Authentic Italian Bruschetta: Fresh Tomato & Basil Bites (Print Version)

Discover classic Authentic Italian Bruschetta. Crisp bread, ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil for a simple, flavorful appetizer.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Fresh Topping Ingredients

01 - 4-5 ripe Roma tomatoes, diced
02 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (chiffonade)
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced (for the topping)

→ Bread & Rub

04 - 1 crusty baguette or ciabatta, sliced 1/2-inch thick
05 - 1-2 whole garlic cloves, peeled (for rubbing bread)

→ Flavor Essentials

06 - 1/4 cup good quality extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
07 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
08 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

→ Optional Finishing Touch

09 - Balsamic glaze, for drizzling

# Instructions:

01 - First things first for your Authentic Italian Bruschetta! Grab those beautiful tomatoes, wash 'em, and dice them up. I usually go for about a quarter-inch dice, not too chunky, not too fine. Pop them in a bowl, and honestly, this is where the magic starts. I always smell the freshness and can't help but sneak a little taste of the diced tomatoes.
02 - Next, stack your fresh basil leaves, roll 'em up, and slice them into thin ribbons – that's called a chiffonade, fancy, right? Then, mince your garlic. I like to get it pretty fine for the topping, but remember, we're rubbing raw garlic on the bread too, so don't overdo it in the mix unless you're a garlic fanatic like me!
03 - Now, in that bowl with your diced tomatoes, gently fold in the basil and about half of your minced garlic. Drizzle generously with a good quality extra virgin olive oil, then season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Give it a good, gentle stir. Let this sit for at least 10-15 minutes to let those flavors meld. Honestly, the aroma at this stage is incredible!
04 - Slice your baguette or ciabatta on the diagonal, about half an inch thick. Drizzle a little olive oil on one side of each slice. Now, you can toast them in a hot oven (around 375°F/190°C) for 5-7 minutes, or on a grill pan until golden and crisp. This is where I almost always over-toast a few slices because I get distracted. Keep an eye on them!
05 - Once your bread is perfectly toasted and still warm, grab a whole, peeled garlic clove and rub it vigorously over the toasted side of each slice. This infuses that incredible garlic flavor right into the bread. It's a game-changer, trust me. Then, spoon a generous amount of your tomato and basil mixture onto each garlic-rubbed toast.
06 - Arrange your gorgeous Authentic Italian Bruschetta on a platter. If you're feeling fancy, a little drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top just before serving adds a lovely touch. Serve immediately! The crunch of the bread with the juicy, fresh topping is just heavenly. Don't wait, it's best enjoyed right away.

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd your baking sheet when toasting the bread; it steams instead of crisps.
02 - If you're prepping ahead, keep the tomato mixture separate from the bread until serving time to avoid sogginess.
03 - No fresh basil? A tiny pinch of dried oregano can work in a pinch, but fresh is truly king for Authentic Italian Bruschetta.
04 - A sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese on top adds a lovely creamy tang.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Mixing bowl
02 - cutting board
03 - sharp knife
04 - baking sheet or grill pan

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 150-200
Total Fat: 8-12g
Total Carbohydrate: 15-20g
Protein: 3-5g

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