Fresh Heirloom Tomato Basil Bruschetta
A simple and delicious summer appetizer featuring juicy heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil, and crispy toasted bread, perfect for warm weather entertaining.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Total Time: 14 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups (about 450g) diced heirloom tomatoes
- 1/4 cup (about 15g) fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) balsamic vinegar
- 1 large garlic clove, peeled
- Salt to taste (preferably flaky sea salt like Maldon)
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 loaf baguette or rustic Italian bread, sliced into 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) thick pieces
Instructions
- Wash and pat dry 3 cups (about 450g) of heirloom tomatoes. Dice into roughly 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) pieces and place in a mixing bowl.
- Thinly slice about 1/4 cup (15g) of fresh basil leaves and add to the tomatoes. Drizzle in 3 tablespoons (45ml) of extra virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon (15ml) of balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine without crushing the tomatoes. Let sit for about 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Slice the baguette or rustic Italian bread into 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) thick slices. Arrange slices on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Toast the bread under a broiler set to high, about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) from the heat source, for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden and crisp with slightly darker edges. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Peel one large garlic clove. While the toasted bread is still warm, rub the cut side of the garlic clove gently over each bread slice to add subtle garlic flavor.
- Spoon the tomato and basil mixture generously onto each toasted bread slice. The bread should still be warm enough to slightly soften the topping but remain crisp underneath.
- Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the assembled bruschetta and garnish with a few more basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Watch the bread carefully under the broiler to avoid burning; rub garlic on warm bread for subtle flavor; drain excess tomato juice to prevent soggy bread; can substitute balsamic vinegar with red wine vinegar or lemon juice; optional cheese toppings include shaved Parmesan or crumbled fresh mozzarella; gluten-free and vegan variations available.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 2 slices
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: bruschetta, heirloom tomato, basil, summer appetizer, easy recipe, fresh tomatoes, Italian appetizer