Savory Tomato Basil Bruschetta
This Savory Tomato Basil Bruschetta is a delightful twist on a classic appetizer that has been cherished in our family for years. Inspired by a Homemakers magazine recipe, we've enhanced it with a few personal touches. The combination of juicy, sun-ripened plum tomatoes, aromatic fresh basil, and a hint of zesty vinegar creates a symphony of flavors that gets better as it sits. Ideal for summer gatherings or cozy dinners, this bruschetta is served on perfectly toasted crusty bread, making it an irresistible snack for any occasion. The longer the mixture marinates, the richer the taste, so don't rush! Everyone who tries it is sure to ask for more.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
ripe plum tomatoes
1 1/2 lbs (about 8-10 tomatoes, diced)
finely chopped onions
2 tablespoons (raw, finely chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup (fresh, chopped)
red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons (for flavoring)
extra virgin olive oil
6 tablespoons (for mixing and brushing)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
thick crusty Italian bread
4 slices (preferably baguette, for toasting)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the tomatoes: cut them in half, gently squeeze out the seeds and excess juice, and then dice them into small pieces.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes with the finely chopped onions, minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, and red wine vinegar.
3
Drizzle half of the extra virgin olive oil over the mixture, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
4
Let the tomato mixture sit at room temperature for about 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. After an hour, drain any excess liquid from the mixture.
5
Preheat your broiler. Place the thick slices of Italian bread on a baking sheet and broil them, flipping once, until both sides are golden brown.
6
While the bread is still hot, brush one side of each slice with the reserved liquid from the drained tomatoes or the remaining olive oil.
7
Generously spoon the marinated tomato mixture on top of each slice, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
8
Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious bruschetta with friends and family!
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
17.5g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Tomato Basil Bruschetta?
Savory Tomato Basil Bruschetta is a classic Italian-style appetizer consisting of marinated plum tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic served on toasted crusty bread.
What kind of tomatoes are best for this recipe?
Plum tomatoes, also known as Roma tomatoes, are best because they are meaty and have fewer seeds compared to other varieties.
How many tomatoes do I need?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of ripe plum tomatoes, which is approximately 8 to 10 medium-sized tomatoes.
Should I remove the seeds from the tomatoes?
Yes, you should cut the tomatoes in half and gently squeeze out the seeds and excess juice before dicing them to prevent the topping from being too watery.
How long should the tomato mixture marinate?
The mixture should sit at room temperature for about 1 hour to allow the flavors of the basil, garlic, and vinegar to fully meld.
Why do I need to drain the tomatoes after marinating?
Draining excess liquid ensures that the bread stays crunchy and doesn't become soggy once the topping is added.
What type of bread should I use for bruschetta?
Thick slices of crusty Italian bread or a baguette are the preferred choices for authentic bruschetta.
How do I toast the bread?
Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and broil them, flipping once, until both sides are golden brown.
What do I do with the liquid drained from the tomatoes?
You can use the reserved liquid to brush onto the hot toasted bread for extra flavor before adding the tomato topping.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, this bruschetta recipe is naturally vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients like tomatoes, herbs, and olive oil.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe specifies 2 teaspoons of red wine vinegar for a zesty flavor.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
While dried basil can be used in a pinch, fresh basil is highly recommended for the aromatic flavor profile essential to bruschetta.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe uses 6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, divided between the marinade and brushing the bread.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 12.5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 17.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there protein in bruschetta?
Yes, there is approximately 2.5g of protein per serving.
How many garlic cloves should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
Can I add onions to the recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 tablespoons of finely chopped onions for added depth of flavor.
Should I serve bruschetta hot or cold?
The bread should be served hot from the broiler, while the tomato topping is served at room temperature.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
You can prepare the tomato mixture an hour ahead of time, but you should toast the bread and assemble just before serving to maintain texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The topping is gluten-free, but you must use gluten-free bread to make the entire dish gluten-free.
What makes this recipe 'savory'?
The combination of garlic, onions, extra virgin olive oil, and the marinating process creates a deep savory profile.
Can I grill the bread instead of broiling?
Yes, grilling the bread is a great alternative that adds a nice smoky flavor to the bruschetta.
What is the serving size?
The recipe is designed for 4 large slices of thick Italian bread, which can be sliced into smaller pieces for appetizers.
Can I use balsamic vinegar instead of red wine vinegar?
Yes, balsamic vinegar is a popular substitute that offers a sweeter, more robust flavor.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
The garlic is mixed into the raw tomato mixture and not cooked, so there is no risk of it burning in this recipe.
Should the tomatoes be peeled?
Peeling is not necessary for this recipe; the skins provide texture and hold the diced pieces together.
Is this a good recipe for parties?
Absolutely! It is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that is easy to assemble and looks beautiful on a platter.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the tomato mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, but store the bread separately at room temperature.