Bruschetta Recipe - Real Life Dinner

Bruschetta is a simple, yet exceptional Italian classic. Vine-ripened tomatoes, freshly chopped garlic and basil leaves gently tossed in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a little salt and pepper, all generously spooned over crisp garlic bread for a fantastic appetizer or light lunch. This Bruschetta Recipe is also perfect to serve over chicken or even stirred into this recipe for The Best Homemade Alfredo Sauce.

I realize there are people out there that don’t like tomatoes, but I just can’t imagine what that life must be like. I love tomatoes and always have. Tomatoes are one of the most delicious creations God gave us. They are so versatile and a staple in so many amazing cuisines. Bruschetta is one recipe that really allows tomatoes to shine. If you can get your hands on some fresh vine-ripened tomatoes or any kind of homegrown or farmers market tomato that is perfectly ripened, you are in for a treat!

There are many different ways to prepare the garlic toast to serve the bruschetta on. My personal favorite is ciabatta bread that has been rubbed with a sliced garlic clove, then brushed with olive oil, and dusted with a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground pepper. If that’s not possible or seems like too much work, grab a baguette, slice it, and brush it with butter/olive oil/crushed garlic and then toast it in your oven. I like to toast both sides so it is extra crisp.

Pile that Bruschetta up high on a piece of the freshly toasted garlic bread. It’s heaven, I tell ya! Heaven! If you like, you can take it up one more notch and lightly drizzle it with a balsamic glaze or reduction.

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step-by-step pictures for how to make this classic Homemade bruschetta recipe

Tips for making this homemade Bruschetta Recipe

Use the freshest vine-ripened tomatoes you can find.
Use fresh garlic. This is a must to get the authentic flavor.
Do not over salt. Use the recommended amount in the recipe, and then taste after it has marinated for at least 30 minutes before adding more to taste.
Olive oil is also a must as far as ingredients go. The olive oil brings out the tomato flavor and compliments it perfectly.
I feel like a broken record, but fresh basil is also a must. Basically, it’s crucial to use everything fresh in this recipe.
Use balsamic vinegar to mix it up, but you can also drizzle a little balsamic glaze over your bruschetta once you get it on the garlic toast. YUM!

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Bruschetta Recipe

Prep time

15 mins

Total time

15 mins

Vine-ripened tomatoes, freshly chopped garlic and basil leaves gently tossed in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a little salt and pepper, all generously spooned over crisp garlic bread for a fantastic appetizer or light lunch.

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

4-5 large vine-ripened tomatoes, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
⅓ cup basil leaves rolled and thinly sliced
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a medium-sized bowl and toss to coat. Let sit for at least 30 minutes or overnight before serving.
Bruschetta tastes best at room temperature so whenever possible make fresh about 30 minutes before serving for optimum results.
Serve over toasted garlic ciabatta bread or baguette slices.
Two different ways to prepare your garlic bread:
Cut a clove of garlic in half and rub it on each slice of bread to give an essence of garlic flavor. Then brush on a little butter or olive oil.
In a small microwave-safe bowl, put 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp butter, and 1-2 crushed garlic cloves. Place in the microwave for a few seconds to melt butter. Brush each piece of bread with the mixture. (This way is faster.)
Toast under the broiler. I like to toast both sides so it's extra crispy, but I only put the butter mixture on one side.