Classic Bruschetta Recipe
This bruschetta recipe is a simple and delicious appetizer perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- For the bruschetta toasts:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick slices on a diagonal
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- For the topping:
- 2 large ripe tomatoes, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Cooking Guide:
- Toast the bread: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush both sides of the bread slices with olive oil and arrange them on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and toasted.
- Prepare the topping: While the bread is toasting, combine the diced tomatoes, garlic, balsamic vinegar (if using), basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir gently to combine.
- Assemble the bruschetta: Once the bread is toasted, remove it from the oven and rub one side of each slice with a garlic clove (discard the clove after each use). This will infuse the bread with a delicious garlicky flavor.
- Spoon the tomato mixture over the toasted bread slices.
- Serve immediately. Bruschetta is best enjoyed fresh, so don’t assemble it too far in advance.
Tips:
- Use the freshest ingredients possible for the best flavor.
- If your tomatoes are very juicy, you can drain them on a paper towel for a few minutes before adding them to the topping mixture.
- For a richer flavor, you can drizzle the assembled bruschetta with a little extra olive oil before serving.
- Get creative with your toppings! You can add other ingredients to the classic mix, such as chopped red onion, crumbled feta cheese, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Bruschetta is a great way to use up leftover bread. Just make sure the bread is not dry or stale. If it is, you can toast it for a little longer to help crisp it up.
- Bruschetta can be served at room temperature or slightly warm.