Description
A classic Italian appetizer featuring crusty grilled bread topped with a fresh, vibrant tomato and basil mixture, drizzled with high-quality extra virgin olive oil. This Real Tomato and Basil Bruschetta is simple yet bursting with flavor, perfect for a light snack or starter.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 4 slices crusty bread like sourdough or ciabatta, sliced 1.5cm (3/5″) thick
- Extra virgin olive oil, for brushing
- 1 garlic clove, halved (unpeeled)
Tomato Topping
- 4 medium ripe and juicy tomatoes, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (best quality you can afford)
- 1/4 tsp kosher or cooking salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Grill or Broiler: Preheat your grill, broiler, grill side of BBQ, or griddle skillet on high to prepare for toasting the bread.
- Prepare Tomato Topping: Cut the tomatoes in half and deseed them optionally by scooping out the watery seeds with a teaspoon. Dice the tomato flesh into 1cm (2/5″) pieces. Place diced tomatoes in a bowl.
- Toss Topping Ingredients: Add roughly chopped basil, 1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and black pepper to the diced tomatoes. Gently toss to combine and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and tomatoes to soften slightly.
- Grill Bread: Brush both sides of each bread slice with extra virgin olive oil. Grill or broil the bread slices until golden and crusty, about 3 minutes on each side. Alternatively, toast the bread slices and then brush with olive oil.
- Garlic Rub: Once toasted, rub one side of each bread slice lightly with the cut side of the halved garlic clove to infuse a subtle garlic flavor.
- Assemble Bruschetta: Spoon the tomato topping generously over the garlic-rubbed side of each bread slice, including some of the flavorful juices. Drizzle with additional extra virgin olive oil and serve immediately for the best texture and taste.
Notes
- Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- Deseeding tomatoes is optional but helps reduce excess moisture and sogginess on the bread.
- If you don’t have access to a grill or broiler, toasting the bread in a regular toaster and brushing with olive oil works well.
- Use the scooped-out tomato seeds for stocks, soups, or sauces to reduce waste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: bruschetta, tomato bruschetta, basil, appetizer, Italian appetizer, grilled bread, easy bruschetta, summer recipe
