Description
This classic Bruschetta recipe features a flavorful tomato and basil topping marinated with garlic, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil, served over crispy toasted baguette slices sprinkled with parmesan cheese. Perfect as a fresh appetizer or light snack, it combines simple ingredients to create a vibrant Italian starter.
Ingredients
Tomato Bruschetta Topping
- 6 Roma tomatoes (1 1/2 lbs, diced)
- 1/3 cup basil leaves (chopped)
- 5 garlic cloves (divided)
- 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Balsamic glaze (optional)
Bruschetta Toasts
- 1 baguette
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomato Bruschetta Topping: Core and dice the Roma tomatoes, draining any excess juice. Transfer the diced tomatoes to a medium bowl to start the base of your topping.
- Chop the Basil: Stack the basil leaves and roll them into a tight tube, then thinly slice them into ribbons using a sharp knife. Add these fresh basil ribbons to the bowl with the tomatoes.
- Mince the Garlic: Finely mince all 5 garlic cloves. Mix 1 teaspoon of the minced garlic with 3 tablespoons of olive oil and set aside for brushing on the toasts. Add the remaining minced garlic to the tomato and basil mixture.
- Season the Topping: Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper to the tomato mixture. Gently stir to combine all ingredients evenly. Let the mixture marinate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Bruschetta Toasts: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the oven rack in the center position. Cut the baguette diagonally into 1/2 inch thick slices for the perfect toast size.
- Brush and Bake Toasts: Arrange the sliced baguette on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush both sides of each toast with the garlic-infused olive oil prepared earlier. Sprinkle the tops generously with shredded parmesan cheese. Bake in the oven at 400°F for 5 minutes, then switch to broil on high for 1 to 2 minutes until the edges are golden brown and crispy. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Serve the Bruschetta: Arrange the toasted baguette slices on a serving platter and spoon the marinated tomato topping over each piece. Optionally drizzle extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze on top for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Drain excess tomato juice before marinating to prevent soggy toasts.
- Balsamic glaze is optional but adds a delicious sweet tangy finish.
- Use fresh, ripe Roma tomatoes for the best flavor.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, ensure the parmesan cheese used does not contain animal rennet.
- Serve immediately after assembling to keep toasts crisp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
