Bruschetta is an iconic Italian appetizer that has stood the test of time due to its simplicity and vibrant, fresh flavors. This Easy Tomato Bruschetta recipe takes ripe, vine-ripened tomatoes and pairs them with fresh basil, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil, all served on crispy toasted bread. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the taste of summer, and it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a snack, this bruschetta is an easy and delightful choice!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Tomato Bruschetta recipe offers a perfect balance of tangy tomatoes, herbaceous basil, savory garlic, and rich olive oil, all served on crispy bread that adds the perfect crunch. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, and the fresh, bright flavors will transport you to the sun-soaked terraces of Italy with every bite. Whether you’re enjoying it as an appetizer, a snack, or a side dish, bruschetta is always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Bruschetta Topping:
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2 cups vine-ripened Roma tomatoes, diced
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3 cloves fresh garlic (1 minced, 2 halved)
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¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
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¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more for brushing)
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1–2 teaspoons balsamic glaze
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½ teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
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¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
For the Toasted Bread:
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1 large loaf of crusty bread (baguette or ciabatta works best)
Instructions
Part 1: Preparing the Fresh Tomato Topping
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Prepare the Tomatoes: Start by washing and drying your Roma tomatoes. Slice them in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and pulp to prevent the dip from becoming too watery. Dice the tomato flesh into small, uniform pieces (about 1/4-inch cubes).
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Combine the Ingredients: In a medium-sized non-metallic bowl, combine the diced tomatoes with the minced garlic, chopped basil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil and stir gently to coat the tomatoes evenly.
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Marinate: Set the bowl aside at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. This marinating time is essential to allow the tomatoes to release their juices and for the garlic, basil, and oil to infuse the flavors.
Part 2: Preparing the Toasted Bread (The Bruschetta Base)
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Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven rack to the middle position and preheat it to 400°F (200°C).
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Slice the Bread: Using a serrated bread knife, slice your baguette or ciabatta on a slight diagonal, aiming for slices that are about 1/2 to 3/4-inch thick.
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Toast the Bread: Arrange the bread slices on a large baking sheet. Lightly brush one side of each slice with extra virgin olive oil. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and toast for 6-8 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn.
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Infuse with Garlic: Once toasted, remove the bread from the oven. Immediately rub the halved garlic cloves onto the warm, toasted surface of each bread slice. The heat from the bread will release the garlic’s essential oils, adding a savory, aromatic layer to the toast.
Part 3: Assembling and Serving
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Top the Bread: Gently stir the marinated tomato mixture one last time. Using a slotted spoon, scoop the tomatoes onto each slice of garlic-rubbed toast, leaving any excess liquid behind in the bowl. Be generous with the topping!
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Garnish and Serve: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the assembled bruschetta, creating a beautiful zigzag pattern. Add a few extra fresh basil leaves for garnish, and serve immediately. Enjoy the delightful combination of fresh tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and crispy toast!
Notes & Variations
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Bread Options: While a baguette or ciabatta is the classic choice, you can experiment with other rustic breads, like sourdough or focaccia, for a unique twist.
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Cheese Additions: For an extra creamy touch, you can sprinkle fresh mozzarella or Parmesan over the bruschetta just before serving.
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Vegan Options: To make this recipe vegan, simply omit any cheese and stick to the fresh, vibrant toppings.
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Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato mixture for a bit of heat.
Heating & Storage Information
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Storing Leftovers: Bruschetta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftover tomato mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The bread should be toasted fresh right before serving to maintain its crispness.
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Reheating Toasted Bread: If you have leftover bread, you can refresh it by lightly toasting it in the oven for a few minutes.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the tomato mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for a few hours. However, it’s best to toast the bread just before serving to keep it crisp.
Q2: Can I use other types of tomatoes?
While Roma tomatoes are ideal due to their low moisture content, you can use cherry tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
Q3: Can I add more herbs?
Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like oregano or thyme to complement the basil. You can also add a little fresh lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor.
Q4: Can I make this recipe without balsamic glaze?
Yes! If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can drizzle a small amount of balsamic vinegar over the bruschetta for a more tangy flavor.
Q5: How do I know when the bread is perfectly toasted?
The bread should be golden brown and crisp to the touch, but not burnt. Keep a close eye on it, as it can go from golden to overdone very quickly.
Conclusion
This Easy Tomato Bruschetta recipe is the perfect appetizer to bring fresh Mediterranean flavors to your table. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s a dish that highlights the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes, the aromatic punch of garlic, and the refreshing bite of basil—all atop crispy, toasted bread. Whether for a casual snack or a party spread, this bruschetta will transport you straight to Italy with each flavorful bite. So grab your ingredients and enjoy the classic Italian taste that never goes out of style!
Print
Easy Tomato Bruschetta
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 people (depending on portion size)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bruschetta is an iconic Italian appetizer known for its fresh, vibrant flavors and simplicity. This Easy Tomato Bruschetta recipe combines ripe Roma tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, and extra virgin olive oil, all served on crispy toasted bread. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of summer in an easy, shareable form. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a light snack, or just craving a quick appetizer, this tomato bruschetta will impress at any gathering. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a no-cook dish that’s both refreshing and delicious.
Ingredients
For the Bruschetta Topping:
2 cups vine-ripened Roma tomatoes, diced
3 cloves fresh garlic (1 minced, 2 halved)
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more for brushing)
1–2 teaspoons balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
½ teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
For the Toasted Bread:
1 large loaf of crusty bread (baguette or ciabatta works best)
Instructions
Part 1: Preparing the Fresh Tomato Topping
-
Prepare the Tomatoes: Start by washing and drying your Roma tomatoes. Slice them in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and pulp to avoid excess moisture. Dice the tomato flesh into small, uniform cubes (about 1/4-inch pieces).
-
Combine the Ingredients: In a non-metallic bowl, combine the diced tomatoes with the minced garlic, chopped basil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil and stir gently to coat the tomatoes evenly.
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Marinate: Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. This resting time allows the tomatoes to release their juices and for the garlic, basil, and oil to infuse the flavors.
Part 2: Preparing the Toasted Bread (The Bruschetta Base)
-
Preheat the Oven: Set the oven rack to the middle position and preheat to 400°F (200°C).
-
Slice the Bread: Using a serrated knife, slice your baguette or ciabatta on a slight diagonal, aiming for slices about 1/2 to 3/4-inch thick.
-
Toast the Bread: Arrange the bread slices on a large baking sheet. Lightly brush one side of each slice with extra virgin olive oil. Toast the bread in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
-
Infuse with Garlic: Once toasted, remove the bread from the oven and immediately rub the halved garlic cloves onto the warm, toasted side of each slice. The heat from the bread will release the garlic’s oils, adding a savory, aromatic layer to the toast.
Part 3: Assembling and Serving
-
Top the Bread: Gently stir the marinated tomato mixture. Using a slotted spoon, spoon the tomatoes onto each slice of garlic-rubbed toast, leaving any excess liquid behind. Be generous with the topping!
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Garnish and Serve: Drizzle the bruschetta with balsamic glaze (if desired) in a zigzag pattern. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, and enjoy the perfect combination of juicy tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and crispy toast.
Notes
- Bread Options: While baguette or ciabatta is the traditional choice, you can use other rustic breads like sourdough or focaccia for a unique twist.
- Cheese Additions: For extra creaminess, sprinkle fresh mozzarella or Parmesan cheese over the bruschetta before serving.
- Vegan Options: Simply omit cheese to keep this recipe vegan-friendly. The fresh toppings are delicious enough on their own!
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato mixture for a bit of heat.
- Tomato Variations: Try using cherry tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes for a sweeter or more tangy flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
