I will admit that I am a tomato feen. If cherry tomatoes are on the counter, I will eat one every time I walk by them. If there is salsa in the fridge, I will make anything I can to put salsa on, and if there is bruschetta being made, well you better not tell me because I will eat it straight out of the bowl.
Bruschetta is pretty amazing. Fresh tomatoes, basil, and onions, flavoured with balsamic vinegar and garlic piled on lightly oiled with olive oil toasts. I’m really craving some now!
I love making bruschetta as a snack, or an appetizer. It is perfect to prepare ahead of time if you are having a party as it stores nicely in the fridge and just gets more flavorful as it sits. If you want to make it ahead of time, just do not add the basil right away, add the basil when you are ready to serve, so it doesn’t wilt!
Before I start with the recipe here are a few notes: You can really use any type of tomato, I like to use Roma as they have more flavour and less water, but in the summertime, all tomatoes are okay to use as long as they are fresh. And I like to use cream balsamic as it is sweeter than normal balsamic vinegar.
Ingredients:
2 cups diced tomatoes (squeeze out seeds before dicing)
2 garlic cloves minced
1/3 cup diced red onion
1/2 tablespoon cream balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
Pinch of kosher salt
Pinch black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1 french baguette
additional olive oil
Parmesan Cheese
Method:
Combine tomatoes, onions, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic and 1 tsp olive oil in a bowl and mix to combine. Add basil and gently toss. Give it a taste and add additional salt and pepper if necessary. Cover and chill. Slice baguette into half inch slices and place on a baking sheet. Drizzle or brush some olive oil on top. Place in oven for 8-10 minutes until just lightly toasted. Remove pan from oven. Slice garlic clove in half and rub cut side down on each piece of bread. Top with about a tablespoon of the tomato mixture. If desired, grate some fresh parmesan cheese on top and give it a quick toast in the oven.
Serve and Enjoy 🙂