Bruschetta al Pomodoro
Classic Italian grilled bread rubbed with garlic and topped with a fresh, vibrant tomato and basil mixture. A perfect appetizer or light snack.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 loaf Rustic Italian bread(A sturdy loaf like ciabatta or a country-style boule works best. Slices should be about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick.)
- 4-5 medium Ripe Roma tomatoes(Or about 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered. Look for firm, fragrant tomatoes.)
- 2-3 cloves Garlic(Plus 1 extra clove for rubbing the bread.)
- 1/2 cup Fresh basil leaves(Torn or roughly chopped.)
- 4-6 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil(Use a good quality oil for best flavor. Plus extra for brushing bread.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Sea salt(Or to taste.)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper(Freshly ground, or to taste.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the tomato topping: Dice the tomatoes into small, uniform pieces (about 1/4-inch). Finely mince 2-3 cloves of garlic. In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, minced garlic, torn basil leaves, 4-6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Prepare the bread: Slice the rustic bread into 1/2 to 3/4-inch thick slices. Brush both sides of each slice lightly with extra virgin olive oil.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Grill or toast the bread: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 200-230°C / 400-450°F) or preheat your oven broiler. Grill the bread slices for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly crisp with visible grill marks. Alternatively, toast under the broiler, watching carefully to prevent burning, until golden brown on both sides. The bread should be toasted but still have a slight chew.
⏱️ 5-7 minutes - 4
Rub with garlic: While the bread slices are still hot from grilling or toasting, take one of the remaining garlic cloves (peeled) and rub the cut side vigorously over the surface of each slice. This infuses the bread with a subtle garlic aroma and flavor.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 5
Assemble and serve: Spoon a generous amount of the prepared tomato mixture onto each slice of garlic-rubbed bread. Ensure each piece has a good balance of tomatoes, basil, and oil. Serve immediately while the bread is still warm and the topping is fresh.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For the best flavor, use ripe, in-season tomatoes.
- ✓Don't skip rubbing the hot bread with garlic; it adds a crucial layer of flavor.
- ✓A high-quality extra virgin olive oil makes a significant difference.
- ✓The tomato mixture is best made just before serving, but can be prepared up to 30 minutes in advance and kept at room temperature.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a splash of balsamic glaze over the tomatoes before serving.
- Incorporate small diced red onion or shallots into the tomato mixture for added sharpness.
- Top with fresh mozzarella pearls or crumbled feta cheese.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato mixture for a touch of heat.