Tomato Bruschetta

Slices of grilled country bread rubbed with garlic and topped with ripe chopped tomatoes, fresh basil and good olive oil. The simplest Italian starter. Makes about 16.

VeganVegetarianDairy-freeMediterraneanNo added sugar

Contains: wheat. Based on the ingredients as written; check package labels, which can change.

  • Prep 15 min
  • Cook 5 min
  • Marinate 15 min
  • Total 35 min
  • Yield About 16 pieces
  • Level Easy

Updated

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Grilled bread slices topped with chopped tomatoes, basil and olive oil on a board

Bruschetta is toasted bread, and in Italy it is about the bread as much as the topping. Thick slices of rustic bread are grilled until crisp and charred at the edges, rubbed with a raw garlic clove and drizzled with olive oil.

The tomato topping is best in summer, when tomatoes are ripe and sweet. Spoon it on just before serving so the bread stays crisp.

Instructions

  1. Make the topping. Mix the tomatoes, basil, minced garlic, olive oil and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper and let stand 15 minutes.
  2. Grill the bread. Brush the bread with olive oil and grill or broil for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until crisp and lightly charred.
  3. Rub with garlic. Rub one side of each hot slice with a cut garlic clove.
  4. Top and serve. Spoon the tomato mixture onto the bread just before serving.

Nutrition per piece (estimated)

45Calories
5 gCarbohydrates
<1 gFiber
4 gNet carbs
<1 gProtein
3 gFat

Estimated per piece (the recipe makes about 16 pieces), using USDA FoodData Central values for each ingredient. Net carbs are carbohydrates minus fiber. Optional ingredients, garnishes and anything served on the side are not included, and marinades are counted at about a third because most is discarded. Brands and portion sizes change the numbers.

VegetarianVeganDairy-freeMediterraneanGrill and BBQNo added sugar

Tips

  • Drain the tomato mixture before spooning it on so the bread does not get soggy.
  • Use the best olive oil you have; it is a main flavor here.

Storage and leftovers

Make ahead

Keep the topping covered in the refrigerator up to 1 day and let it warm to room temperature. Store the toasted bread in a bag at room temperature; top just before serving.

Questions about this recipe

How do you pronounce bruschetta?
Broo-SKET-ta. In Italian the ch is pronounced like k.
Can I make it ahead?
Make the topping up to 2 hours ahead and grill the bread just before serving.

Other versions on the site: Homemade Crostini with Tuscan White Bean and Tomato Bruschetta (homemade crostini with white bean and tomato toppings).

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