Description
Easy Bruschetta is a quick, vibrant, and delicious Italian appetizer featuring fresh ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, garlic, and crunchy toasted bread topped with olive oil and optional balsamic vinegar. Perfect as a light snack or elegant starter, this recipe is simple to prepare, customizable, and packed with fresh flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Bread
- 1 baguette or ciabatta loaf, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomato Mixture: Finely chop the ripe tomatoes and place them in a bowl. Add minced garlic, thinly sliced fresh basil leaves, a good drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and a splash of balsamic vinegar if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then gently toss everything together to blend the flavors.
- Toast the Bread: Slice your crusty bread into 1/2-inch thick pieces, then toast or grill them until they develop a beautiful golden crisp on the edges but still maintain a slight chew in the center, providing the perfect crunch to hold the topping.
- Assemble Your Bruschetta: Once the bread is toasted, immediately spoon the tomato mixture generously over each slice, allowing the warmth of the bread to infuse the freshness of the topping perfectly.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with an extra basil leaf, a light drizzle of olive oil, or freshly cracked black pepper to give your Easy Bruschetta an elegant look and flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy the best crunchiness and freshness.
Notes
- Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- Keep the topping balanced to avoid soggy bread.
- Use crusty and sturdy bread like baguette or ciabatta to hold the toppings well.
- Let the tomato mixture rest for 10-15 minutes to deepen the flavors before serving.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp texture and fresh topping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Toasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: bruschetta, Italian appetizer, fresh tomato appetizer, quick snack, basil, garlic, toasted bread, easy appetizer
