Looking for an easy and flavorful Summer appetizer? This Easy Garlic Basil Tomato Bruschetta recipe will satisfy your craving! These bite-sized flavor bombs are perfect for a lite dinner, party appetizer, or quick snack.
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Summer is for Bruschetta
When I think of Summer I think of bruschetta. Every Summer since Allen and I started dating, his father would grill french baguettes and whip up this easy and fresh appetizer. We would sit out on their back patio and munch on homemade bruschetta while we waited for dinner time. For me, it’s a highlight of grilling weather and something I look forward to every year. The Summer is the best time for this recipe because tomatoes are in season! Living in Lancaster we have access to fresh, local tomatoes around every corner. So when the weather gets warm and the tomatoes turn red, I’m ready for fresh bruschetta!
What is Bruschetta Exactly?
Bruschetta is a classic antipasto, or Italian appetizer, that starts off your meal. While I am familiar with a classic tomato bruschetta, the concept of the grilled bread is the essence of this small plate. That means that you can put anything on top of a slice of grilled bread and call it bruschetta. Over the years I have seen recipes on Pinterest that include prosciutto, goat cheese, olive tapenade, and more! Also, you may see recipes labeled “crostini”, which is essentially the same thing. You can make an easy and homemade Italian antipasto using any ingredient that pairs well bread. First, try out your Italian cooking skills by making my Easy Garlic Basil Tomato Bruschetta!
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Easy Garlic Basil Tomato Bruschetta
Ingredients
- 4 1/2 cups tomatoes diced, approx 7 medium tomatoes
- 1/3 cup white onion diced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves minced
- 1 Tbs Balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper ground
- 1/2 cup basil fresh, chopped
- avocado oil spray
- 2 baguettes 2 LONG loaves
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F.
- While the oven is preheating, slice the bread into 32 equal pieces, approx 1 inch each. If you plan on making half now and half later, only slice one of the loaves. The amount of pieces you have will also vary based on the size of your loaves. Go big or go home!
- Spray the bottom of a baking sheet quickly with avocado oil spray. Line the tray with the slices of bread and spray the bread in the same quick motion as you did the tray
- While the oven finishes heating, prep the tomatoes, onion, and basil
- When the oven is preheated, place the tray in and set a timer for 5 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes, onions, basil, and other bruschetta ingredients to a large bowl, except for the Parmesan cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are combined
- After the timer goes off for the bread, take the tray out and flip over each slice. Place the tray back in the oven and cook for another 5 minutes.
- After the timer goes off, remove the tray from the oven. If you are using the cheese, flip over each slice one more time. Top each bruschetta with the tomato mixture and a pinch of Parmesan cheese. Place the tray back in the oven for two minutes to melt the cheese. If you are not using the cheese, skip the flip/cheese step and serve immediately!
Notes
Nutrition
All images and text ©Alexis Stambaugh for Passport Flavor™
I'm a 20-something foodie with a passion for travel. As a self taught chef, I believe food is what brings us together. When I'm not in my kitchen creating recipes, I love connecting with people as I experience cuisines from other cultures. Come join me on my culinary and travel adventures!