Description
This classic Italian Bruschetta recipe features ripe tomatoes, tangy Kalamata olives, fresh basil, and garlic-touched toasted baguette slices. Perfect as a fresh, flavorful appetizer or snack, it combines juicy, seasoned tomatoes with crisp, golden bread brushed with olive oil and roasted to perfection in the oven.
Ingredients
Tomato Topping
- 1½ lbs ripe tomatoes, cored and diced (3 to 4 tomatoes)
- ¼ cup pitted Kalamata olives, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh basil, plus more for serving
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- A few grinds freshly ground black pepper
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Bread and Garnish
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided (⅓ cup for tomato mixture, 3 tablespoons for bread)
- 1 good quality baguette, cut into ½-inch (13-mm) thick slices on the bias
- 1 clove garlic, halved lengthwise
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the oven rack in the middle position to ensure even heat circulation for toasting the bread slices.
- Prepare the Tomato Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, finely chopped Kalamata olives, balsamic vinegar, fresh basil, salt, pepper, and ⅓ cup of olive oil. Toss gently until all ingredients are well incorporated. Taste the mixture and add ⅛ teaspoon sugar if the tomatoes aren’t as sweet as desired to balance the flavors.
- Toast the Bread: Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Brush both sides of each slice with the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil to promote crispiness and golden browning. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes until the bottoms are crisp and golden.
- Garlic Rub and Assemble: Using tongs, flip the bread slices so the crispy golden side is up. Rub the cut side of the garlic clove across each toasted slice, applying more strokes if a stronger garlic flavor is preferred. Immediately transfer the bread to a serving platter and top each slice generously with the tomato and olive mixture.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle extra fresh basil on top of the assembled bruschetta for added freshness and color. Serve within 10 minutes to ensure the bread remains crisp and the topping fresh.
Notes
- If tomatoes aren’t sweet enough, a small pinch (⅛ teaspoon) of sugar can enhance their flavor.
- The baguette should be sliced on the bias (diagonal) to maximize surface area for topping.
- Rub garlic on the bread after toasting for the freshest garlic flavor and to avoid burning garlic in the oven.
- Serve immediately after assembling to maintain bread crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
