Tomato Basil Bruschetta

A very simple recipe made with fresh tomatoes tossed with garlic, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar, served on toasted slices of French or Italian baguette. For hot summers Bruschetta is a perfect crispy complement to any Italian entrée. Though my family enjoys Bruschetta any time of the year. Try out this refreshing recipe and enjoy the flavors!!!

Cuisine: Italian | Recipe Category: Appetizers & Snacks
Prep Time: 20 Minutes | Cook Time: 15 Minutes | Serving: 18-20 pc

Ingredients

For Bruschetta Topping

1.	Plum tomatoes, diced small	3-4 large pc
2.	Basil, sliced into ribbons	¼ cup
3.	Garlic, minced	2-3 pc
5.	Extra virgin olive oil	2-3 Tbsp
6.	Balsamic vinegar	1 Tbsp.
7.	Black pepper, crushed	To taste
8.	Salt	To taste

For the Bruschetta

1.	Italian/French baguette, sliced into ½” rounds	1 large
2.	Garlic clove, peeled	2-3 pc for rubbing
3.	Extra virgin olive oil	2 Tbsp. for brushing + 1 Tbsp. for serving

Step By Step Instructions: 

For Topping

1. In a mixing bowl toss in diced tomatoes, sliced basil, minced garlic, extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with black pepper and salt.
2. Keep aside and let it sit at room temperature until you toast the baguette slices.

For the Bruschetta

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
2. Slice the baguette into ½ inch round.
3. Layer all the baguette slices in single layer to a baking sheet. Now lightly brush all the pieces with olive oil.

1. Toast the baguette slices until golden brown or about 5 minutes. Watch closely not to let it burn or become harder.
2. Once the slices are toasted, rub each piece of baguette slices with whole garlic glove. 2-3 strokes per slice should do it or rub as per your taste.
3. Now plate the slices on a platter and spoon tomato basil mixture on the top.
4. Drizzle with remaining extra-virgin olive oil right before serving and serve immediately.

Quick Tips:

1. Tomatoes: Always use bright and juicy tomatoes. The tomatoes should be at room temperature. It’s really important not to refrigerate the tomatoes when you plan to use for Bruschetta. They taste so much better this way.
2.  Seasoning: Always season the tomatoes and leave them to marinate at least for about 20 minutes. As the tomatoes sit, they release their juices and become extra flavorful.
3. Rubbing Garlic: For better flavor give a quick rub with a peeled garlic as soon as the baguette slices are toasted and not too hot to handle. This is just not only way to make perfect flavorful bruschetta, but garlic melts so well into the warm bread.