Go Back
Classic Bruschetta You Can Make in Minutes

Classic Bruschetta You Can Make in Minutes

Crisp toasted baguette slices are rubbed with garlic and topped with ripe Roma tomatoes, fresh basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. This simple appetizer makes about 24 pieces in approximately 25 minutes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Tomato Topping
  • 1 1/2 pounds Ripe Roma or plum tomatoes, seeded and finely diced
  • 1/4 cup Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves Garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon Extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Balsamic vinegar
  • 3/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
Bread
  • 1 baguette Baguette, sliced diagonally into about 24 pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing
  • 1 clove Garlic clove, halved for rubbing the toasted bread

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Dice the tomatoes and place them in a bowl. If they are especially juicy, drain them briefly in a colander or remove the seeds first.
  2. Stir the basil, two minced garlic cloves, one tablespoon olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper into the tomatoes.
  3. Let the tomato mixture stand for 10–20 minutes so the flavors can develop. Taste and adjust the salt or vinegar if needed.
  4. Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush them lightly with the two tablespoons of olive oil.
  5. Toast the baguette for 5–8 minutes, turning once if needed, until the edges are crisp and the centers are lightly golden.
  6. Rub the warm toast with the cut side of the halved garlic clove. Spoon the tomato mixture onto the toast immediately before serving.

Notes

Use ripe, meaty Roma or plum tomatoes and good olive oil because the ingredient list is short. Drain watery tomatoes and add the topping at the last moment to help the toast remain crisp. Traditional Italian versions may omit balsamic vinegar, but it adds a pleasant modern tang.