Fresh Heirloom Tomato Basil Bruschetta
A quick and easy summer appetizer featuring fresh heirloom tomatoes, fragrant basil, garlic, and toasted crusty bread, perfect for gatherings and light snacking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 bruschetta pieces (about 4 servings) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (300g) fresh heirloom tomatoes, diced
- ¼ cup (10g) fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
- 2 medium garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 loaf crusty baguette or rustic Italian bread, sliced (about 12 slices)
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry about 2 cups (300g) of fresh heirloom tomatoes. Dice into roughly ½-inch pieces and transfer to a medium mixing bowl.
- Tear or roughly chop ¼ cup (10g) fresh basil leaves by hand. Mince 2 medium garlic cloves finely. Add both to the bowl with the tomatoes.
- In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Optionally add 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar. Stir well.
- Pour the olive oil mixture over the tomatoes, basil, and garlic. Gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to allow flavors to marry.
- Slice the crusty baguette or rustic Italian bread into ½-inch thick slices. Toast in a grill pan or toaster oven until golden brown and crisp, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Spoon a generous amount of the tomato mixture onto each toasted bread slice. Arrange on a serving platter and drizzle with a touch more olive oil if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
If tomatoes are very juicy, drain excess liquid before mixing to prevent soggy bread. Serve immediately after assembling to keep bread crisp. Toast bread fresh each time to maintain texture. Hand-tear basil to preserve flavor and avoid bruising.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 bruschetta piece
- Calories: 150180
- Sugar: 34
- Sodium: 300400
- Fat: 79
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 1822
- Fiber: 23
- Protein: 34
Keywords: heirloom tomato, basil, bruschetta, summer appetizer, easy recipe, fresh tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, toasted bread