Go Back
Bruschetta with tomato basil on a white ceramic plate on marble

Bruschetta with Tomato Basil

Classic Italian bruschetta with juicy drained tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic-rubbed toasted bread that comes together in 20 minutes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium ripe tomatoes diced, about 3 cups
  • 1 baguette or Italian bread sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 3 cloves garlic 2 for rubbing, 1 minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves torn or chiffonade
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil plus more for bread
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar optional
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Method
 

  1. Dice tomatoes and toss with salt in a colander. Let drain for 15 to 20 minutes. Discard liquid.
  2. Transfer drained tomatoes to a bowl. Add minced garlic, basil, olive oil, pepper, and balsamic if using. Toss gently and adjust salt.
  3. Brush bread slices with olive oil. Toast on a grill pan or under broil for 2 to 3 minutes per side until deeply golden.
  4. Rub a halved raw garlic clove firmly across the surface of each hot toast slice.
  5. Spoon tomato topping generously onto each slice right before serving. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with fresh basil.

Notes

Always salt and drain the tomatoes before topping the bread. This step prevents soggy bruschetta. Rub the garlic onto hot toast while it is still fresh from the grill for the best flavor. Top the bread just before serving.