Is there anything more satisfying than the crisp snap of perfectly toasted crostini topped with juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and a touch of garlic? This Tomato Basil Bruschetta on Toasted Crostini is what summer tastes like—bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re entertaining friends on the patio or just need a quick bite that feels fancy, this bruschetta recipe is the perfect appetizer to serve. And bonus—it comes together in just minutes with a handful of simple ingredients.
Let’s dive into this classic Italian-inspired dish that never goes out of style!
Serving Size
Makes about 20 crostini. Perfect for 6–8 people as an appetizer or snack.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds (about 20 slices)
- 4 ripe Roma tomatoes, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (plus 1 clove halved for rubbing on crostini)
- ¼ cup fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional but delish!)
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the baguette into ½-inch pieces and arrange them on a baking sheet. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes or until golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and immediately rub each piece with the halved garlic clove.
- In a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss gently to mix.
- Spoon the tomato mixture onto the toasted crostini just before serving to keep them nice and crunchy.
- Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
Pro Tips for Perfect Bruschetta
- Choose ripe, firm tomatoes for the best texture. Roma tomatoes work beautifully because they’re less watery.
- Toast the bread well—you want that crispy edge and soft center to hold up under the toppings.
- Don’t skip the garlic rub! It adds a deep flavor without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
- Wait to assemble. Keep your topping separate until ready to serve to avoid soggy bread.
Variations to Try
Feeling creative? Here are some tasty twists on the classic:
- Add fresh mozzarella or burrata for a creamier bite.
- Top with chopped avocado for a California-inspired version.
- Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a richer, tangy flavor.
- Try roasted cherry tomatoes instead of fresh for extra sweetness.
- Sprinkle with parmesan or a drizzle of honey balsamic glaze for a gourmet finish.
Tomato Basil Bruschetta on Toasted Crostini
Ingredients
- 1 baguette sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 4 ripe Roma tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic
- ¼ cup fresh basil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil extra-virgin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the baguette into ½-inch pieces and arrange them on a baking sheet. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes or until golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and immediately rub each piece with the halved garlic clove.
- In a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss gently to mix.
- Spoon the tomato mixture onto the toasted crostini just before serving to keep them nice and crunchy.
- Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
Notes
Choose ripe, firm tomatoes for the best texture. Roma tomatoes work beautifully because they’re less watery. Toast the bread well—you want that crispy edge and soft center to hold up under the toppings. Don’t skip the garlic rub! It adds a deep flavor without overpowering the fresh ingredients. Wait to assemble. Keep your topping separate until ready to serve to avoid soggy bread. Variations to Try
Feeling creative? Here are some tasty twists on the classic: Add fresh mozzarella or burrata for a creamier bite. Top with chopped avocado for a California-inspired version. Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a richer, tangy flavor. Try roasted cherry tomatoes instead of fresh for extra sweetness. Sprinkle with parmesan or a drizzle of honey balsamic glaze for a gourmet finish.
FAQs
Can I make the tomato topping ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep it a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bring it to room temp and give it a good stir before serving.
What bread works best for crostini?
A French baguette is ideal. Look for one that’s crusty on the outside but still has a tender crumb inside.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free baguette or bread rounds and follow the same method.
Can I grill the bread instead of baking?
Totally! A few minutes on a hot grill will give the crostini a smoky flavor and pretty grill marks.