Bruschetta Recipe
Fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic on calabrese bread.
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Ingredients
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Tomato topping
Bread & finishing
Method
Tomato topping
- 1
Prepare tomatoes
Core and finely dice tomatoes into approximately 1/4-inch pieces. If tomatoes are very juicy, scoop seeds and excess juices into a bowl and reserve; for best texture, discard most excess juice so topping isn't soggy. Measure out 1 cup diced tomatoes.
- 2
Combine aromatics
In a medium bowl combine the diced tomatoes, minced shallot, minced garlic (use 1 small clove), and sliced basil. Stir gently to combine.
- 3
Dress the mixture
Add 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon red wine vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. If tomatoes taste sharp, add 1/4 teaspoon sugar. Mix gently. Taste and adjust seasoning — add up to another 1/4 teaspoon salt or a touch more vinegar as desired. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to marry the flavors (this step improves the flavor).
Bread & finishing
- 4
Prepare the bread
Preheat oven broiler or grill to medium-high (or preheat a grill pan). Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil (about 2 tablespoons total for all slices).
- 5
Toast the bread
Place under the broiler 3–4 inches from the heat for 1.5–3 minutes per side, watching closely, until golden and crisp with some char spots. Alternatively, toast on a hot grill pan 2–3 minutes per side. Remove when crisp but still slightly tender inside.
- 6
Aromatize the toast
While warm, rub the cut side of the whole garlic clove over the top surface of each toast once or twice to impart a subtle garlic flavor.
- 7
Assemble bruschetta
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the tomato topping onto each slice of toasted bread, allowing excess juice to drain away slightly before placing. Arrange on a serving platter.
- 8
Finish and serve
Sprinkle a light pinch of flaky sea salt over each assembled bruschetta and, if desired, drizzle about 1 teaspoon total of balsamic reduction across the platter. Serve immediately so the toast stays crisp. Leftover topping can be refrigerated up to 24 hours; assemble just before serving.