Perfect Tomato Bruschetta (Printer-Friendly)
Fresh tomatoes paired with basil and garlic served on grilled bread for a bright, tasty summer treat.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Bread
01 -
6 slices rustic Italian or French bread (about 1/2 inch thick)
02 -
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (for brushing bread)
03 -
1 garlic clove, peeled (for rubbing)
→ Tomato Mixture
04 -
2 cups ripe fresh tomatoes, chopped into 1/4 inch pieces
05 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
06 -
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
07 -
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
08 -
2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
→ Optional
09 -
1/4 cup fresh mozzarella, torn into small pieces
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Combine chopped tomatoes, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a medium bowl. Stir gently and let rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and juices to release.
02 -
Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium. Lightly brush bread slices with olive oil and grill 2 to 3 minutes on each side until warmed and marked with grill lines.
03 -
While bread is still warm, rub the peeled garlic clove over one side of each slice using two or three strokes to infuse a subtle garlic aroma.
04 -
Give the tomato topping a final stir, adjust seasoning if needed. Spoon a generous amount onto each bread slice including some juices. Top with sliced basil and, if desired, torn mozzarella. Serve immediately while warm.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
Use room temperature tomatoes to achieve optimal flavor and aroma.
02 -
Store grilled bread and tomato topping separately to prevent sogginess.
03 -
Rubbing garlic on warm bread enhances overall flavor profoundly.