As Spring arrives and the temperatures warm up, I start to crave lighter foods. Since a girl can only handle so many salads, I find myself turning to fresh, healthy and flavorful dishes like Classic Tomato Bruschetta.
Classic Tomato Bruschetta works well as an appetizer, light lunch or even a healthy snack between meals. If you want to add in some protein, just toss in some grilled chicken or garbanzo beans (chick peas). Or add in some healthy fats by sneaking in some avocado. YUM!
Not only is this recipe healthy, but it’s frugal too AND it only takes about 15 minutes to make!
Classic Tomato Bruschetta boasts authentic Italian flavor!
This dish finds its origins in Italy where they used to rub the baguette over hot coals to bring it to a crisp before adding toppings. I try to capture that authentic flavor by brushing slices of baguette with butter and putting in the oven to broil. Silicone brushes do the job perfectly.
If you don’t want to heat up your house over the warmer summer months, you could even use the outside grill for this step.
For the tomatoes in this dish, you will want to pick fresh, vine ripened tomatoes for a sweet pop of flavor that pairs nicely with the fresh basil and garlic.
Now here’s a pro tip. Remember when I said this recipe takes only 15 minutes to prepare. That’s true. However, if you want even more robust flavor, let the tomato mixture marinate at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before serving.
The only thing left to do is pile all that mouthwatering tomato-y goodness high on your toasted baguette slices and let your taste buds delight. Delicioso!
Classic Tomato Bruschetta is a break from the norm lunch. It’s a healthy snack. And it’s the perfect appetizer to share at your next dinner party or girls’ night. It’s also a flavorful way to use up extra homegrown tomatoes from your garden this summer!
Get the recipe below!
How to Make Classic Tomato Bruschetta
Classic Tomato Bruschetta
For topping:
- 5 small tomatoes (ripe)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic (finely chopped)
- 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 5 fresh basil leaves (sliced into thin strips)
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
For serving:
- 1 baguette or ciabatta loaf
- grated parmesan (optional)
- extra basil (optional)
- Preheat the oven to broil
- Slice the baguette into diagonal pieces, about 1/2″ wide and brush with the olive oil.
- Broil for 60-90 seconds or until the bread is a deep, golden brown. Watch closely and rotate the pan to get even browning, if needed.
- To prepare the tomatoes, cut them in half, gently squeeze some of the juice out, and use your thumb to pull out all of the seeds. Chop small.
- Place tomatoes in a mixing bowl and add basil, garlic, vinegar and seasoning. Stir well to combine.
- Taste and adjust for seasoning. If it tastes acidic, you can add a pinch of sugar to balance it out.
- Spread tomato mixture on baguette, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan and extra basil if desired, and enjoy!
- For extra flavor, let tomato mixture marinate at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving.