The Real Italian Bruschetta
Transport your taste buds to the sun-soaked streets of Italy with "The Real Italian Bruschetta," a simple yet elegant appetizer that showcases the beauty of fresh, high-quality ingredients. This classic recipe marries the ripest diced tomatoes with fragrant basil, a drizzle of velvety extra-virgin olive oil, and just the right touch of garlic-infused toasted ciabatta bread. Perfect for entertaining or a casual meal, this bruschetta recipe is quick to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes—and can be elevated with a hint of balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy finish. Serve it as a crisp, flavorful starter or a light side dish to complete your Italian-inspired feast.
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Ingredients
- 4 medium ripe tomatoes
- 10 leaves fresh basil leaves
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 large garlic cloves
- 1 loaf ciabatta or Italian bread
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Start by preparing the tomatoes. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water, then dice them into small cubes and place them in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
Step 2
Finely chop the fresh basil leaves and add them to the bowl with the diced tomatoes.
Step 3
Add 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper to the tomato and basil mixture. Gently toss everything together to ensure the flavors combine well. Set aside to marinate for at least 10 minutes.
Step 4
Slice the ciabatta or Italian bread into 1/2-inch thick slices. Aim for about 8 slices to accommodate the servings.
Step 5
Preheat a grill pan or regular skillet over medium heat. Lightly brush one side of each bread slice with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
Step 6
Place the bread slices in the pan, oiled side down, and grill for 2-3 minutes until golden and slightly crispy. Flip and grill the other side for 1-2 minutes. Remove the bread from the heat and set aside.
Step 7
Peel the garlic cloves and cut them in half. While the bread is still warm, gently rub the cut side of the garlic over the grilled side of each slice. This will infuse the bread with a subtle garlic flavor.
Step 8
Spoon the marinated tomato and basil mixture evenly onto each slice of bread. Drizzle with a small amount of balsamic glaze on top if desired for added sweetness and tang.
Step 9
Serve immediately as a fresh and flavorful appetizer or side dish. Enjoy your authentic Italian bruschetta!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | 1084.2 grams (1084.2g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1846 |
| Total Fat 72.60g | 93% |
| Saturated Fat 10.10g | 51% |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 4905mg | 213% |
| Total Carbohydrate 277.20g | 101% |
| Dietary Fiber 15.60g | 56% |
| Total Sugars 28.30g | |
| Protein 49.40g | 99% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 173mg | 13% |
| Iron 13mg | 71% |
| Potassium 1701mg | 36% |
Source of Calories