Easy Tomato Bruschetta Bread made with crispy garlic toast topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, Parmesan, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. A fresh and flavorful appetizer ready in less than 20 minutes.
1smallItalian breador any baguette or rustic bread, sliced into 1/2-inch slices (about 8 slices)
2tablespoonsolive oil
1garlic cloveminced
2tablespoonsminced fresh basilor parsley
Topping:
2cupscherry tomatoesquartered
1/4cupshaved parmesan cheese
2tablespoonsminced fresh basil
2clovesgarlicminced
kosher salt and ground pepperto taste
1tablespoonolive oil
1tablespoonbalsamic vinegar
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place 1 small Italian bread (slices) on it, making sure they don't overlap.
In a small bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons olive oil with 1 garlic clove (minced) and 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil. Baste each slice of bread with the garlic mixture.
Toast the bread in the oven for 6-8 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine all topping ingredients (2 cups cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup shaved parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil, 2 cloves garlic, kosher salt and ground pepper, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar).
Remove bread from the oven and add spoonfuls of the salad topping. Serve immediately!
Notes
Cherry or grape tomatoes work especially well because they're sweet and not overly watery.
Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes can also be used. Remove some of the seeds if they're very juicy.
Fresh garlic and fresh basil give the bruschetta the best flavor.
Toast the bread until lightly crisp, so it holds up to the tomato topping.
If the tomato mixture releases a lot of liquid, use a slotted spoon to add it to the bread.
Don't assemble the bruschetta until shortly before serving, or the bread can become soggy.
A baguette, Italian bread, ciabatta, sourdough, or another crusty bread can be used.
Avocado oil can replace the olive oil.
Leave off the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative if needed.
Store the tomato topping separately from the bread in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.