Bright summer flavors shine in this delicious bruschetta. Ripe tomatoes, garlic, and basil merge with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar to create a vibrant topping for crisp, parmesan-topped toasted bread. This appetizer delivers a perfect balance of tangy and savory notes that enchant each bite and captivate palates.

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I’m excited to share my Classic Bruschetta Recipe video with you and show how to make the best bruschetta ever. In this recipe, I start with 6 ripe tomatoes chopped into small cubes and mix them with 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup of roughly chopped fresh basil leaves, and 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.

I add salt and pepper to taste, and a splash of balsamic vinegar—1 to 2 tablespoons works great—to give it that special kick that elevates the taste. I then rub a slice of baguette with the remaining garlic clove before topping it with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

This Italian bruschetta recipe is not only a tasty Italian dinner option but also a perfect party food appetizer that packs in nutritional value from fresh tomatoes and basil, making it a real treat for any summer gathering. Enjoy this yummy appetizer with your favorite tomato recipes and Italian dishes!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because the fresh tomatoes and garlic really pack a punch of flavor that makes every bite pop. It also has these amazing Parmesan garlic toasts that are crispy and soft at the same time which i think is super satisfying. Another big reason is that balsamic vinegar adds just the right tang and ties everything together perfectly, even though it might seem like a small detail. Plus, it’s really simple to make and works great for a fun summer snack when my friends come over.

Ingredients

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Tomatoes: They give vitamins, fiber and a juicy burst that livens up your dish.
Garlic: Adds rich, sharp flavor and healthy benefits even if its a bit strong.
Basil: Fresh, aromatic leaves that provide antioxidants and brighten flavors naturally.
Extra virgin olive oil: Offers healthy fats that help blend and smooth out the taste.
Balsamic vinegar: Brings a tangy sour note that balances the tomato sweetness nicely.
Baguette: Supplies essential carbohydrates with a crunchy texture perfect for absorbing flavors.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, protein boost that deepens the overall flavor profile.

Ingredient Quantities

6 ripe tomatoes, chopped into small cubes

3 garlic cloves, minced (use 2 for the tomato mix and 1 for rubbing on the bread)

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 to 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

1 baguette or Italian bread, sliced about 1/2 inch thick

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make this

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1. In a large bowl, toss the chopped tomatoes with 2 minced garlic cloves, roughly chopped basil, 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1 to 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.

2. Let the tomato mix sit for about 10 minutes so all the flavors can blend together.

3. Preheat your oven or grill to a medium heat.

4. Meanwhile, slice the baguette or Italian bread into 1/2 inch thick slices.

5. Rub the surface of each bread slice with the remaining garlic clove.

6. Place the bread on a baking sheet or directly on the grill and toast them until they become lightly crisp and a bit golden.

7. Once the bread is toasted, sprinkle each slice evenly with 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.

8. Optionally, pop the Parmesan-topped bread back in the oven for a minute to let the cheese melt a little.

9. Top each slice with a generous spoonful of the tomato mixture.

10. Drizzle a little extra balsamic vinegar over the top if you like, then serve immediately and enjoy the tasty summer appetizer.

Equipment Needed

1. A large bowl for mixing the chopped tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, and vinegar.
2. A cutting board and a sharp knife to chop tomatoes, garlic, and basil.
3. Measuring spoons and cups to measure the oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. An oven or grill that’s preheated to medium heat for toasting the bread.
5. A baking sheet if you’re toasting the bread in the oven.
6. A serrated bread knife to cut the baguette or Italian bread into 1/2 inch slices.
7. A cheese grater for grating the Parmesan cheese.
8. Tongs or oven mitts to safely handle the hot toast.
9. A serving plate to arrange the finished appetizer.

FAQ

Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of the 6 ripe tomatoes?

Yeah, you can, but you gotta chop them into smaller pieces. They tend to be sweeter so you might need less balsamic vinegar.

Do I really need to use fresh basil?

Fresh basil is best, but if you don't have any, you could try dried basil. Just use about 1/3 of what the recipe calls for, since it's more strong.

How do I best store the tomato mix if I'm not using it right away?

Store it tightly in the fridge for up to a couple of days. Just give it a stir before serving so the flavors meld again.

What's the secret to making the perfect bruschetta bread?

Make sure to toast the bread until its crisp, and don't forget to rub a garlic clove on it while it's still warm. That little extra garlic kick can really make a difference.

Can I swap balsamic vinegar for another type of vinegar?

Sure thing, you can use red wine vinegar if you dont' like balsamic, though it might change the flavor a bit. Adjust the quantity to taste.

Classic Bruschetta Recipe (VIDEO) Substitutions and Variations

Instead of 6 ripe tomatoes, you can use a mix of cherry tomatoes halved to get a burst of sweetness and different textures
If you’re out of fresh basil, try swapping it with fresh oregano or even parsley for a different herby flavor
Use garlic powder instead of 3 garlic cloves if you’re in a rush or your garlic is missing its punch
If you dont have balsamic vinegar, you could use red wine vinegar or even a splash of apple cider vinegar to add tanginess
You can replace Italian bread with sourdough bread if you want to try a different vibe with a slightly tangy texture

Pro Tips

1. Try crushin the tomatoes a bit more with your hands before mixin them with the rest of the ingredients. It helps release more juice and flavors that really spice up the dish.
2. For extra crisp bread, don’t just toast it on one side – flip it halfway through so both sides get that golden crunch.
3. If your tomatoes are a bit tart, add a tiny pinch of sugar while mixin the ingredients to balance out the acidity.
4. Experiment with the balsamic vinegar – start with a little and add more to taste. Sometimes a little extra zing can really bring out the other flavors.