Classic Tomato Basil Bruschetta 🍅🌿🧄🥖 Bright, Juicy, and Packed With Garlic-Infused Flavor on Crisp Toasted Bread

This is the ultimate simple Italian starter: juicy diced tomatoes, fragrant basil, garlic, and olive oil piled high on golden toasted baguette slices.

It’s fresh, fast, and the kind of snack or appetizer that disappears as fast as you can make it.

Ingredients (Makes ~12 pieces)

For the topping

• 4–5 ripe Roma or plum tomatoes, diced (about 2 cups)
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh basil
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1 tsp balsamic vinegar or reduction

For the bread

• 1 baguette or crusty Italian bread, sliced ½-inch thick
• Olive oil for brushing
• 1 clove garlic (cut in half, for rubbing toast)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the tomato topping
In a bowl, mix diced tomatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, basil, salt, pepper, and optional balsamic. Let sit at room temperature for at least 10–15 minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 2: Toast the bread
Brush baguette slices lightly with olive oil. Toast under the broiler or in a skillet until golden brown and crisp (1–2 minutes per side). While still warm, rub each piece with the cut side of a garlic clove for flavor.

Step 3: Assemble
Spoon the tomato mixture generously onto each piece of toasted bread. Serve immediately so the bread stays crisp.

Flavor Variations

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat
• Mix in diced mozzarella or burrata for creaminess
• Swap balsamic for lemon zest and juice for extra brightness
• Use roasted cherry tomatoes for a deeper, sweeter flavor
• Drizzle with truffle oil or top with prosciutto for a luxe twist

Pro Tips

• Use ripe, in-season tomatoes for best flavor
• Toast bread just before serving — soggy bruschetta is a tragedy
• Don’t skip the garlic rub on the toast — it adds depth fast
• Let the tomato mixture sit, but not too long — fresh basil can darken

Final Thoughts

Classic Tomato Basil Bruschetta is bright, fresh, and endlessly craveable. It’s the kind of dish that proves simple ingredients, treated right, create magic. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or party staple.

Dice it. Toast it. Pile it high. 🍅🌿🧄🥖

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