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Fresh bruschetta with diced tomatoes and basil on toasted bread

Fresh Bruschetta with Tomatoes and Basil

Crispy garlic-rubbed toasted bread piled high with juicy fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The classic Italian appetizer ready in 20 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

  • 1 French baguette or Italian bread sliced into 3/4-inch diagonal pieces
  • 4 large ripe Roma tomatoes seeded and finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic 2 halved for rubbing and 2 finely minced for topping
  • 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves thinly sliced
  • 3-4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil plus more for brushing bread
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Combine diced tomatoes, minced garlic, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss gently. Let sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes — this step is essential for flavor development.
  2. Brush bread slices with olive oil on both sides. Arrange on a baking sheet and broil on high for 2 to 3 minutes per side until deeply golden and genuinely crunchy.
  3. While bread is still piping hot firmly rub the cut side of a halved raw garlic clove across each toast. The warmth acts like a grater releasing the garlic oils into the bread.
  4. Use a slotted spoon to scoop the tomato mixture onto each toast leaving most of the excess liquid behind.
  5. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and a little extra olive oil. Serve immediately within 5 minutes of topping.

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 4gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 320mgPotassium: 220mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3g

Notes

Toast the bread until genuinely golden and crunchy — pale bread goes soggy immediately. Top right before serving and never more than 5 minutes ahead. The garlic rubbing step is the secret most people skip and it makes all the difference.

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