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Classic Italian Tomato Bruschetta Appetiser - recipefeasts staff
recipefeasts staff

Classic Italian Tomato Bruschetta Appetiser

This classic Italian bruschetta features juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and extra-virgin olive oil served on crispy toasted bread — a simple yet elegant appetiser.
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Prep Time 28 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 36 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 cherry tomatoes, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp organic balsamic vinegar (optional but recommended
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
  • 10 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 medium French baguette, sliced into 12 pieces
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for brushing bread)
  • 1 clove garlic, cut in half (for rubbing on toast)

Method
 

  1. Dice the cherry tomatoes and place them in a mixing bowl. Remove excess seeds for a less watery topping. Though there are other tomatoes varieties, I prefer cherry because they are firm and less watery than other types of tomatoes.
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  2. Add chopped fresh basil, minced garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar (adds tangy, sweet deep flavour), salt, and black pepper to a bowl. Stir gently to combine and set aside to marinate for 15 minutes.
  3. Preheat grill or oven broiler to medium-high.
  4. Brush both sides of the French baguette slices lightly with extra virgin olive oil. Ensure that the baguette you are going to use is fresh, soft, is able to toast well and at the same time strong enough to carry the topping.
  5. Toast bread for 1-2 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
  6. While still warm, rub one side of each toast with the cut garlic clove.
  7. Spoon the tomato mixture generously over each slice just before serving. Drizzle lightly with extra virgin olive oil if desire.

Notes

 

Nutritional Values (Per Serving)

  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Fibre: 2g
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 180mg

Optional Tips & Variations

  • Add fresh mozzarella pearls for a Caprese-style bruschetta
  • Use cherry tomatoes for a sweeter flavour
  • Add finely chopped red onion for extra bite
  • Sprinkle with grated Parmesan before serving
  • Top with prosciutto for a more filling appetiser

Storage

Store the tomato topping in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Store toasted bread separately at room temperature.

Freezing

Not recommended. Fresh tomatoes lose texture when frozen.

Reheating

Do not reheat assembled bruschetta. Re-toast bread briefly and add fresh topping.

FAQs

Why is my bruschetta watery?
Tomatoes contain a lot of liquid. Remove seeds and drain excess juice before mixing.
Can I make bruschetta ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the topping up to 24 hours in advance. Toast bread just before serving.
What bread is best for bruschetta?
French baguette or ciabatta works best because they toast crisp without becoming hard.
Is bruschetta healthy?
Yes. It is rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and low in saturated fat.