Bruschetta
Instructions
Tips
An authentic bruschetta is known for its perfectly toasted bread which gives it its crunchy texture. This effect may be achieved by using an oven or toaster oven. If you choose to use your regular oven, crisp up the bread by baking it for 6-8 minutes at 220°C (regular oven) until the bread's edges have been lightly browned. Remember to place the bread slices in a single layer and turn them over once. Let the toasted bread slices cool slightly on a wire rack before topping them with oil and marinated tomatoes. Serve them while they are still warm though. If you happen to be having a barbeque and have your grill fired up, you can even prepare the bread directly on the grill.
Questions about bruschetta
Our Italian bruschetta recipe is simple to follow which means you can be enjoying these toasty and fresh treats in no time. Below, you can learn more about the classic Italian dish, including how to store and serve it, so you can get ready to make it yourself.
Ingredients
|
Coarsely chopped, fresh basil leaves
|
1 dl |
|---|---|
|
Olive oil
|
4 tbsp |
|
Small finely chopped garlic cloves
|
2 |
|
Flaky salt
|
1 tsp |
|
Freshly ground pepper
|
|
|
Italian bread – split along the middle and halved (approx. 300 g)
|
1 |
|
Ripe, diced tomatoes (approx. 350 g)
|
4 |
Tomato bruschetta with garlic and basil
While bruschetta recipes date back to Ancient Rome, the dish is still an immensely popular Italian antipasto, that is entrée. And really, it is no wonder why. A bruschetta with tomato and basil is a delightful treat. The still-warm bread topped with fresh tomatoes in olive oil infused with fresh basil and garlic brings you many of the most well-known flavours from Italian cuisine in a simple dish that takes very little time to prepare.
Use only high-quality toppings for bruschetta
Alongside the crispy, toasted bread with its crunchy texture, the toppings are what this Italian classic is all about. As it is a simple dish, the flavour profile of the topping must be on point. Therefore, we recommend only using the very best ingredients for bruschetta. This entails finding good fresh basil, ripe tomatoes, and high-quality olive oil.
While dried basil could perhaps be used in a pinch, basil leaves provide the dish with a freshness unparalleled by the dried herb. Fresh basil tastes both sweet and savoury and has hints of mint and pepper alike. This complex flavour complements both the pungent garlic and the sweet and slightly tangy tomatoes incredibly well. The best tomatoes for bruschetta are ripe ones. The type matters less than their ripeness, and you can use everything from big Roma tomatoes to small cherry tomatoes.
An Italian classic with multiple uses
Whether you decide to indulge in these crispy pieces of bread with beautifully marinated tomatoes as an entree, snack, or side dish, the toasted treat with beautifully fresh produce is delicious. It is its simplicity that makes it suitable for eating on different occasions and for different meals, thus guaranteeing that you will not tire of it any time soon! Serve it as a light snack before dinner, as a crunchy side dish for pasta or lasagne, or grill a big batch of bruschetta for a barbeque served alongside your favourite barbeque dishes.
If you are looking for more Italian dishes, either for serving with bruschetta on the side or on their own, we recommend checking out our recipes for panini bread and a pizza dough as well. Choose your favourite toppings and fillings and enjoy. You can also make the all-time favourite Italian dish: lasagne.
Try making a bruschetta with mozzarella
Play around with our recipe by experimenting with the toppings. Toasted bread like the kind used to make this dish tastes great with any number of toppings, and as such, ideas for classic bruschetta toppings are numerous. A classic one is mozzarella. This rich, creamy, Italian soft cheese works well with the flavours of olive oil, basil, and tomatoes, making for a delicious, irresistible bruschetta with mozzarella.
You can also choose to drizzle your broiled mozzarella treat with intense balsamic vinegar or an acidic gremolata made with lemon zest and fresh parsley. Either of these choices will brighten the richness of the soft cheese and make for a well-rounded eating experience.
