Easy Italian Bruschetta
Easy Bruschetta is a delicious party appetizer or side salad. This restaurant style bruschetta makes a classy and elegant appetizer full of fresh tomatoes, basil , garlic and olive oil.
Servings: 6 -8
Calories: 226kcal
Ingredients
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3-4 minced fresh garlic cloves
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves : make it into ribbons- chiffonade
- 4 cups red ripe tomatoes diced (about 4-5 medium size)
- ¼ cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt then more to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 loaf hearty crusty bread such as Italian or French baguette , sliced into ½-inch thick slices (about 12 slices)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a small skillet or saucepan, add minced garlic and saute until just starting to turn golden.
- Pour the garlic infused oil in a mixing bowl and let cool while you chop the tomatoes and basil.
- Chop the tomatoes in half. Scoop out and discard the seeds and membranes in the middle. Then chop them finely.
- Stack basil leaves on top of each other. Roll them into a cylinder and cut them into a thin ribbon shape. ( if it feels complicated, just finely chop them )
- Add chopped tomatoes into the bowl with cooled garlic oil mixture. Add parmesan, basil, salt and freshly ground pepper.
- To toast bread: put bread slices on a baking sheet. Bake at 375° Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes until crispy golden brown.
- Toss mixture well. Serve right away over toasted bread. Garnish with more parmesan and basil if desired. Bon Appetit !
Notes
Bruschetta tastes best when it's freshly made with freshest ingredients. If you need to store some leftovers, place the tomato mixture in an airtight glass container, and keep in the refrigerator. The mixture will keep for about 2-3 days.
Leftover bruschetta can be used as a topping on grilled or baked meals. You can eat it as a salad as well.
Also prepare the toasted bread or crostini right before servings. Otherwise, it will harden and become tough and stale to eat.
While serving, try to keep the toast warm and the tomato mixture cold.
You can add balsamic vinegar, cucumbers, avocado or mozzarella pearls to the mix.
Nutrition
Serving: 2bread slices | Calories: 226kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 418mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g