Classic Tomato Basil Bruschetta
Delight in a traditional Italian bruschetta with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and a hint of oregano, perfect for a simple yet flavorful appetizer.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Servings: 16 to 20 servings
Full Ingredient List
- 1 pound ripe tomatoes, cored and diced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/3 cup finely-diced red onion (optional)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for brushing/drizzling
- 1 batch homemade crostini
- 2 large cloves garlic, unpeeled
- fine sea salt
- freshly-cracked black pepper
Tomato Basil Topping
Tools and Equipment
- mixing bowl
- spoon
- refrigerator
Ingredients
| Quantity | Name | Preparation Notes | Substitutions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 pound | ripe tomatoes | cored and diced | |
| 1/2 cup | chopped fresh basil leaves | ||
| 1/3 cup | finely-diced red onion | optional | |
| 2 tablespoons | extra-virgin olive oil | ||
| a pinch | fine sea salt |
Instructions
- Step 1: Stir together diced tomatoes, basil, red onion, olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl until evenly combined. (Tips: Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or up to 24 hours to allow flavors to meld.)
Crostini with Garlic
Tools and Equipment
- knife
- oven or grill
- baking sheet
Ingredients
| Quantity | Name | Preparation Notes | Substitutions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 batch | homemade crostini | ||
| for brushing/drizzling | extra-virgin olive oil | ||
| 2 large, unpeeled | garlic cloves | ||
| to taste | fine sea salt | ||
| to taste | freshly-cracked black pepper |
Instructions
- Step 1: Follow recipe instructions to prepare the crostini. (Tips: Toast until perfectly golden and crisp.)
- Step 2: Slice off the ends of garlic cloves without removing the papery skins. Rub the cut end of garlic over the tops of bread slices. (Tips: Add as much or as little garlic flavor as you prefer.)
- Step 3: Add a spoonful of tomato topping mixture to each slice of bread, then drizzle a hint of olive oil over the tomato topping. (Tips: Serve immediately to keep bread from getting soggy.)
Additional Information
Notes: Use the ripest fresh tomatoes you can find, such as cluster, Roma, or cherry tomatoes. You can prepare the tomato topping in advance and toast the bread just before serving.