Tomato & Basil Bruschetta: A Fresh and Flavorful Classic Appetizer

Tomato & Basil Bruschetta is a simple, fresh, and delicious appetizer that brings vibrant flavors to any gathering. With its combination of ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a perfect drizzle of balsamic vinegar, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. Perfectly paired with crispy, toasted baguette slices, it offers the ideal balance of crunchy and savory in every bite. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it as a light snack, this bruschetta is sure to impress.

For more delicious Italian-inspired appetizers, explore these bruschetta recipes or discover Italian appetizers for more tasty ideas.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Creating this Tomato & Basil Bruschetta is easy and quick. Here’s a simple list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions.

Tomato & Basil Bruschetta – Fresh, Flavorful, and Easy Appetizer

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12-15 pieces of bruschetta 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Tomato & Basil Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer that’s fresh, light, and bursting with vibrant flavors. With juicy tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, this dish is topped on crunchy, toasted baguette slices. Perfect as a party snack or a simple starter for any meal, it’s sure to impress!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 tomatoes, seeded and diced (Roma or Campari work beautifully)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 baguette (or similar French/Italian bread), cut slightly on the diagonal into ½-inch slices
• Optional Garnish: Shredded Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

• Prepare the tomato mixture:
• In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, finely chopped fresh basil, and minced garlic.
• Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon cracked pepper.
• Drizzle in 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. Stir well to combine. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Toast the baguette slices:
• While the tomato mixture is resting, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Arrange the sliced baguette pieces on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp. Alternatively, you can toast them in a skillet with a little olive oil over medium heat.
• Assemble the bruschetta:
• Once the baguette slices are toasted, spoon the tomato and basil mixture generously onto each slice.
• Optionally, sprinkle with shredded Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.
• Serve:
• Arrange the bruschetta on a serving platter and serve immediately as a delicious appetizer or snack.

Notes

• If you want to add a little more richness, you can drizzle the bruschetta with additional balsamic glaze before serving.
• For a crunchy texture, you can rub the toasted bread slices with a garlic clove before adding the tomato mixture.
• If you prefer a more intense flavor, let the tomato mixture sit in the fridge for up to an hour before serving to enhance the flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snack
• Method: No-cook, Baking (for the bread)
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece of bruschetta
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 2mg

Keywords: Tomato & Basil Bruschetta

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tomato Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, fresh basil, minced garlic, salt, and cracked pepper. Stir to mix everything evenly.
2. Add Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar: Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the tomato mixture. Stir again to combine and allow the flavors to meld together for at least 10-15 minutes.
3. Toast the Baguette: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. Alternatively, you can toast the bread slices on a grill or in a skillet.
4. Assemble the Bruschetta: Spoon the tomato and basil mixture onto the toasted baguette slices. Be generous with the topping to ensure each slice is loaded with fresh, flavorful ingredients.
5. Optional Garnish: For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle the bruschetta with shredded Parmesan before serving.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, savory flavors of this classic Italian appetizer!

Advanced Techniques

If you want to elevate your Tomato & Basil Bruschetta, here are some tips and tricks to add complexity to the flavors and textures.

Use Heirloom Tomatoes

For a more vibrant and varied flavor, try using heirloom tomatoes. These tomatoes come in different colors and sizes and can add a visually appealing element to the dish. They also offer a richer, more complex flavor profile compared to standard tomatoes.

Infuse Olive Oil

Take your olive oil up a notch by infusing it with extra flavor. You can infuse olive oil with garlic, rosemary, or chili flakes for an added burst of flavor. Simply heat olive oil with your chosen herbs or spices for about 10 minutes, strain, and let it cool before drizzling over the tomatoes.

Grilled Bread for Extra Flavor

Instead of simply toasting the baguette, try grilling the bread slices for a smoky flavor. This will add depth to the bruschetta and a unique twist that your guests will love.

Add a Drizzle of Honey

For a hint of sweetness, drizzle a small amount of honey over the bruschetta just before serving. The sweet contrast with the tangy tomatoes and balsamic vinegar will create a sophisticated balance of flavors.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

While Tomato & Basil Bruschetta is best served fresh, there are ways to store leftovers and maintain the dish’s quality.

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover tomato topping (without the bread), you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the bread will become soggy if stored with the topping, so it’s best to keep the bread separate until ready to serve.

Reheating Toasted Bread

If you need to refresh leftover toasted bread, pop it back in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to crisp it up again.

Freezing the Tomato Mixture

You can freeze the tomato and basil mixture for later use. Make sure it’s fully cooled before transferring it into an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight and give it a good stir before serving.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Tomato & Basil Bruschetta is a versatile dish that can easily be adapted to accommodate different dietary preferences.

Gluten-Free Version

To make the bruschetta gluten-free, use gluten-free bread or crackers in place of the traditional baguette. Many gluten-free bread options are available at most grocery stores, which will still give you that satisfying crunch.

Vegan Version

This recipe is already vegan-friendly, but you can omit the optional Parmesan topping for a completely dairy-free version. You can also use vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast as a garnish to keep the cheesy flavor while keeping it plant-based.

Low-Carb Version

For a low-carb version, serve the tomato mixture with cucumber slices or use low-carb crackers instead of the bread. This will give you the same fresh flavors while cutting down on carbohydrates.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of Roma tomatoes?

Yes! Cherry tomatoes are a great option for bruschetta. They’re smaller and juicier, and they’ll add a burst of sweetness. Just make sure to seed them before dicing to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make the tomato mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the tomato and basil mixture ahead of time. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but be sure to assemble the bruschetta with the toasted bread right before serving to maintain the crispness of the bread.

Can I make the bruschetta with a different type of bread?

Absolutely! You can use any type of crusty bread, like ciabatta or sourdough, if you prefer. Just be sure to slice the bread into 1/2-inch pieces so that it’s easy to top and bite into.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Tomato & Basil Bruschetta is a simple yet elegant appetizer that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. With its fresh ingredients, vibrant colors, and easy preparation, it’s perfect for both casual and more formal occasions. Plus, the recipe is easily customizable to suit various dietary needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious dish. So next time you’re looking for a quick and tasty appetizer, give this classic Tomato & Basil Bruschetta a try—it’s guaranteed to impress!