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Fresh Tomato Bruschetta Recipe Easy 5-Step Basil Garlic Appetizer

fresh tomato bruschetta recipe - featured image

A simple, rustic, and flavorful appetizer featuring fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and toasted bread, perfect for summer and quick gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium ripe Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 small loaf baguette or rustic Italian bread, sliced about 1/2 inch thick

Instructions

  1. Rinse and dice about 4 medium ripe Roma tomatoes into small chunks (approximately 1/2 inch pieces). Place them in a mixing bowl.
  2. Mince 2 cloves of fresh garlic and thinly slice 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves. Add both to the tomatoes.
  3. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar (optional) over the tomato mixture. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Gently toss everything together with a spoon to combine. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  4. Slice a small baguette or rustic Italian bread into 1/2 inch thick slices. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Brush each side lightly with olive oil and toast until golden and crispy, about 2 minutes per side. Optionally, rub a halved garlic clove over the warm bread for extra garlic flavor.
  5. Spoon generous amounts of the tomato mixture onto each toasted bread slice. Arrange on a serving platter and garnish with extra basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

If tomatoes seem too watery, drain excess liquid before assembling to avoid soggy bread. Toast bread until golden and crispy but not burnt. Rub toasted bread with garlic clove for extra flavor. Marinate tomato mixture for 10 minutes to blend flavors. Store tomato mixture and bread separately if making ahead.

Nutrition

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