Description
This classic Tomato Bruschetta recipe features a fresh, vibrant tomato mixture seasoned with garlic, red onion, basil, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil, served atop toasted baguette or ciabatta slices. Perfect as a light appetizer or snack, this dish combines simplicity with bold Mediterranean flavors and takes just 20 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Tomato Mixture
- ½ small red onion, finely chopped
- 8 medium tomatoes (about 500g), coarsely chopped and drained
- 2-3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 6-8 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
- 30ml balsamic vinegar
- 60-80ml extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Bread
- 1 baguette or ciabatta loaf, sliced
- Extra olive oil, for brushing
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomato Mixture: In a bowl, combine the coarsely chopped and drained tomatoes with the finely chopped red onion, crushed garlic cloves, and chopped fresh basil leaves. This mixture forms the flavorful base of the bruschetta.
- Add Vinegar and Oil: Drizzle the tomato mixture with 30ml balsamic vinegar and 60-80ml extra virgin olive oil. Stir well to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the ingredients.
- Season and Rest: Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste. Let the tomato mixture sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat Oven or Grill: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if using an oven, or heat a grill pan over medium heat if grilling. This step ensures the bread will toast properly.
- Brush Bread with Olive Oil: Lightly brush both sides of each bread slice with extra virgin olive oil to promote crispiness and enhance flavor during toasting.
- Toast the Bread: Place the bread slices in the oven for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy, or grill each side on the grill pan for 1-2 minutes until they achieve a toasted finish.
- Assemble the Bruschetta: Generously spoon the prepared tomato mixture onto each toasted bread slice, ensuring an even distribution of the juicy topping.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the bruschetta right away to enjoy the contrast of the warm, crispy bread with the fresh tomato topping. Garnish with extra basil leaves if desired for added freshness and presentation.
Notes
- Drain the tomatoes to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
- Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best taste.
- You can substitute the bread with gluten-free baguette if needed.
- Feel free to add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Serve bruschetta immediately after assembly to enjoy optimal texture.
