Description
Homemade Italian bruschetta delivers classic Mediterranean flavors with fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic on crisp toasted bread. Simple ingredients create an authentic appetizer that connects cooking enthusiasts directly to Italian culinary traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 slices sourdough or ciabatta bread (1.5 cm thick)
- 2 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove (halved, unpeeled)
- 4 ripe medium tomatoes (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup basil leaves (roughly chopped)
- 1 1/2 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp kosher or cooking salt
- Black pepper (freshly ground, to taste)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 400F (200C) to prepare for toasting the bread.
- Generously coat each bread slice with olive oil, ensuring complete coverage.
- Arrange the oiled bread slices on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and toast for 5-7 minutes until edges turn golden and crisp.
- Remove bread from oven and immediately rub each slice with the cut side of a garlic clove, transferring aromatic flavors.
- Chop fresh tomatoes into uniform small cubes to create a consistent texture.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes with finely chopped basil leaves, drizzling olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Carefully spoon the vibrant tomato mixture evenly across the crispy, garlic-infused toast slices.
- Plate the bruschetta immediately to maintain the bread’s crunchiness and serve while ingredients are fresh and aromatic.
Notes
- Choose a crusty, rustic Italian bread like ciabatta or baguette for the best texture and authentic flavor.
- Gently rub the garlic clove for a subtle hint, or press harder for a more robust garlic punch.
- Use ripe, in-season tomatoes and freshly picked basil to elevate the bruschetta’s taste.
- Swap traditional bread with gluten-free alternatives like corn tortillas or rice cakes for a celiac-friendly version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg