Description
A classic Italian appetizer featuring crunchy bread topped with fresh tomatoes and basil, perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 baguette or rustic Italian bread (sliced about ¾ inch thick)
- 4 ripe tomatoes (preferably Roma or vine-ripened)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Fresh basil leaves (a handful, roughly chopped)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste, optional)
- Optional: Balsamic glaze for drizzling
- Optional: Fresh mozzarella or goat cheese for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you plan to toast the bread.
- Wash and dice the tomatoes, removing excess moisture.
- Combine tomatoes in a bowl with garlic, basil, olive oil, and salt; toss gently.
- Place sliced bread on a baking sheet and brush each side with olive oil.
- Toast bread slices in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove the bread from the oven and top each slice with the tomato mixture.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze and add cheese if using.
Notes
For a unique twist, substitute basil with arugula or mint. Best served fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg