Suggestions
🖨️

Tomato Bruschetta

Chop Rating
chopchopchopchopchop
Sign in to review
Not yet rated
appetizers•italian•vegetarian, vegan, contains gluten
25 minutes•12 pieces•

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds tomatoes – cored, seeded, 0.5-inch dice (~6 medium tomatos)
  • 3/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves – chopped
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 12 slices country bread – 0.5-inch thick
  • 2 cloves garlic – halved lengthwise (for rubbing)
Tomato Bruschetta

Instructions

  1. 1.

    Place the diced tomatoes in a colander set over a bowl, toss with the kosher salt, and let drain until excess juices collect, 10–15 minutes.

  2. 2.

    Transfer the drained tomatoes to a bowl and gently fold in the basil, olive oil, and black pepper. Let stand to meld, 5–10 minutes; taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

  3. 3.

    Heat a grill, grill pan, or broiler to high. Toast the bread slices dry until the edges are crisp and surfaces show light char, 1–2 minutes per side.

  4. 4.

    While the bread is hot, rub one side of each slice with the cut sides of the garlic cloves.

  5. 5.

    Spoon the tomato mixture generously over the garlic-rubbed side of each toast, letting a little juice soak in. Serve immediately while the bread is still warm and crisp.

Tomato Bruschetta is a bright, fresh antipasto built on the contrast of crisp, warm grilled bread and cool, juicy tomatoes. The topping is simple—ripe tomatoes, extra-virgin olive oil, basil, and a touch of seasoning—so the flavor hinges on quality produce and fruity olive oil. A quick rub of raw garlic over the hot toast perfumes each bite without overwhelming the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Rooted in the Italian tradition of dressing grilled bread with new olive oil, bruschetta takes its name from the Roman dialect bruscare, meaning “to toast over coals.” Variations exist across central Italy, but the tomato version became widespread with the general availability of fresh tomatoes. Today it’s a staple starter in trattorie and home kitchens alike, showcasing seasonal tomatoes at their peak with minimal embellishment.