Description
Classic Italian Bruschetta brings garden-fresh tomatoes dancing on crispy bread, creating a symphony of summer flavors. Mediterranean simplicity shines through this quick appetizer that invites you to savor each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, diced
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Seasonings and Flavoring:
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish and Finishing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
- Balsamic glaze (for drizzling)
- Shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant tomato medley by finely dicing ripe tomatoes and combining them with fragrant extra virgin olive oil, tangy balsamic vinegar, pungent minced garlic, delicate salt, freshly ground pepper, and aromatic chopped basil in a spacious mixing bowl.
- Gently fold the ingredients, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify while resting at ambient temperature for approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Heat the oven to 375F (190C), transforming the preparation surface into a golden-crisp canvas for the bruschetta.
- Slice the baguette into elegant diagonal pieces, creating a uniform thickness for consistent toasting.
- Delicately brush each bread slice with a light veil of olive oil, ensuring an even golden sheen.
- Arrange the oiled bread slices on a baking sheet, positioning them to receive maximum heat circulation.
- Bake the bread until edges turn a perfect golden-brown and the surface achieves a satisfying crispness, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Allow the toasted bread to cool momentarily, developing a slight crunch.
- Generously spoon the marinated tomato mixture atop each bread slice, ensuring an abundant covering.
- Enhance the presentation with an elegant drizzle of balsamic glaze and a delicate sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves, creating a visually stunning appetizer ready to delight the senses.
Notes
- Opt for ripe, in-season tomatoes to maximize flavor and ensure the freshest taste for your bruschetta.
- Drain excess liquid from tomatoes to prevent soggy bread and maintain a crisp texture.
- Choose a high-quality, crusty baguette with a sturdy crust that can support the tomato mixture without falling apart.
- Experiment with different herbs like oregano or thyme to add a unique twist to the classic basil flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, swap baguette slices with grilled zucchini rounds or gluten-free crackers.
- Create a vegan option by omitting Parmesan cheese or using nutritional yeast as a cheese alternative.
- Allow the tomato mixture to marinate at room temperature to help flavors meld and intensify.
- Serve immediately after assembling to keep the bread crisp and prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg