Recipe
Classic Italian Bruschetta
Yields18 Total40 minutes
appetizer
Description
Classic Italian bruschetta recipe loaded with fresh tomatoes on top of toasted bread slices. The perfect appetizer for a casual dinner or a big celebration.
Ingredients
- 1 Italian loaf, french loaf, or baguette
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
- 1 garlic clove, peeled and cut in half
- 2 pounds roma tomatoes, about 10
- ¼ cup white onion, finely minced
- ¼ cup thinly sliced basil leaves
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon finely minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
-
1
Preheat the Oven – Set the oven rack to the middle position. Preheat to 450ºF (232ºC). 2. Slice the Bread – Cut the bread on a slight bias into ½" thick slices or ¾" for thicker pieces. There should be between 12 to 24 slices depending on the thickness and length of the loaf. 3. Toast the Baguette Slices– Lightly brush olive oil on both sides of the bread. Sprinkle salt on both sides. Bake until the surface is lightly browned, about 5 minutes per side. You still want a soft chew in the center of the bread and not be completely dried out. Transfer toasted bread to a wire rack. 4. Enhance the Bread's Flavor – While the bread is still warm, rub the cut-side of garlic on both sides for extra flavor. 5. Dice the Tomatoes – Cut the tomatoes lengthwise into quarters, removing the core and seeds. Chop into ¼" dice. There should be about 4 cups of diced tomatoes. Transfer to a medium bowl. 6. Season the Tomato Mixture – To the bowl of tomatoes, add the minced onions, basil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture, and stir to combine. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. 7. To Serve – Add the tomato mixture on top of the toasted bread slices and serve immediately. Alternatively, place the mixture in a bowl and let guests top the bread themselves.
Notes
For a Stronger Garlic Flavor: Add 2 teaspoons of minced garlic instead of 1 teaspoon.
Nutrition Facts
Source · Jessica Gavin