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Balsamic Bruschetta

Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer that is easy to make at home. Toasted bread is topped with a mixture of juicy tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and balsamic vinegar.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 8 people

Equipment

  • 1 Baking Sheet For toasting bread slices evenly.
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl For preparing the tomato topping.
  • 1 Chef's knife For dicing tomatoes, chopping basil, and mincing garlic.
  • 1 Cutting Board For safe and efficient ingredient preparation.
  • 1 Pastry Brush For lightly coating bread slices with olive oil.

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 loaf French bread cut into ¼-inch slices
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 8 roma plum tomatoes, diced
  • ⅓ cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1 ounce Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon good quality balsamic vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Brush bread slices on both sides lightly with 1 tablespoon oil and place on large baking sheet. Toast bread until golden, about 5 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios.
  • Meanwhile, toss together tomatoes, basil, Parmesan cheese, and garlic in a bowl. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Mix in balsamic vinegar, 2 teaspoons olive oil, kosher salt, and pepper. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Spoon tomato mixture onto toasted bread slices. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Serve immediately and enjoy! DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS

Notes

For truly exceptional bruschetta, focus on ingredient quality. Ripe, flavorful Roma tomatoes are key; consider seeding them if they are particularly watery to prevent a soggy base. A high-quality balsamic vinegar will elevate the entire dish. When toasting the bread, aim for a crisp, golden exterior without burning. For an extra layer of garlic flavor, lightly rub a peeled garlic clove over the warm, toasted bread slices before topping. Assemble just before serving to maintain the perfect balance of crisp bread and fresh, juicy topping. Don't be afraid to experiment with grilling the bread for a smoky depth.