Description
This easy Tomato Basil Bruschetta is a fresh, vibrant appetizer featuring juicy tomatoes, aromatic basil, and golden toasted bread. Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or a quick snack, it’s light, satisfying, and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, diced
- 2 medium Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large baguette or Italian loaf, cut into 1/2-inch slices (about 14–16 pieces)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (for brushing)
- Flaky sea salt (for finishing)
- Shaved Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Cracked red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice baguette into 1/2-inch pieces (14-16 slices). Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush both sides with olive oil.
- Bake bread for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- While bread toasts, dice cherry and Roma tomatoes. Place in a medium mixing bowl.
- Chop basil leaves using the chiffonade method (stack, roll, and slice).
- Mince garlic and add to tomatoes and basil. Add olive oil, balsamic vinegar (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
- Let tomato mixture sit for 5-10 minutes to meld flavors. Drain excess liquid if needed.
- Once bread is toasted and slightly cooled, spoon tomato mixture onto each slice. Use a slotted spoon for less sogginess.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, add Parmesan or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately while bread is warm and topping is cool.
Notes
For best results, use ripe, in-season tomatoes and fresh basil. Toast bread just before serving and assemble bruschetta at the last minute to prevent sogginess. For gluten-free, use GF bread; for vegan, skip Parmesan. Try rubbing a cut garlic clove on toasted bread for extra flavor. Tomato mixture can be made ahead and refrigerated; toast bread fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 105
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 220
- Fat: 4.5
- Saturated Fat: 0.7
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: bruschetta, tomato basil, appetizer, summer, vegetarian, easy, Italian, party food, healthy, fresh, quick