5 from 10 votes
Tomato and Basil Bruschetta
Tomato and Basil Bruschetta is a fresh appetizer featuring peeled, seeded tomatoes seasoned with olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh basil. The seasoned tomatoes rest to develop flavor before being served atop crispy rustic bread slices dressed with olive oil. The contrast between juicy tomato topping and toasted bread offers a bright, balanced bite. Variations include adding olives, zucchini, ham, or melted cheese for different flavor profiles.
Prep Time
10 mins
Additional Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings:
4
bruschette
Calories:
151 kcal
Course:
Appetizer, Snacks, Brunch
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- 4 lices Rustic bread fresh
- 4-5 tomato medium, ripe, organic
- 1 clove garlic
- 12 basil fresh leaves
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (for tomato mixture)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- black pepper to taste
- extra-virgin olive oil (for bread dressing)
Instructions
- Peel Tomatoes: Wash and cross-cut the tomato (cut an "x" on on end). Blanch it in a pot of boiling water for 30 seconds, then remove it to a bowl of cold ice water. Blanching the tomatoes will allow you to easily peel the skin off. Once peeled, cut it into four pieces, remove the seeds and cut it into uniform half-inch-sized cubes.
- Season tomatoes: Place peeled and diced tomatoes in a bowl and season with oil, salt, pepper, and basil leaves. Mix well and let stand for at least 20-30 minutes;
- Cut the bread into diagonal slices.
- Prepare the dressing: in a flat dish, pour about 2 Tablespoons of oil (per slice of bread) and season with salt and pepper to your taste;
- Season the bread: Dip the bread, on one side only, into the oil, as if making ‘Scarpetta’. Check that the entire slice surface is seasoned with the oil evenly. Repeat with all four slices.
- Toast the bread: heat a nonstick skillet or griddle pan over high heat and arrange the bread slices with the seasoned side down. Mash the bread slices so they toast evenly when golden brown and crispy. Turn off the heat and place the toasted bread back on a serving plate;
- Don't forget the garlic! Peel the garlic and rub it on the crusty part of the bread while it is still warm.
- Assemble bruschetta: place the tomato on the bread slices just before serving. If you remember, add a drizzle of virgin oil again. Enjoy!
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Store leftover tomato mixture separately from bread to keep textures fresh.
- Rewarm bread slices briefly in a nonstick pan before assembling to restore crispness.
- Classic variation includes adding chopped pitted green olives for extra flavor.
- For a variation, add sliced fresh zucchini and a slice of ham atop tomato bruschetta.
- Alternatively, use melted camembert cheese with walnuts and honey for a sweet-savory bruschetta.
Nutrition Information
Calories
151kcal
(8%)
Carbohydrates
5g
(2%)
Protein
1g
(2%)
Fat
14g
(22%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
(12%)
Monounsaturated Fat
10g
(50%)
Cholesterol
0.1mg
(0%)
Sodium
327mg
(14%)
Potassium
158mg
(3%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
2g
(4%)
Vitamin A
580IU
(12%)
Vitamin C
9mg
(10%)
Calcium
15mg
(2%)
Iron
0.5mg
(3%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 bruschette
Amount Per Serving
Calories 151
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 151kcal | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 0.1mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 327mg | 14% |
| Potassium | 158mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 580IU | 12% |
| Vitamin C | 9mg | 10% |
| Calcium | 15mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.5mg | 3% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.