Enjoy this beautiful Italian-inspired Easy Tomato Bruschetta!
Isn’t it amazing how a few really good-quality ingredients can work together to make a fabulous meal?! These Easy Tomato Bruschetta are a case in point. What a beautiful concoction with simple yet delicious ingredients. They’re a perfect lunch or easy supper, taking only a few minutes to put together, with hardly any clean-up (yay!) they will leave you feeling nourished, and fully satisfied:)
What is the difference between Bruschetta and Crostini?
Bruschetta is from the Roman verb “bruscare” which literally means bread that has been “roasted over coals.” The bread used to make bruschetta is traditionally thick and sturdy so it doesn’t fall apart on the grill or when topped with perfectly ripe summer tomatoes, a little great quality balsamic vinegar, garlic, shallot, and fresh herbs. Crostini on the other hand is prepared with finer textured bread such as a white baguette, the serving size is generally smaller and less “rustic” than bruschetta, so have a napkin on hand for your bruschetta!!
WHAT KIND OF TOMATOES DO YOU NEED TO MAKE AN EASY TOMATO BRUSCHETTA?
A variety in color and type is fun and adds some visual interest. Large beefsteak, dark red plum, and pretty yellow cherry tomatoes are perfect. Choose ones that feel firm, heavy, and smell sweet!
Why We Love Easy Tomato Bruschetta!
- Fresh and Flavorful: Tomato bruschetta is known for its fresh and vibrant flavors. The combination of ripe tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil creates a burst of taste that is both refreshing and satisfying.
- Simple Ingredients: The recipe typically uses simple and readily available ingredients, such as tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. This simplicity allows the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through.
- Versatility: Tomato bruschetta is versatile and can be customized to suit various tastes. You can experiment with different types of tomatoes, herbs, or even add ingredients like mozzarella or balsamic glaze to enhance the flavor profile.
- Healthy Option: Tomatoes are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients. Combined with the health benefits of olive oil and fresh herbs, tomato bruschetta can be a healthy and nutritious snack or appetizer.
- Texture Contrast: The combination of crispy toasted bread and the juicy, soft texture of the tomatoes provides a delightful contrast in both flavor and mouthfeel.
- Easy to Prepare: Tomato bruschetta is relatively easy to make, making it a great option for home cooks. It requires minimal cooking and can be prepared in a short amount of time, making it a convenient choice for parties or quick appetizers.
- Appealing Presentation: The vibrant colors of the tomatoes, green basil, and the golden-brown toasted bread create an appealing presentation. This makes it not only delicious but also visually enticing, making it a great appetizer for entertaining guests.
- Perfect for Summer: The freshness of the ingredients and the lightness of the dish make tomato bruschetta an ideal choice for summer. It’s a refreshing and cooling option during warm weather.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Due to its widespread popularity and the combination of familiar and well-loved flavors, tomato bruschetta is often a crowd-pleaser, suitable for various occasions and gatherings.
What is the best bread to use for bruschetta?
A wholewheat sourdough is my bread of choice. If that’s not available, go for something thick and sturdy. Remember whole grains are SO much better for you than “refined.”
Should you drain the tomatoes for bruschetta?
Yes! Chop the tomatoes into a large dice, place them in a colander, and let them drain for at least 10 minutes, or up to a few hours.
Do you need to grill the bread for an easy tomato bruschetta?
NO! You can of course use an outside grill or an inside grill pan to achieve the traditional grill marks on the bread, however, if neither is available, simply toast the bread:)
Don’t forget to Pin it for later!
How do you make Easy Tomato Bruschetta?
Super simple! Here’s what you do;
- Chop the tomatoes and allow to drain for up to 2 hours
- Mix with the vinegar, shallot, garlic, and a little chopped basil
- Grill or toast the bread
- Rub the toast with a clove of garlic to get some flavor going!
- Top the bread with the tomato mixture
- Adorn with more fresh basil
That’s it!
Looking for other “toast” options? Try this!
Easy Tomato Bruschetta
A deliciously easy appetizer, lunch, or light dinner!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 large servings 1x
- Category: appetizer
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
4 slices of whole grain sourdough bread (or other thick rustic bread of your choice)
A variety of ripe tomatoes
1– 2 tablespoons of really good quality Balsamic Vinegar
2 cloves of garlic, peeled, 1 cut in half, the other minced
1 small shallot or 1 heaped tablespoon of diced red onion
Fresh basil
Instructions
- Chop the tomatoes and place them in a colander to drain for at least 10 minutes or up to 2 hours
- Mix the tomatoes with the shallot, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic clove and a tablespoon or so of fresh basil, finely sliced into ribbons
- Toast or grill the bread. Rub the toast with a garlic clove
- Top with the tomato mixture. Sprinkle over more fresh basil
- Enjoy!