SaveBruschetta
Ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and good olive oil on grilled bread. The simplest recipe that shows off great ingredients.
Edited by Brian Kaplan·Last updated April 12, 2026
Servings
Est. total: $6.00 · $1.00/serving
Cost estimates are approximate and vary by location, store, season, and brand. Actual prices may differ.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb ripe tomatoes (diced, seeds removed)
- 1/3 cup fresh basil (torn)
- 3 cloves garlic (1 minced, 2 whole for rubbing)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (best quality)
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 loaf crusty Italian bread (sliced 1/2 inch thick)
- 1 pinch flaky sea salt (for finishing)
Instructions
- 1
Combine diced tomatoes, minced garlic, torn basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Let marinate at room temperature for 15-30 minutes.
Salting the tomatoes draws out their juices, which become part of the dressing. Don't skip the resting time.
- 2
Brush bread slices with olive oil on both sides. Grill or broil 1-2 minutes per side until golden with char marks. Immediately rub one side of each toast with a cut garlic clove.
The hot bread acts like a garlic grater. The garlic melts into the warm surface for maximum flavor.
- 3
Spoon the tomato mixture generously onto the garlic-rubbed bread. Drizzle any remaining juices from the bowl over the top. Finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt and a final drizzle of your best olive oil.
Restaurant secret: Assemble right before serving. The bread should be crunchy, not soggy. Use your best olive oil as the finishing touch.
Pairs With
Dry Italian Prosecco
Bubbles and bright acidity are made for fresh tomatoes
Tuscan white with almond and citrus
A Tuscan wine for a Tuscan appetizer
Aperol, prosecco, splash of soda
Bitter and bubbly, the quintessential Italian aperitivo
Make It Yours
Tap a dietary need to see exactly what to swap.
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Cooking Soundtrack
Dean Martin, Italian jazz, and bossa nova. The soundtrack to every great pasta night.
Nutrition
Per serving. Estimated values. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
Tips
- •Use the ripest, most flavorful tomatoes you can find. This recipe is only as good as its ingredients.
- •Room-temperature tomatoes always. Cold tomatoes have no flavor.
- •Restaurant secret: A tiny drizzle of good balsamic glaze on top adds sweetness and looks gorgeous.
Substitutions
- balsamic vinegar → sherry vinegar
- Italian bread → sourdough or ciabatta
- fresh basil → fresh oregano leaves
Leftovers
Store tomato mixture separately from bread. The topping keeps 2 days, toast fresh bread each time.
Leftover Ideas
Nutrition values are estimates calculated per serving and may vary based on brand, preparation method, and serving size. Not a substitute for professional dietary or medical advice. Consult a registered dietitian for specific nutritional needs.
Allergen Notice: Recipes may contain or come into contact with major allergens including milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, and sesame. Always verify ingredient labels for allergen information specific to the brands you use.
Drink pairing suggestions are for adults of legal drinking age only. Please drink responsibly.
Food Safety: Follow USDA safe minimum internal temperatures: Poultry 165°F (74°C), Ground meats 165°F (74°C), Beef/pork/lamb steaks 145°F (63°C) with 3-min rest, Fish 145°F (63°C). Use an instant-read thermometer — do not rely on visual cues alone. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
