Bruschetta is a must-have for warm weather snacking. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. While you can enjoy it year-round, it’s especially delightful in the summer when tomatoes are fresh and flavorful. Plus, you can make it ahead of time for even better taste!
To make the best bruschetta, start with ripe, fresh tomatoes. Opt for drier varieties like Roma to keep your toast from getting soggy. Here’s a trick: salt your diced tomatoes and let them sit for a few minutes to draw out excess liquid. This helps, especially with out-of-season tomatoes.
For the bread, choose something sturdy like a large, sliced baguette. Toast it until golden and crisp, then rub with garlic for extra flavor. If you’re worried about the tomato mixture sliding off, consider spreading a base like pureed white beans or cream cheese.
Bruschetta pairs perfectly with other fresh snacks like melon-prosciutto skewers or a classic Caprese salad. For a party, serve it alongside toasted ravioli and baked feta bites. It also makes a great side for Italian dinners like sheet-pan panzanella or creamy chicken marsala.
Bruschetta
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic thinly sliced
- 4 large tomatoes finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt divided
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 large baguette sliced 1/4″ thick on the bias
- Extra-virgin olive oil for brushing
- 2 cloves garlic halved
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat, then add garlic and cook until lightly golden. Let cool.
- Toss tomatoes with salt and let sit in a strainer for 5 minutes. Transfer tomatoes to a bowl and add basil, vinegar, red pepper, and garlic and oil from the skillet. Let marinate.
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Brush bread with oil, toast until golden brown, then rub with halved garlic cloves.
- Arrange bread on a platter and spoon tomatoes on top just before serving. Enjoy your fresh bruschetta!