Tomato Basil Bruschetta
Toast rustic bread and top it with juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and olive oil for tomato basil bruschetta, an easy Italian starter for relaxed meals.
- Prep time
- 15 min
- Cook time
- 8 min
- Total time
- 33 min
- Servings
- 6
Bruschetta starts with crisp toasted bread, and ripe tomatoes make a bright topping for it. This version keeps the flavors simple with basil, olive oil, and garlic rubbed onto the warm toast. Let the tomatoes sit briefly while the bread cooks, then assemble close to serving. The quantities make twelve small toasts, enough for six people as a starter or side.
Tomato Basil Bruschetta
Serves 6 · Prep 15 min · Cook 8 min · Rest 10 min · Total 33 min
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange bread in one layer on a baking sheet.
- Combine tomatoes, basil, 2 tablespoons oil, salt, and pepper. Let stand for 10 minutes while bread toasts.
- Brush bread with remaining oil. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, turning once, until golden and crisp.
- Rub the cut garlic lightly across each warm toast. A few passes provide enough flavor.
- Lift topping with a slotted spoon and divide among toasts, leaving excess juice behind. Serve two per person immediately.
A few kitchen notes
- Firm ripe tomatoes keep the topping manageable.
- Assemble just before eating to preserve crunch.
Ingredient substitutions
- Use a sliced baguette instead of rustic bread.
Storage & reheating
Refrigerate topping within 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F (32°C), at 40°F (4°C) or below for 2 days. Keep dry toasts airtight for 1 day; assemble fresh.
What to serve with it
Serve alongside minestrone or a bean salad.
Comments & kitchen questions
Have a question, a useful substitution, or a result to share? Your feedback helps us make this recipe clearer and more useful.
Questions from the kitchen
Can I make Tomato Basil Bruschetta ahead?
Refrigerate topping within 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F (32°C), at 40°F (4°C) or below for 2 days. Keep dry toasts airtight for 1 day; assemble fresh.
What if I can’t find an ingredient?
Use a sliced baguette instead of rustic bread.
You might also like.
ItalyClassic Beef Lasagna
Layer tender pasta with a slow-simmered beef tomato sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a generous baked lasagna with clean-cut servings.
ItalyHomemade Pizza Margherita
Make a home-oven Margherita pizza with a simple yeast dough, tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil on a preheated baking sheet.
ItalyEasy Pasta al Pomodoro
Make easy pasta al pomodoro with canned tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and fresh basil for a bright Italian dinner that comes together on a busy weeknight.
ItalyHearty Minestrone Soup
This hearty minestrone combines white beans, small pasta, tomatoes, and colorful vegetables in one pot for an easy Italian-style dinner with plenty of flavor.
Loading the kitchen conversation…