I am excited to share my fresh and delicious Tomato and Basil Bruschetta. Ripe tomatoes, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil and freshly chopped basil combine on crisp baguette slices for a delightful burst of flavor. A dash of balsamic vinegar adds a subtle tang that makes each bite irresistible.

Jump to Recipe

I’ve always been a big fan of Tomato and Basil Bruschetta, its fresh flavors always manage to catch my attention no matter how many times I’ve had it. There’s something mesmerizing about the simplicity of ripe tomatoes diced up with a handful of minced garlic that makes it less of a recipe and more of an experience.

I mix in a generous splash of extra virgin olive oil with roughly chopped basil leaves, add a pinch of salt and some freshly ground black pepper, and then drizzle everything on toasted slices of baguette that have been cut about 1/2 inch thick. Every bite is bursting with flavor and even a little drizzle of balsamic vinegar adds an extra punch if you’re feeling adventurous.

I love that its so easy to make yet ends up being a super crowdpleaser at any party. You really gotta give this one a try.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s super fresh – the juicy tomatoes mixed with basil and garlic create a simple yet amazing flavor that really pops when you bite into it.

I also really appreciate that it’s super easy to make. It doesn’t take long to get everything prepped and ready, and I can quickly get a tasty snack or appetizer out to impress friends when they come over.

Another reason i love it is how versatile it is. Whether i’m making it for a party or just for myself, it always hits the spot with its clean, bright flavors that remind me of summer.

Plus, i enjoy that little twist of balsamic vinegar if i feel adventurous – it adds a tangy kick to the mix that makes the whole thing even more interesting.

Ingredients

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

Tomatoes: juicy, rich in fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, and natural acidity that lights up flavors.
Garlic: small but mighty; boosts flavor and packs unique health benefits with its sharp aroma.
Olive Oil: a heart healthy fat that adds smooth texture and savory richness to bite.
Fresh Basil: aromatic leaves that add herbal notes and burst of freshness.
Baguette: provides carbs and crunch so the tomato mix can really shine.
Optional Balsamic Vinegar: adds tangy sour notes and deep flavor complexity.
Overall: balanced flavors, nutrients blend to create a meal thats healthful and satisfying.

Ingredient Quantities

4 to 5 ripe tomatoes, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

Salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 baguette, sliced about 1/2 inch thick

Optional: 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

How to Make this

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

1. Start by dicing your tomatoes into small pieces and mincing the garlic, then toss them together in a bowl with the extra virgin olive oil.

2. Add in the roughly chopped basil leaves, a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper, and if you’re feelin’ adventurous, stir in the tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.

3. Let the tomato mixture sit for about 10 minutes so all those flavors can really mix together.

4. While that’s happening, slice your baguette into about 1/2 inch thick slices.

5. Preheat your oven’s broiler to high and lay the baguette slices on a baking sheet.

6. Toast the bread under the broiler just until the edges begin to turn golden, about 2-3 minutes, but be sure to watch them so they dont burn.

7. Remove the toasted bread from the oven and let it cool for a minute.

8. Spoon the tomato and basil mixture generously onto each slice of bread.

9. Give it a taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.

10. Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh and tasty Tomato and Basil Bruschetta!

Equipment Needed

1. Cutting board for dicing tomatoes and slicing the baguette
2. Chef’s knife for chopping garlic, tomatoes and basil
3. Mixing bowl to toss the tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, and spices
4. Measuring cups and spoons to get the right amounts of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, etc
5. A spoon for stirring the tomato mixture and for spooning it onto the bread
6. Baking sheet for laying out the baguette slices under the broiler
7. Oven with a broiler setting to toast the bread slices

FAQ

Q: What type of tomatoes should I use?

A: Use ripe vine tomatoes if you can, as they give the best flavor and juiciness for your bruschetta.

Q: Do I need to toast the baguette?

A: Yes, lightly toasting the bread in the oven or on the grill helps it stay crunchy when you add the tomato mix.

Q: Can I substitute basil with another herb?

A: You could try using parsley or cilantro, but basil really gives that classic flavor so it's best to stick with it.

Q: What is the purpose of the balsamic vinegar?

A: The balsamic vinegar adds a tangy kick and a bit of sweetness that makes the flavor pop even more.

Q: How long should the tomato mixture rest before serving?

A: Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes, so the flavors can blend well with the garlic and basil.

Tomato And Basil Bruschetta Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Instead of ripe tomatoes you can use cherry tomatoes cut in halves – they’re sweeter but might change the texture a bit.
If you’re short on fresh garlic, try using garlic powder, just be careful with the amount since it’s stronger.
Out of fresh basil? You can use dried basil, just remember to use about one third of the fresh amount.
Don’t have extra virgin olive oil? Avocado oil is a good substitute and gives a nice mild flavor.
If you can’t find a baguette, sourdough or ciabatta slices work really well too for that crunchy bite.

Pro Tips

1. Try using really ripe tomatoes if you can find them. They bring a natural sweetness which makes the dish taste a lot fresher, and letting the mixture sit for a bit really helps meld the flavors together.

2. When toasting the baguette, keep a close eye on them. The minutes can fly by and if you leave them too long they’ll get burnt real fast instead of being crisp and crunchy.

3. If you’re adding balsamic vinegar, start with just a little bit and then taste. Sometimes a little goes a long way and you dont want it overpowering the fresh tomato flavor.

4. Fresh basil makes a big difference. Even though it’s cool to chop it roughly, try not to overdo it so you dont end up with a mushy mix that loses its vibrant taste.

Tomato And Basil Bruschetta Recipe

Recipe by Francis Mead

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

290

kcal

Equipment: 1. Cutting board for dicing tomatoes and slicing the baguette
2. Chef’s knife for chopping garlic, tomatoes and basil
3. Mixing bowl to toss the tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, and spices
4. Measuring cups and spoons to get the right amounts of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, etc
5. A spoon for stirring the tomato mixture and for spooning it onto the bread
6. Baking sheet for laying out the baguette slices under the broiler
7. Oven with a broiler setting to toast the bread slices

Ingredients

4 to 5 ripe tomatoes, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 baguette, sliced about 1/2 inch thick
Optional: 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Directions

Start by dicing your tomatoes into small pieces and mincing the garlic, then toss them together in a bowl with the extra virgin olive oil.
Add in the roughly chopped basil leaves, a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper, and if you're feelin' adventurous, stir in the tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.
Let the tomato mixture sit for about 10 minutes so all those flavors can really mix together.
While that’s happening, slice your baguette into about 1/2 inch thick slices.
Preheat your oven's broiler to high and lay the baguette slices on a baking sheet.
Toast the bread under the broiler just until the edges begin to turn golden, about 2-3 minutes, but be sure to watch them so they dont burn.
Remove the toasted bread from the oven and let it cool for a minute.
Spoon the tomato and basil mixture generously onto each slice of bread.
Give it a taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.
Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh and tasty Tomato and Basil Bruschetta!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.