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Tomato and Basil Bruschetta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 140 reviews

This Tomato and Basil Bruschetta recipe features fresh, ripe tomatoes seasoned with fragrant basil and extra-virgin olive oil, served atop toasted rustic bread rubbed with garlic. It’s a simple yet flavorful Italian appetizer perfect for warm weather or any time you crave a fresh, vibrant bite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Tomato Mixture

  • 4–5 medium, ripe, organic tomatoes
  • 12 fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Black pepper to taste

For the Bread

  • 4 slices of fresh rustic bread
  • Extra-virgin olive oil (about 8 tablespoons, divided)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 clove of garlic

Instructions

  1. Peel Tomatoes: Wash the tomatoes and make a small cross-cut on the bottom of each. Blanch them by placing in boiling water for 30 seconds, then immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water. The skins will loosen, allowing you to peel them off easily. Once peeled, cut each tomato into quarters, remove the seeds, and dice into uniform half-inch pieces.
  2. Season Tomatoes: In a bowl, combine the peeled and diced tomatoes with 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil, salt, black pepper, and torn fresh basil leaves. Mix thoroughly and let the mixture rest for 20-30 minutes to develop the flavors.
  3. Prepare Bread: Cut the rustic bread into diagonal slices to create 4 pieces. Pour about 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil per slice into a shallow dish and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Season Bread: Dip each slice of bread on one side only into the seasoned olive oil, ensuring the entire surface is evenly coated.
  5. Toast Bread: Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle pan over high heat. Place the oil-coated side of the bread down onto the pan and press gently with a spatula to encourage even toasting. Cook until the bread is golden brown and crispy, then remove from heat and transfer the toasted bread to a serving plate.
  6. Garlic Rub: Peel the garlic clove and, while the toasted bread is still warm, rub the garlic on the crusty surface to infuse a subtle garlic flavor.
  7. Assemble Bruschetta: Just before serving, spoon the seasoned tomato mixture evenly over each slice of bread. If desired, finish with an additional drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use ripe, organic tomatoes for the best flavor.
  • Blanching the tomatoes helps remove the skin easily for a smoother texture.
  • Letting the tomato mixture rest allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Rub the warm bread with garlic gently to avoid overpowering the dish.
  • Serve bruschetta immediately to enjoy the crispiness of the bread.

Keywords: Tomato bruschetta, basil bruschetta, Italian appetizer, toasted bread with tomato, garlic bread, easy bruschetta recipe

Find it online: https://spatulaqueen.com/tomato-and-basil-bruschetta-recipe/