Servings
Font
Back
5.0 from 36 votes

Real Tomato and Basil Bruschetta

Real Tomato and Basil Bruschetta, made the proper Italian way. So simple! The key is to use good crusty bread, like ciabatta or sourdough, and ripe, juicy tomatoes.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
10 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 243 kcal
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Bread
  • 4 lices crusty bread like sourdough or ciabatta , sliced 1.5cm/ 3/5" thick (Note 1)
  • extra virgin olive oil , for brushing
  • 1 garlic clove , halved (unpeeled)
Tomato and Basil Topping
  • 4 tomatoes (medium) , ripe and juicy, at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup basil leaves , roughly chopped
  • 1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (best quality you can afford)
  • 1/4 tsp salt , kosher / cooking salt
  • black pepper

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat grill/broiler on high (or grill side of BBQ or griddle skillet).
Tomato Topping
  1. Deseed (optional, note 2) - Cut tomatoes in half. Use a measuring teaspoon to scoop out watery seeds (reserve for other use, see post for suggestions) then dice into 1cm / 2/5" pieces.
  2. Toss - Place tomato and remaining Topping ingredients in a bowl and gently toss to combine. Set aside for 5 to 10 minutes for the flavours to meld and the tomatoes to become juicy and soften slightly.
Bread
  1. Brush each side of bread with oil then grill/broil until golden and crusty - about 3 minutes on each side. (Or just use your toaster then brush with oil)
  2. Rub one side of the surface of the bread lightly with the garlic.
Assemble
  1. Pile topping onto bread with some of the juices. Drizzle with more extra virgin olive oil and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Bread - Use a sturdy bread that can hold up to the juicy topping. Soggy bruschetta is so disappointing! Sourdough and ciabatta are my favourites.
  • Deseeding is optional, not mandatory. The watery centre does dilute the flavour. But to be honest, if I'm making this for myself, I rarely deseed!
  • Make ahead: The tomato for the topping can be made a few hours before serving but DO NOT season with salt because it will draw the moisture out of the tomato, making it watery. Season it just prior to serving.
  • For a DIY spread (which I like to do as a starter for summer BBQ's), put out bowls of topping, grill bread on BBQ then let everyone make their own!
  • Nutrition per serving.
  • Nutrition Facts Real Tomato and Basil Bruschetta Amount Per Serving (136 g) Calories 243 Calories from Fat 54 % Daily Value* Fat 6g9%Saturated Fat 1g6%Sodium 404mg18%Potassium 228mg7%Carbohydrates 38g13%Fiber 2g8%Sugar 3g3%Protein 8g16% Vitamin A 595IU12%Vitamin C 9mg11%Calcium 37mg4%Iron 2.5mg14% * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
  • Calories 243
  • Calories from Fat 54
  • % Daily Value*
  • Fat 6g
  • 9%
  • Saturated Fat 1g
  • 6%
  • Sodium 404mg
  • 18%
  • Potassium 228mg
  • 7%
  • Carbohydrates 38g
  • 13%
  • Fiber 2g
  • 8%
  • Sugar 3g
  • 3%
  • Protein 8g
  • 16%
  • Vitamin A 595IU
  • 12%
  • Vitamin C 9mg
  • 11%
  • Calcium 37mg
  • 4%
  • Iron 2.5mg
  • 14%