Description
Classic Italian appetizer featuring crispy toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil. Ready in just 20 minutes!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 French baguette or Italian bread loaf
- 4 medium Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Slice the baguette into half-inch thick diagonal pieces and arrange on a baking sheet.
- 2. In a medium bowl, combine diced tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- 3. Brush both sides of bread slices lightly with olive oil. Toast in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- 4. Remove toasted bread from oven and let cool slightly for 2-3 minutes.
- 5. Using a slotted spoon, top each piece of toasted bread with the tomato mixture, allowing excess liquid to drain.
- 6. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for best texture.
Notes
Store tomato mixture and toasted bread separately in airtight containers. Assemble just before serving to maintain crispiness. Tomato mixture can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (3 pieces)
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 425mg
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g