Description

Bruschetta is the perfect combination of crispy toasted bread, vibrant tomato-basil topping, and a hint of sweet balsamic glaze. It’s an easy, elegant dish that’s versatile enough for parties, dinners, or even a solo snack. This recipe ensures restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort, making it a go-to appetizer in any home kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Topping:

Roma tomatoes (6, chopped into small pieces)
Salt (½ teaspoon)
Fresh basil (⅓ cup, finely chopped)
Garlic cloves (2, minced)
Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
Balsamic vinegar (1 tablespoon)
Ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon)

For the Bread:

Baguette (2, sliced into 1-inch diagonal pieces)
Olive oil (⅓ cup, mixed with minced garlic)
Garlic cloves (3, minced and mixed with olive oil)

To Serve:

Balsamic glaze (as needed, drizzled on top)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Tomato Topping:

Chop the Roma tomatoes into small, uniform pieces.
Combine with salt in a bowl and let sit for 10 minutes to release excess moisture.
Strain the tomato mixture, then stir in basil, garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and black pepper. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes for flavors to meld.

2. Toast the Baguette Slices:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Slice the baguette into 1-inch pieces diagonally.
Mix olive oil with minced garlic and brush over each slice.
Arrange slices on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes. For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 30–60 seconds.

3. Assemble the Bruschetta:

Spoon the prepared tomato topping generously onto each toasted baguette slice.
Drizzle balsamic glaze over the top for added flavor.
Serve immediately to ensure the bread stays crispy.

Notes

Customization: Add grated Parmesan, mozzarella, or fresh fruit like strawberries for unique variations.
Storage: Keep the tomato topping in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble only before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking and Assembling
Cuisine: Italian