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Tomato Basil Bruschetta Toast

Category: Bite-Sized Crispy Delights

This vibrant Italian appetizer brings together juicy marinated tomatoes, fragrant basil, and aromatic garlic, served on slices of crisp toasted baguette. Perfect for gatherings, the fresh tomato mixture soaks up olive oil and balsamic vinegar for rich flavor, while a hint of garlic rubbed onto the warm bread adds depth. Simple ingredients combine in just minutes for a crowd-pleasing, vegetarian starter. For extra flair, top each piece with grated Parmesan or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Pair with a chilled glass of white wine and enjoy this light, summery bite bursting with taste and texture!

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Updated on Sat, 28 Jun 2025 09:48:35 GMT
A spoonful of tomato basil bruschetta. Save
A spoonful of tomato basil bruschetta. | krispywithmia.com

Tomato basil bruschetta is that perfect bite to start a meal or enjoy as a snack on a sunny afternoon. There is something magical about the way juicy marinated tomatoes and fragrant basil tumble over crisp toasted bread with just a brush of garlic. This is my go to for warm weather gatherings or an impromptu happy hour with friends out on the patio.

I whipped up tomato basil bruschetta for a backyard party years ago and since then it has become my signature welcome bite. Guests always race to grab them when I walk out with the plate.

Ingredients

  • Ripe medium tomatoes: diced for juicy freshness and full tomato flavor. Look for tomatoes with a slight give and deep color
  • Fresh basil leaves: finely chopped for herbaceous aroma and taste. Check for vibrant green leaves with no black spots
  • Extra virgin olive oil: adds richness and a silky finish. Use a fruity high quality oil
  • Balsamic vinegar: gives a subtly tangy dimension. Traditional aged balsamic brings extra depth
  • Sea salt: enhances flavors without harshness. Go for flaky or fine sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper: provides a gentle kick. Use freshly cracked for best aroma
  • Crusty baguette: cut into thick slices so it stays crisp after toasting. Pick a loaf with a hearty crust and airy center
  • Olive oil: helps the bread toast evenly. Choose the same good oil as above
  • Large garlic cloves: for their punchy flavor. Select firm cloves with tight skins

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare Tomato Mixture:
In a medium bowl combine diced ripe tomatoes fresh chopped basil extra virgin olive oil balsamic vinegar sea salt and black pepper. Toss gently so the tomatoes stay intact and let the mixture rest at room temperature for at least ten minutes. This infuses the tomatoes with all the seasoning and lets the flavors meld
Toast the Bread:
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lay out the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush each side liberally with olive oil using a pastry brush if you have one. Slide the sheet into the oven and toast the bread for five to seven minutes flipping halfway through. The goal is golden crisp slices sturdy enough to hold the juicy topping
Add Garlic Flavor:
Once the bread comes out of the oven and is still warm firmly rub one whole side of each slice with a peeled garlic clove. The garlic will melt slightly into the crumb giving every bite a lovely aroma without being overpowering
Top and Serve:
Just before serving generously spoon the marinated tomato mixture over each warm toast. Serve right away while the bread is still crisp and the topping is fresh for the best texture and taste
A plate of tomato basil bruschetta. Save
A plate of tomato basil bruschetta. | krispywithmia.com

This recipe spotlights sweet summer tomatoes and peppery basil two of my favorite garden picks. I always remember the summer my niece helped me dice tomatoes and taste test the mixture giggling as she snuck extra bites off the spoon

Storage Tips

If you have leftover tomato topping store it separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The bread is best toasted fresh but you can store unassembled toasted slices in a paper bag at room temperature for one day. Always add the tomato topping to the bread only right before serving to keep everything crisp

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have fresh basil you can use flat leaf parsley or a pinch of dried Italian herbs for a different twist. Heirloom or cherry tomatoes add color and sweetness if standard tomatoes are not available. For a punchy kick add a few chopped sun dried tomatoes or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Gluten free bread makes this a celiac friendly appetizer

A close up of a tomato basil bruschetta. Save
A close up of a tomato basil bruschetta. | krispywithmia.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve these bruschetta bites as an appetizer with a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling rosé. Sometimes I add a few shavings of Parmesan or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra depth. For a party platter pair with olives marinated mozzarella or roasted veggies

Cultural Background

Bruschetta comes from central Italy and is all about celebrating good bread and the freshest toppings. Its name comes from the Italian word bruscare meaning to toast over coals. Farmers made this dish as a quick lunch or snack using whatever ripe produce and good oil they had around

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare the tomato topping ahead?

Yes, you can mix the tomato topping a few hours ahead and refrigerate; just bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.

→ What type of bread works best?

Crusty baguette is traditional, but any artisan-style bread with a sturdy crumb holds up well to the toppings.

→ How do I make this gluten-free?

Use your favorite gluten-free baguette or bread slices in place of regular ones for a delicious gluten-free option.

→ What wines pair well with this appetizer?

Chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pair beautifully with the fresh tomato and basil flavors.

→ Can I add cheese to the bruschetta?

Absolutely! Grated Parmesan or a few drops of balsamic glaze add extra flavor and richness.

Tomato Basil Bruschetta

Marinated tomato and basil topping served on warm toasted baguette slices for a refreshing appetizer.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
25 min
By: Mia Chen


Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 8 Serves (8 slices)

Diet Suitability: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Tomato Topping

01 4 ripe medium tomatoes, diced (approximately 300 grams)
02 60 millilitres fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
03 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
04 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
05 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
06 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Bread

07 1 crusty baguette, cut into 8 diagonal slices
08 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Garlic

09 2 large garlic cloves, peeled

Steps

Step 01

In a medium mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, chopped basil, 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to mix and allow to marinate at room temperature for a minimum of 10 minutes.

Step 02

Preheat oven to 200°C. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides lightly with olive oil.

Step 03

Bake the baguette slices for 5 to 7 minutes, turning once midway, until both sides are golden and crisp.

Step 04

Remove toasted bread from the oven. While still warm, rub the cut side of a garlic clove over one side of each slice to impart flavor.

Step 05

Spoon the marinated tomato mixture generously over each toasted baguette slice immediately before serving.

Step 06

Serve at once while the bread remains crisp and the topping is fresh.

Notes

  1. For enhanced taste, garnish with grated Parmesan or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
  2. Heirloom tomatoes provide a more colorful and aromatic topping.
  3. Gluten-free bread may be substituted for a gluten-free version.
  4. Pairs well with a chilled light white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Pastry brush

Allergen Info

Check every ingredient for potential allergens, and consult a health professional if unsure.
  • Contains wheat
  • Contains gluten
  • For gluten-free option, replace baguette with gluten-free bread
  • Always verify ingredient labels for allergens

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

These details are approximate and shouldn’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 110
  • Fats: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Proteins: 2 g