I recently experimented with an Italian Bruschetta Recipe that has quickly become my favorite. The combination of toasted baguette slices, ripe roma tomatoes mingled with garlic and basil, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil creates an irresistible bite. A hint of balsamic and Parmesan brings an extra twist perfect for summer gatherings.
I’ve always been a fan of classic Italian flavors, and this bruschetta recipe really hits the spot every time. I first discovered this version when I was experimenting with fresh summer produce, and now I can’t get enough of its vibrant taste.
The crispy baguette slices, lightly toasted with a hint of garlic rubbed on them, create the perfect base for a delicious tomato topping. I mix in diced Roma tomatoes with extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, and fresh basil.
A generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds that extra depth you just can’t resist, and a dash of salt and pepper ties it all together. The secret?
A drizzle of balsamic vinegar at the end that gives the dish a subtle tang. This recipe has become my go-to recipe for summer gatherings and is a real crowd-pleaser.
Enjoy creating this Italian-inspired treat in your kitchen!
Why I Like this Recipe
1. I really dig how the toasted baguette turns out so crispy on the edges, and rubbing garlic on them gives a flavor that just blows my mind every time I take a bite.
2. I love mixing diced fresh tomatoes with basil and olive oil because it gives the bruschetta a refreshing taste that makes every mouthful feel like summer.
3. The Parmesan cheese and balsamic drizzle add that extra kick that transforms a simple appetizer into something that feels both gourmet and homey at the same time.
4. I appreciate how easy it is to whip this up for gatherings – it’s fun, looking super impressive even though it’s really simple, and everyone seems to love it.
Ingredients
- Baguette: Crunchy, carb-rich bread that serves as a perfect base for tomato topping.
- Roma Tomatoes: Fresh and juicy, they offer vitamins, fibre and a subtle tangy-sweet zest.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Rich in healthy fats, this oil makes the dish silky and flavorful.
- Garlic: Adds a punch of flavor and mild health benefits that perk up the taste.
- Fresh Basil: Offers a bright herby aroma with vitamins; it melds beautifully with tomatoes.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated cheese that gives a savory touch, adding protein and umami flavor.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Provides a tangy sweetness, balancing acidity and accentuating the overall taste.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that elevate flavors, ensuring every bite is well seasoned.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 baguette, sliced about 1/2 inch thick
- 5 roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, divided (2 minced into the tomato mix and 1 for rubbing on the bread)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
How to Make this
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and slice the baguette into about 1/2 inch thick slices.
2. Lay the slices on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for around 5-7 minutes, or until they start to get a light golden color.
3. While your bread is toasting, dice the roma tomatoes, making sure you remove the seeds.
4. In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes with 2 minced garlic cloves, roughly chopped basil, and a bit of salt and pepper.
5. Drizzle in about 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil into the tomato mix and stir everything well.
6. Once the bread is toasted, take them out and rub the remaining garlic clove on each slice while they are still warm.
7. Sprinkle each toasted slice with 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly.
8. Spoon the tomato mixture generously over the cheese on each slice.
9. Drizzle with 1-2 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar over the top to add that secret extra zing.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy this simple, crowd-pleasing summer appetizer that’s perfect for any get together.
Equipment Needed
1. Oven – for preheating and toastin’ the baguette
2. Baking sheet – to arrange the baguette slices in the oven
3. Bread knife – to slice the baguette into 1/2 inch thick pieces
4. Cutting board – for slicing and dicing tomatoes, garlic, and basil
5. Chef’s knife – to dice tomatoes, mince garlic, and chop basil roughly
6. Mixing bowl – to combine the tomatoes, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper
7. Measuring cup – to measure the 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
8. Spoon – to stir the tomato mix and to evenly spoon it over the toasted bread
9. Grater – to grate the Parmesan cheese onto the slices
FAQ
Classic Bruschetta Recipe (VIDEO) Substitutions and Variations
- If you can’t find roma tomatoes, you can use cherry tomatoes or even plum tomatoes instead. Just chop them up roughly.
- If you’re low on extra virgin olive oil, try substituting with avocado oil or a milder olive oil. It might not be exactly the same, but it’ll work.
- For the garlic, if you are out of fresh cloves, you could use a pinch of garlic powder. Just note that the flavor will be a bit softer.
- No basil on hand? Fresh parsley or even a bit of mint can serve as a decent replacement though it may alter the taste a bit.
- If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can swap in Romano or Pecorino Romano. Each has its own kick, but works in a pinch.
Pro Tips
1. Try brushing a light coat of olive oil on both sides of the bread before you toast it. It’ll help the slices stay crispy and add extra flavor without making them too soggy later on.
2. Let your tomato mix rest for a few minutes after you mix in the garlic and basil. This helps the flavors meld together better and gives you a richer taste when you top your toast.
3. Use freshly grated Parmesan from a block if you can, cause the flavor and texture are a lot different than the pre-grated stuff you get at the store.
4. If you like more garlic punch, consider roasting a whole head of garlic alongside your bread, then squeeze out the soft, caramelized garlic over the toast instead of rubbing raw garlic clove.
Classic Bruschetta Recipe (VIDEO)
My favorite Classic Bruschetta Recipe (VIDEO)
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven – for preheating and toastin’ the baguette
2. Baking sheet – to arrange the baguette slices in the oven
3. Bread knife – to slice the baguette into 1/2 inch thick pieces
4. Cutting board – for slicing and dicing tomatoes, garlic, and basil
5. Chef’s knife – to dice tomatoes, mince garlic, and chop basil roughly
6. Mixing bowl – to combine the tomatoes, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper
7. Measuring cup – to measure the 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
8. Spoon – to stir the tomato mix and to evenly spoon it over the toasted bread
9. Grater – to grate the Parmesan cheese onto the slices
Ingredients:
- 1 baguette, sliced about 1/2 inch thick
- 5 roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, divided (2 minced into the tomato mix and 1 for rubbing on the bread)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and slice the baguette into about 1/2 inch thick slices.
2. Lay the slices on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for around 5-7 minutes, or until they start to get a light golden color.
3. While your bread is toasting, dice the roma tomatoes, making sure you remove the seeds.
4. In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes with 2 minced garlic cloves, roughly chopped basil, and a bit of salt and pepper.
5. Drizzle in about 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil into the tomato mix and stir everything well.
6. Once the bread is toasted, take them out and rub the remaining garlic clove on each slice while they are still warm.
7. Sprinkle each toasted slice with 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly.
8. Spoon the tomato mixture generously over the cheese on each slice.
9. Drizzle with 1-2 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar over the top to add that secret extra zing.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy this simple, crowd-pleasing summer appetizer that’s perfect for any get together.
