Simple Garlic & Tomato Italian Bruschetta Recipe (Print Version)

Whip up an Easy Italian Bruschetta Recipe with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil. A simple, vibrant appetizer perfect for any gathering or quick snack.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 7 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 1 crusty baguette (about 12 inches), sliced 1/2-inch thick on the diagonal
02 - 4-5 ripe Roma tomatoes, diced

→ Flavor Boosters

03 - 4-5 fresh garlic cloves, peeled (plus 1 extra for rubbing)
04 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped or torn
05 - 1/4 cup good quality extra virgin olive oil (plus more for brushing)
06 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
07 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

→ Finishing Touches

08 - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (optional, but recommended)

# Instructions:

01 - First up, get that baguette ready, hon! I slice it on the diagonal, about half an inch thick. This gives you a nice surface area for all those yummy toppings. Then, I brush each slice lightly with olive oil. You want just enough to get it crispy, not drenched. I used to go a bit heavy-handed and ended up with greasy bread, oops! Lay them out on a baking sheet, ready for some heat.
02 - Now, into the oven they go! I usually preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C) and toast them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they're golden brown and wonderfully crisp. Keep an eye on them, though; they can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a flash, especially around the edges. I've definitely had a few "too dark" batches in my time, but hey, a little char isn't the end of the world, right? Flip them halfway through if you want even browning.
03 - This is the secret weapon step for your Easy Italian Bruschetta Recipe! Once the bread is toasted and still warm, take a peeled garlic clove and rub it vigorously over the surface of each slice. You'll literally see the garlic pulp getting scraped onto the bread. The warmth of the toast helps the garlic release its oils and really infuse that incredible flavor. Oh, the smell at this point! It's honestly intoxicating.
04 - While your bread is cooling slightly, dice your Roma tomatoes into small, even pieces. I aim for about a quarter-inch dice. Then, roughly chop your fresh basil. In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped basil, a generous drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil, and a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix it all gently; you don't want to mush the tomatoes, just combine the flavors.
05 - Now for the fun part! Take a spoonful of the tomato mixture and pile it onto each garlic-rubbed toast slice. Don't be shy; load 'em up! I like to get a good mix of tomato and basil in every bite. Sometimes, I accidentally drop a piece or two of tomato on the counter, but that's just part of the kitchen chaos, right? It's all about making it feel homemade.
06 - Once all your bruschetta are topped, arrange them on a serving platter. For an extra flourish, I often drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the top of the Easy Italian Bruschetta Recipe right before serving. It adds a lovely tang and a beautiful presentation. It should look vibrant, smell incredible, and taste like a little piece of Italian sunshine. Serve immediately for the best texture!

# Notes:

01 - Don't skip rubbing the garlic on the warm bread; it's a game-changer I learned the hard way!
02 - Serve this fresh for the best texture; pre-assembling makes the bread soggy.
03 - Try a tiny sprinkle of red pepper flakes in the tomato mix if you like a little heat.
04 - Good quality olive oil makes all the difference, honestly, don't skimp here!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Baking sheet
02 - small mixing bowl
03 - sharp knife
04 - cutting board

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 180
Total Fat: 12g
Total Carbohydrate: 15g
Protein: 3g

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