Basic Bruschetta
Vibrant tomato bruschetta is a delightful and quick snack or meal that brings a splash of color to your table. With ripe, juicy tomatoes bursting with flavor, fresh basil adding a fragrant aroma, and perfectly toasted bread providing a satisfying crunch, this dish not only pleases the palate but also brightens up any dining experience.

- Serves: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-9 minutes
Ingredients:
- rustic Italian bread or baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick slices
- olive oil
- cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- garlic cloves, minced
- balsamic vinegar
- fresh basil leaves, torn
- arugula
- salt
- black pepper
- Optional: Extra balsamic glaze for drizzling.

Get the full printable instructions with measurements at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.
Step-by-Step Directions:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast for 7 to 9 minutes until golden and crispy.
Step 2: Combine the halved cherry tomatoes, 2 Tbsp of olive oil, minced garlic, 1 Tbsp of balsamic vinegar, torn basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes in the fridge.



Step 3: Once toasted, drizzle a teaspoon of olive oil on each slice of bread. Top with the marinated tomato mixture, garnish with arugula, and drizzle with extra balsamic glaze for sweetness. Serve immediately. * Nutritional values do not include the slices of bread.



*To use a cheese grater for mincing garlic, follow these steps:
- Prepare the Garlic: Peel the garlic cloves. You can do this easily by smashing them lightly with the flat side of a knife to loosen the skin.
- Select the Grater: Use the side of the cheese grater with the smallest holes. This will help you achieve a fine mince.
- Grate the Garlic: Hold the grater firmly on a plate or cutting board. Position the garlic clove against the grater and apply gentle pressure while moving it up and down. Be cautious of your fingers as you grate.
- Scrape-Off Bits: Occasionally, you may need to scrape the minced garlic off the grater to continue grating the remainder of the clove.
- Use as Desired: Once you have grated the garlic, add it to your dish directly or mix it with other ingredients.
For a visual guide, check out the video linked here.
Tips:
- Grill the bread slices.
- Garnish with fresh mozzarella.
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Basic Bruschetta

Equipment
- baking sheet
- cheese grater
Ingredients
- 1 baguette or slices of rustic Italian bread (sliced into 1/2-inch thick slices)
- 2+ Tbsp olive oil (plus 1 tsp for each toasted bread pieces)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes (halved)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 Tbsp Balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (torn)
- 1 cup arugula
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast for 7 to 9 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Combine the halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, torn basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes in the fridge.
- Once toasted, drizzle a teaspoon of olive oil on each slice of bread. Top with the marinated tomato mixture, garnish with arugula, and drizzle with extra balsamic glaze for sweetness. Serve immediately. * Nutritional values do not include the slices of bread.
- *To use a cheese grater for mincing garlic, follow these steps:
- Prepare the Garlic: Peel the garlic cloves. You can do this easily by smashing them lightly with the flat side of a knife to loosen the skin.
- Select the Grater: Use the side of the cheese grater with the smallest holes. This will help you achieve a fine mince.
- Grate the Garlic: Hold the grater firmly on a plate or cutting board. Position the garlic clove against the grater and apply gentle pressure while moving it up and down. Be cautious of your fingers as you grate.
- Scrape-Off Bits: Occasionally, you may need to scrape the minced garlic off the grater to continue grating the remainder of the garlic clove.
- Use as Desired: Once you have grated the garlic, you can add it to your dish directly or mix it in with other ingredients.
Notes
Nutrition
Disclaimer: All nutrition values are per serving and approximate. They will vary depending on products and quantities used.