Name: Classic Tomato and Basil Bruschetta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 4 slices of crusty bread (such as sourdough or ciabatta), sliced 1.5 cm (⅗ inch) thick; Extra virgin olive oil, for brushing; 1 garlic clove, halved; 4 medium ripe tomatoes, at room temperature; ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped; 1 ½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil (use the best quality available); ¼ tsp kosher or cooking salt; Black pepper, to taste

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The Ultimate Italian Appetizer – In Just 10 Minutes!

Want to make a restaurant-worthy snack in no time? This real tomato and basil bruschetta is as simple as it gets—but don’t let that fool you! The secret lies in using the freshest, juiciest tomatoes, fragrant basil, and golden, crispy bread. In just 10 minutes, you’ll have a light, flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for entertaining or an everyday treat. One bite, and you’ll see why this Italian classic is a favorite! Let’s get started!

Classic Tomato and Basil Bruschetta

A simple and authentic Italian-style bruschetta made with fresh, ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil, served on crispy grilled bread.

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Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Tomato and Basil Bruschetta

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 5

Total Time: 10

Servings:

Calories: 245kcal

Ingredients

For the Bread:

4 slices of crusty bread (such as sourdough or ciabatta), sliced 1.5 cm (⅗ inch) thick
Extra virgin olive oil, for brushing
1 garlic clove, halved

For the Tomato and Basil Topping:

4 medium ripe tomatoes, at room temperature
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
1 ½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil (use the best quality available)
¼ tsp kosher or cooking salt
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Grill:

Preheat the broiler/grill on high or use the grill side of a BBQ or a griddle skillet.

Make the Tomato Topping:

(Optional) Remove seeds from the tomatoes by cutting them in half and scooping out the watery centers. This helps intensify the flavor.
Dice the tomatoes into small, uniform pieces (about 1 cm / ⅖ inch).
In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped basil, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Gently toss to mix.
Let sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Toast the Bread:

Brush each side of the bread slices with olive oil.
Grill or broil until golden and crispy, about 3 minutes per side. (Alternatively, toast the bread and then brush with olive oil.)
Lightly rub one side of each slice with the cut side of the garlic clove.

Assemble and Serve:

Spoon the tomato mixture onto the grilled bread, allowing some juices to soak in.
Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for added richness.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition

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Recipe Tips:

Choosing Bread: Use sturdy, rustic bread to prevent sogginess. Sourdough and ciabatta are excellent choices.
Make Ahead: The tomato mixture can be prepared a few hours in advance but do not add salt until just before serving to avoid excess moisture.
DIY Bruschetta Bar: For gatherings, serve toasted bread alongside bowls of toppings and let guests assemble their own bruschetta.

Enjoy this classic Italian appetizer that’s bursting with fresh flavors!