Sep 10 2026

Bruschetta Recipe

Time30m
Serves6

Make Bruschetta Recipe in just 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Tomato topping

Method

Tomato topping

  1. 1

    Prepare tomatoes

    Core and seed the tomatoes if desired to reduce juices. Dice tomatoes into roughly 1/4-inch pieces and transfer to a medium mixing bowl (yield ~4 cups).

  2. 2

    Mix aromatics

    Add finely chopped basil, very finely diced red onion, and the minced garlic to the bowl with tomatoes. Stir to combine.

  3. 3

    Dress and season

    Add 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional). Gently fold so tomatoes release a little juice but remain chunky. Taste and adjust salt/pepper. Let mixture sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to meld flavors.

Toasted bread

  1. 4

    Slice and oil bread

    Slice the baguette on a diagonal into 1/2-inch-thick slices (about 12–16 slices from a standard baguette). Place slices on a baking sheet and brush the top of each slice lightly with olive oil (about 3 tablespoons total).

  2. 5

    Toast

    Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toast the oiled bread slices for 6–8 minutes, or until edges are golden and crisp. Alternatively, grill or toast on a skillet over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side until charred spots appear.

  3. 6

    Rub with garlic

    Remove toasted bread from oven. While still warm, rub the cut side of the whole garlic clove once over each slice so a faint garlic flavor remains.

Assembly & finish

  1. 7

    Top the crostini

    Spoon a generous tablespoon (or more) of the tomato topping onto each warm toasted slice just before serving so bread stays crisp. Do not overload to avoid sogginess.

  2. 8

    Optional finishing touches

    If desired, sprinkle each bruschetta with a little shaved or grated Parmesan and garnish with a small basil leaf. Drizzle with a few drops of extra-virgin olive oil or a tiny dash of balsamic glaze if you used plain vinegar earlier.

  3. 9

    Serve

    Arrange on a platter and serve immediately while bread is still warm and crisp. Leftover tomato topping can be refrigerated up to 24 hours; assemble fresh to maintain texture.

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