Description
Delightful bruschetta showcases fresh Italian ingredients with crisp bread and ripe tomatoes. Olive oil, basil, and garlic combine for a simple yet elegant appetizer that will transport you to Mediterranean cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 plum tomatoes, diced
- 1 French baguette, sliced (0.5 in / 1.27 cm thick)
- 1 cup basil, fresh, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled
- 0.5 red onion, minced
- 0.25 cups (60 mL / 2 fl oz) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp (15 mL / 0.5 fl oz) balsamic vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Ignite the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lay parchment paper on a baking sheet for optimal toasting.
- Tomato Mixture: Craft a vibrant medley by precisely dicing ripe tomatoes, finely chopping fresh basil leaves, and mincing red onion. Blend these ingredients with extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a mixing bowl, allowing the flavors to harmonize for 10-15 minutes.
- Bread Transformation: Slice the baguette diagonally into elegant 1/2-inch (1.3 centimeters) pieces, then arrange on the prepared baking sheet. Toast in the preheated oven for 4-6 minutes until edges turn golden and crisp.
- Garlic Infusion: Immediately after removing the toasted bread, vigorously rub whole peeled garlic cloves across each slice, imparting a robust aromatic essence.
- Final Flourish: Lavishly spoon the marinated tomato mixture over the garlic-rubbed toast, ensuring an even distribution. Serve promptly to capture the peak of flavor and texture.
Notes
- Tomato Selection: Choose ripe, firm tomatoes at peak season for maximum flavor and vibrant color.
- Flavor Marination: Allow tomato mixture to rest at room temperature to develop deeper, more complex taste profiles.
- Bread Toasting Technique: Watch bread closely during toasting to prevent burning; golden edges signal perfect crispness.
- Garlic Infusion: Fresh garlic cloves provide more intense and authentic flavor compared to pre-minced alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 17
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg