, in-season tomatoes and toast bread just before serving. Drain excess tomato liquid to prevent soggy bread. Add basil at the last minute for vibrant flavor and color. Gluten-free bread can be substituted for dietary needs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 220
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
Keywords: bruschetta, tomato basil, appetizer, Italian, summer, easy, vegetarian, rustic baguette, party food, picnic