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–+ servings
Homemade bruschetta with toasted bread topped with fresh diced tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil on a wooden board.

Bruschetta Recipe

5 from 1 vote
A foolproof bruschetta recipe perfected over years of testing that brings authentic Italian flavor home. Crisp toasted bread topped with a vibrant tomato, garlic, and basil mixture that even tomato skeptics love!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Draining Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 95
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf Italian bread - Day-old; or baguette sliced into rounds
  • 4 Roma tomatoes - Ripe, diced
  • 2 Garlic cloves - Fresh, minced
  • 3 tablespoon Olive oil - Extra virgin, plus more for brushing
  • 6 Basil leaves - Fresh, torn
  • 1 teaspoon Sea salt - Coarse
  • ½ teaspoon Black pepper - Freshly ground
  • Mozzarella - Optional; fresh slices or torn
  • Balsamic vinegar - Optional; for drizzling

Equipment

  • Serrated knife (For slicing bread)
  • Cutting board (For chopping tomatoes & garlic)
  • Baking sheet (For toasting bread)
  • Large mixing bowl (For combining tomato mixture)
  • Fine-mesh strainer (For draining tomatoes)

Method
 

  1. Dice tomatoes and sprinkle with salt. Let sit in a strainer for 15 minutes to drain excess moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Slice bread into ½-inch thick rounds. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil and toast in oven or grill until golden and crisp. Rub one side with garlic, or skip if adding garlic to tomato mix.
    Toasted slices of rustic Italian bread on a worn baking sheet, golden and crisp with airy centers.
  3. In a bowl, combine drained tomatoes, minced garlic (or skip if rubbed on bread), torn basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
    Glass bowl with diced tomatoes, chopped basil, and shredded Parmesan, ready to mix for homemade bruschetta.
  4. Spoon tomato mixture onto each toasted bread slice. Don’t overload to avoid sogginess. Add mozzarella or balsamic if using. Garnish with fresh basil.
    Toasted bread slices topped with fresh tomato, basil, and garlic mixture, with a spoon mid-assembly on a baking sheet.
  5. Serve fresh for best texture. Provide napkins and small spoons for guests if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 95kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 2gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 0.8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3.5gSodium: 140mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 1.2gSugar: 1.8gVitamin A: 340IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 0.8mg

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be considered an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.Feel free to add more of your favorite toppings.

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