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The Best Tomato and Basil Bruschetta Recipe

The Best Tomato and Basil Bruschetta Recipe

5 from 1 vote
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 8 minutes
Additional Time 30 minutes
Total: 53 minutes
This is the best tomato and basil bruschetta recipe—fresh, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. With juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil on crisp bread, it’s a timeless appetizer you’ll make again and again.

Ingredients
 

Tomato Basil Mixture:

  • 2 ½ cups about 1 1/2 lbs. Roma or grape tomatoes, diced (see note)
  • 1/3-1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (torn or chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¾ - 1 teaspoon sea salt (to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Balsamic glaze (for drizzling)

Toasts:

  • 1 Italian loaf (any kind, sliced (ciabatta, baguette, etc))
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 large garlic cloves (cut in half)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Tomato Mixture

  • In a medium bowl, combine diced tomatoes, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to coat the tomatoes evenly.
  • Cover loosely and let marinate at room temperature for 30–45 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Taste after 30 minutes and adjust basil, salt, or oil if needed.

Toast the Ciabatta

  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange ciabatta slices on a baking sheet. Brush olive oil on one side only and sprinkle lightly with salt.
  • Bake for 8 minutes until golden and crisp. Optionally flip for 1–2 minutes for extra crunch.
  • While the bread is still warm, rub the toasted side lightly with the cut side of a garlic clove.

Assemble the Bruschetta

  • Spoon the marinated tomato mixture generously onto each toasted slice.
  • Drizzle with balsamic glaze in a zig-zag pattern.
  • Garnish with a small torn basil leaf for a fresh, colorful touch. (If you have some mini basil leaves, you can add those too.)

Serve

  • Serve immediately while the bread is crisp.
  • Optional: keep extra tomato mixture in a bowl so guests can add more as desired.

Notes

I generally recommend using Roma tomatoes, but in the winter months, grape
tomatoes are the freshest.

The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.

Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment!