You will be delighted to learn how easy it is to make your own Bruschetta with fresh cherry tomato and basil at home.

 

The key to a perfect tomato bruschetta is in its simplicity, just a few fresh ingredients, combined well, and spooned over crusty bread. I have all the tips you will need in this post to become an expert!

We have an abundance of cherry tomatoes in our largely neglected garden, it is survival of the fittest here and our tomatoes do well! This year I am bringing new recipes to showcase these lovely little bursts of freshness. 

 

I will share two recipes for tomato & basil bruschetta, a fresh one and a roasted one. Both of them delicious and I cannot wait to hear from those who try both as to their preference. 

Bruschetta is an Italian appetizer of toasted bread rubbed with garlic and olive oil. The word “bruschetta” comes from the Italian word bruscare, which means “to toast bread” or “roast over coals”

 

We think of it as the tomato based dish, but bruschetta is the bread! And it is just as important to get that step right as it is the tomato topping. It can then be used to serve with this tomato topping, or with something as simple as fresh olives or cured meats. 

A tomato bruschetta is simply tomatoes, basil, extra virgin olive oil and salt, and served with a little balsamic if you wish. From there you may wish to add feta, mozzarella or parmesan to elevate it further.

 

Today I have used cherry tomatoes, but any firm ripe flavourful tomato will do; beefsteak, Roma or grape tomatoes are a lovely alternative. 

All you will need for the basic Bruschetta recipe is:

Please scroll down to the printable recipe card for full details 

• Cherry Tomatoes

• Salt

• Basil

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• Balsamic Glaze

• Black Pepper

• French Baguette or Ciabatta

• Garlic

 

The best way to get good at making this recipe is to just get stuck in, next time you will make it differently to suit your tastes. Traditionally the garlic is only used to rub on the bread, some prefer it in the tomato mix as well so I will include both options here. 

The first step is to prepare the cherry tomatoes. Slice your cherry tomatoes into quarters, add them to a bowl and using my finger tips I lift and gently rub the pieces between my finger tips to release the juices and some of the seeds.

 

Drain, add to a medium bowl then sprinkle over a little salt and set aside while you prepare the next ingredients. If using garlic in the tomatoes, finely mince this now. And then slice the basil into thin strips. 

Drain the tomatoes again, add the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic, basil and minced garlic if using. Stir this gently to coat, cover let it rest for at least an hour at room temperature. 

 

If resting longer then cover and refrigerate, then bring to room temp before serving. 

When ready to serve, turn the oven onto grill, at a high temp. Slice the baguette into 1.5cm pieces on a 45 degree angle, brush each side of the bread in olive oil and place on an oven tray.

 

Brown the bread for 1-2 minutes, until a lovely light golden brown and the centre of the bread is just crispy. Careful not to turn the bread into a brick at this stage! Turn and repeat with the other side. 

 

Remove from the oven, and use a halved fresh garlic clove to rub over the serving side of the bread to add a lovely flavour. 

 

Do not add the tomatoes to the bread until you are ready to serve and eat. If needed, serve the bowl of tomatoes and the bread on the side for people to help themselves, or assemble when ready to eat.

Spoon some of the tomatoes onto the crusty bread and sprinkle with a sliced basil, maybe some crumbled feta or mozzarella, and a little more of the balsamic glaze.

 

I like to add some of the drained tomato juices to my balsamic glaze to make it more liquidy and drizzle a little of this over to finish. 

Be sure to check out my divine version of Roasted Cherry Tomato Bruschetta too – which one is your favourite?

For more of my cherry tomato recipes check out these popular ones below!

Tomato & Basil Penne Pasta

Chunky Cherry Tomato Salsa

Easy Pesto & Feta Pasta

Slow Cooker Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce

I hope you love this recipe for Fresh Tomato & Basil Bruschetta. Lovely, simple and fresh. 

Be sure to rate this one and let me know in the comments below once you make it!

Thank you so much for stopping by to check out my latest recipes on my blog. If you are not already be sure to follow me on Facebook or Instagram for more deliciousness, and you can register your email in the subscription box below to receive all my recipes as I publish them.

Happy Cooking

Anna

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