Bruschetta with Tomato, Basil, and Parmesan Recipe
This classic Bruschetta recipe features a vibrant tomato and basil topping served on garlic-infused toasted baguette slices, enhanced with parmesan cheese and a touch of balsamic vinegar. Perfect as an appetizer or light snack, it combines fresh, simple ingredients with a deliciously crispy, golden toast base.
- Author: Mila
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Tomato Bruschetta Topping
- 6 Roma tomatoes (1 1/2 lbs, diced)
- 1/3 cup basil leaves (chopped)
- 5 garlic cloves (divided)
- 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Balsamic glaze (optional)
Bruschetta Toasts
- 1 baguette
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- Make the Tomato Bruschetta Topping: Core and dice the tomatoes, draining any excess juice. Place them in a medium bowl. Stack basil leaves, roll into a tube, and thinly slice into ribbons using a sharp knife; add to the tomatoes. Finely mince 5 garlic cloves, then mix 1 teaspoon of the minced garlic with 3 tablespoons of olive oil and set aside. Add the remaining minced garlic to the tomato mixture.
- Season the Topping: Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to the tomato and basil mixture. Stir gently to combine and allow the mixture to marinate for 30 minutes to meld flavors.
- Prepare the Bruschetta Toasts: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and position the rack in the center. Cut the baguette into 1/2 inch thick slices diagonally. Arrange the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush both sides of the toasts generously with the garlic-infused olive oil prepared earlier.
- Bake and Broil the Toasts: Sprinkle shredded parmesan cheese on top of each toast slice. Bake in the oven at 400°F for 5 minutes. Then switch to the broil setting and broil for 1 to 2 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and crispy, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Place the toasted baguette slices on a serving platter. Spoon the marinated tomato topping over or alongside the toasts. Optionally, drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For best flavor, use ripe Roma tomatoes and fresh basil.
- Drain excess tomato juice well to prevent soggy toasts.
- Adjust garlic quantity based on your taste preference.
- Balsamic glaze adds sweetness and visual appeal but is optional.
- Serve immediately after assembling to maintain toast crispiness.
Keywords: bruschetta, tomato bruschetta, garlic baguette toast, Italian appetizer, basil tomato topping, easy appetizer