Ingredients
Tomato Topping
- 6 ripe Roma tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons good-quality balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- a few grinds of freshly ground black pepper
- ⅓ cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
Bread
- 1 baguette
- 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomato Topping: Dice the tomatoes, discarding the core and any excess juices and seeds to avoid sogginess. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, fine sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir gently, then fold in the thinly sliced fresh basil leaves. Set the mixture aside for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
- Toast the Bread: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) placing the oven rack in the upper third position. Slice the baguette diagonally into ½-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices on a rimmed baking sheet and lightly brush the top sides with 1 to 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Toast in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the bread is lightly golden and crispy.
- Rub Garlic on Toasts: When the toasted baguette slices are cool enough to handle but still warm, cut a garlic clove in half and rub the cut side over the top of each toast slice. This infuses the bread with a subtle garlic flavor that complements the tomato topping.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon generous amounts of the tomato mixture onto each garlic-rubbed toast slice. Serve the bruschetta immediately for the best texture and flavor. Alternatively, serve the toasted bread and tomato topping separately to allow guests to assemble their own bruschetta.
Notes
- Discarding excess tomato juice helps prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
- Allow the tomato mixture to rest so flavors blend well.
- Using good-quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar significantly enhances flavor.
- Rub garlic on warm toast for easy and fragrant infusion without overpowering.
- Serve immediately for best texture; toasted bread can lose crispness if left too long.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
