Bruschetta is proof that great food does not need to be complicated. Crisp toasted bread, a rub of raw garlic, ripe tomatoes, basil and good olive oil are all it takes. It is a classic Italian starter that is ready in 20 minutes and always disappears first at a party.
Why You Will Love This Bruschetta
- Fresh, bright flavours with just a handful of ingredients
- Vegan and easy to make for a crowd
- Crunchy toasts with juicy, herby tomatoes on top
Ingredient Notes
Bread: A baguette cut into thin slices toasts evenly. Tomatoes: Choose ripe, flavourful tomatoes, as they are the star. Basil and garlic: Fresh basil and raw garlic give the topping its aroma. Olive oil and balsamic vinegar: They add richness and a touch of sweetness.
Tips for Crisp Bruschetta
Drain the diced tomatoes for a few minutes so the bread does not turn soggy, and add the topping only at the last moment. Rub the warm toasts with garlic for a gentle, fragrant flavour.
Serving and Variations
Serve on a platter with a drizzle of olive oil. For variations, add fresh mozzarella, pesto, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The tomato mixture can be mixed two hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep bruschetta from getting soggy?
Toast the bread well until crisp and top it just before serving. Drain the tomatoes of excess juice and keep them separate until the last minute.
Which bread is best?
A rustic loaf such as ciabatta or a country baguette works best. Slice it about 1 cm thick so it crisps outside while staying slightly chewy inside.
Which tomatoes should I use?
Ripe, flavourful tomatoes such as Roma or vine-ripened ones are ideal. Remove the watery seeds if the tomatoes are very juicy.
Can I prepare the topping ahead?
You can mix the tomato topping up to a couple of hours ahead, but add the basil and salt just before serving to keep it fresh and prevent excess liquid.
How do I pronounce bruschetta?
It is pronounced “broo-SKET-ah”, with a hard “k” sound for the “ch”.
What can I add for variety?
Try fresh mozzarella, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, roasted garlic or a spread of ricotta under the tomatoes.
More Recipes You Will Love
- Roasted Tomato Basil Soup: a warm, cosy pairing for bruschetta
- Gazpacho (Chilled Spanish Tomato Soup): refreshing cold tomato soup
- Margherita Pizza: classic thin-crust pizza with tomato and basil
- Greek Salad (Horiatiki): fresh tomato, cucumber and feta salad
Classic Tomato Bruschetta
Description
Bruschetta is the simplest of Italian appetizers: slices of baguette toasted until crisp, rubbed with a raw garlic clove and piled high with juicy tomatoes, fresh basil and good olive oil. It takes only 20 minutes and tastes best when tomatoes are ripe and in season. This version gives precise quantities so the topping is fresh and flavourful without making the bread soggy.Ingredients (makes about 18 pieces, serves 6)
For the Toasts
For the Tomato Topping
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 200 C and set a rack in the middle. Line a large baking tray with baking parchment, or get out two trays if you have a lot of slices.Tip: A hot oven gives toasts that are crisp outside with a slight chew in the middle. Use two trays rather than overcrowding one. -
Slice the Baguette
Using a serrated bread knife, cut the baguette into about 18 slices, each 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thick, cutting on a slight diagonal to make them longer.Tip: Use day-old bread for extra crunch, as fresh bread is too soft and can go chewy. Keep the slices an even thickness so they toast at the same rate. -
Brush with Olive Oil
Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on the tray and brush both sides lightly with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.Tip: Use a pastry brush to apply a light, even coat. Too much oil makes the toasts greasy, and too little leaves them dry. -
Toast the Slices
Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping the slices once halfway through, until golden brown and crisp at the edges.Tip: Watch closely because toasts brown quickly. Start checking at 5 minutes, as oven temperatures vary. -
Let the Toasts Cool Briefly
Take the tray out and let the toasts cool for 1 minute, so they are warm but not too hot to handle.Tip: Warm toast gives the best result for the garlic step, as it is crisp but not yet fully hard. -
Rub with Garlic
Peel the 1 whole garlic clove and cut off the tip. While the toasts are still warm, rub the top of each one lightly with the cut side of the clove.Tip: The rough surface of the toast works like a grater, so only a light touch is needed to flavour each slice. -
Dice the Tomatoes
Cut the 4 ripe tomatoes (about 500 g) into small, even dice about 5 mm across. If they are very juicy, scoop out the seeds and watery pulp first.Tip: Roma or vine tomatoes work best because they are meaty with less water. Use the ripest tomatoes you can find. -
Drain the Tomatoes
Place the diced tomatoes in a sieve over a bowl and leave to drain for 5 minutes, shaking gently now and then, to get rid of the excess juice.Tip: Draining the tomatoes keeps the bread crisp. You can drink the juice or save it for a sauce or soup. -
Mince the Garlic and Tear the Basil
Finely mince the 2 garlic cloves and tear 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves into small pieces with your fingers.Tip: Tear the basil rather than cutting it, as a knife bruises the leaves and turns them black. -
Mix the Tomato Topping
Tip the drained tomatoes into a bowl and add the minced garlic, basil, 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Fold gently to combine and taste.Tip: Taste and adjust the seasoning. The topping should be bright, a little tangy and well seasoned, as the plain toast will mellow it. -
Rest the Topping
Leave the topping to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes so the flavours blend. You can also keep it covered in the fridge for up to 2 hours, then bring it to room temperature.Tip: Resting lets the salt and vinegar draw flavour from the tomatoes. Do not leave it longer than 2 hours, or it will go watery. -
Assemble Just Before Serving
Just before serving, arrange the toasts on a platter and spoon a generous tablespoon of the tomato mixture onto each one.Tip: Assemble right before serving so the toasts stay crisp. Topped bruschetta that sits for more than 10 minutes will turn soggy. -
Garnish and Serve
Garnish with a few whole basil leaves and a drizzle of extra olive oil, and serve immediately.Tip: For variations, add fresh mozzarella, a spoon of pesto or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Serve with a glass of chilled white wine.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 180kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 7.5g12%
- Saturated Fat 1g5%
- Sodium 330mg14%
- Potassium 220mg7%
- Total Carbohydrate 25g9%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 3.5g8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Drain excess juice from the tomatoes so the bread stays crisp. Assemble just before serving. For variations, add fresh mozzarella, a spoon of pesto or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Bruschetta is traditionally pronounced bru-sket-ta.Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare bruschetta ahead of time?
You can mix the tomato topping up to 2 hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator, but spoon it onto the toast only just before serving so the bread stays crisp.
Which tomatoes are best?
Ripe Roma or vine tomatoes work best because they are meaty with less water. Remove the seeds if they are very juicy.
Can I grill the bread instead of baking?
Yes. Cut the baguette into slices, brush with oil and toast on a grill pan for 2 minutes per side.