A simple and fresh appetizer, Summer Tomato Bruschetta brings lively flavors of tomato and basil to crunchy, well-buttered slices of toasted baguette.
Summer Tomato Bruschetta
Tomatoes are one of those veggies that are splendid in so many forms. Baked into plump and burstable bites, roasted and pureed into a decadent pasta sauce, or chopped and thrown into a variety of vibrant plates--I never grow tired of these versatile little guys. Whether it's salsa or a salad, they add a bit of freshness and low-key tang to everything they mingle with, and this Summer Tomato Bruschetta is no different.
Bruschetta is an app that always seemed so elevated and fancy... Until I made it and realized just how doable this dish is. The toughest part is toasting bread, and we all know a 5-year-old who could do that! I promise you, this comes together so fast and is a total crowd pleaser, whether that crowd is your family on a crazy Tuesday night or a group coming together to celebrate something major. Bruschetta is kind of like your favorite shoes in that way; you can dress it up or down, and it's lovely in either scenario.
Is bruschetta the bread or the topping?
Many people don't realize it's actually the bread! Bruschetta (pronounced: "broo-sketta") comes from an Italian word, bruscare, which means to char or toast. That's why getting a perfect, crunchy toast on the baguette slices is so key. It turns them into ideal carriers for the tomato topping! Traditionally, Italians would use bread that was stale, char it over coals, and douse it liberally with oil to make it taste much better than the stale version. But don't worry, I won't make you use old bread or heat up a bunch of coals! You can totally get away with using a fresh baguette and your oven.
Should bruschetta be served warm or cold?
Summer Tomato Bruschetta is best when you toast the bread and then let it cool for several minutes before topping it with the tomato mix. The baguette slices should be a little warm and crisp, but not steaming hot. Keep the tomato mixture cool or room temperature for serving!
How do you keep bruschetta crisp?
After toasting the baguette slices according to the instructions, let them cool for several minutes. A wire rack is best to use for cooling. If you don't serve them immediately, let them cool completely and store in an airtight container separately from the tomato topping.
What does Summer Tomato Bruschetta go with?
This is such a tasty appetizer to go with any meal that has fresh, summery flavors or Italian dishes. My Italian-style Chicken and Mushroom Soup or Meaty Margherita Pizza would be excellent options to follow this bruschetta.
Summer Tomato Bruschetta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8-10 as a side 1x
Description
A simple and fresh appetizer, Summer Tomato Bruschetta brings lively flavors of tomato and basil to crunchy, well-buttered slices of toasted baguette.
Ingredients
- 1 big vine ripe summer tomato
- 8-12 big basil leaves
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Salt
- Pepper
- Fresh baguettes
- Butter, softened OR additional olive oil for brushing
- Fresh mozzarella, optional
Instructions
- Place a dark cookie sheet in a 400 F. degree oven.
- While the oven is heating, finely dice tomato and chop basil. Combine in a small bowl. Add a good swirl of olive oil (1-2 tablespoons), some balsamic vinegar (2-3 tablespoons), and salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
- Slice baguettes to ¼ inch thick slices, and butter one side or brush it with olive oil.
- Place bread, butter side DOWN, on the hot cookie sheet, and place back in the hot oven until lightly toasted, about 4 to 6 minutes.
- Pull out of the oven, and if you are going to add the fresh mozzarella, turn the baguettes over, place sliced cheese on each slice, and return to oven until cheese gets melted. If you aren't doing cheese, take out the toast. Let it cool slightly, and then top it with the tomato mixture.
- Dip extra bread in the juice puddled in the bottom of the bowl.
Notes
- If you'd like to make the little toasts into garlic bread before serving (a delicious option!), peel a clove of garlic. Rub the fresh garlic on the crusty side of each toast before serving. So easy and so much flavor.
- If you want to make this as an appetizer, be sure to not add the tomato mixture to the toast pieces until just before serving, as it will make the toasts soggy quickly.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: appetizer, side
- Method: bake
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Summer Tomato Bruschetta, appetizer, side, tomatoes
Some simple tomato recipes you may enjoy:
- Zucchini Boats with Tomatoes and Fresh Mozzarella
- Chunky Fresh Tomato Salsa
- Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
- 30 Minute Simple Roasted Tomato and Sausage Pasta
- Simple Cream of Tomato Soup
This post was originally published in 2010 and has been updated and rephotographed in May 2019.
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