There’s nothing more Italian than a slice of crusty bread topped with juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. Bruschetta is the ultimate appetizer: rustic, fresh, and bursting with flavor. With just five ingredients, you can recreate this timeless classic that tastes like it came straight from Nonna’s kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 baguette or rustic Italian bread
- 4 ripe tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic
- 10 fresh basil leaves
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Slice the baguette into 1-inch thick slices and toast them on a grill pan or in the oven until golden and crisp.
- Peel the garlic cloves and cut them in half. Once the bread is toasted, gently rub each slice with the cut side of the garlic for subtle flavor.
- Wash the tomatoes, remove the cores, and dice them into small cubes. Place them in a bowl and season lightly with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt if desired.
- Wash and pat dry the basil leaves, then tear them into small pieces. Mix half into the tomatoes, saving the rest for garnish.
- Spoon the tomato mixture generously onto each slice of toasted bread.
- Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and top with fresh basil before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, brush the bread with olive oil before toasting.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt or cracked black pepper to elevate the flavors.
- Use heirloom or cherry tomatoes for a sweeter variation.
- Serve immediately to keep the bread crisp.
