How to Make Italian Bruschetta - Easy Appetizer Recipe
Are you craving a crowd-pleasing appetizer that is both easy to make and bursting with flavor? Look no further than this Italian bruschetta recipe. Made with fresh Roma tomatoes, fragrant basil, and aromatic garlic, this appetizer is a true classic. The key to making this bruschetta simply irresistible is using the best-quality ingredients available. From the juicy tomatoes to the delicate basil leaves, every component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients:
- 6 medium Roma tomatoes or about 1 1/2 pounds
- Fresh basil leaves (1/3 cup)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 long baguette
- Shredded Parmesan cheese (1/3 to 1/2 cup)
Cooking steps:
- Core and dice the Roma tomatoes.
- Drain off any excess liquid from the tomatoes.
- Pluck off the fresh basil leaves and thinly slice them into ribbons.
- Mince the garlic cloves and set aside some for later use.
- Combine the tomatoes, chopped basil, minced garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Allow the mixture to marinate for 15-30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and cut the baguette into half-inch thick slices.
- Brush both sides of the bread slices with garlic-infused olive oil.
- Top each slice with shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the toasts at 400°F for 5 minutes, then broil on high heat for 1-2 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
- Serve the toasted bread separately from the tomato mixture for a crispier texture.
- Build the bruschetta by piling the tomato mixture on top of each toast.
- Optionally, drizzle extra virgin olive oil or balsamic glaze over the bruschetta as a garnish.
- Enjoy every flavorful bite of this authentic Italian bruschetta!
