Some of the best foods are those that are fresh, simple, and light. This Bruschetta with Garlic Crostini is a perfect example of how simple flavors can pack a powerful punch.
The base of this recipe is rather simple however there is a secret ingredient that not everyone knows about: BALSAMIC!!!
Balsamic adds a little oomph that is not particularly identifiable if you are not expecting it. It just rounds out all the perfect little flavors in this dish and will make your bruschetta a crowd favorite!
I also LOVE to add some balsamic glaze on top at the end like you see in the pictures. SO GOOD. Learn how to make your own balsamic glaze in just 15 minutes here.
I love to use my chopper when I need to chop a lot of vegetables, and this is a perfect example. The choppers can make the process so much faster and everything is a uniform cut. Check out this spring loaded one or this motorized one that also has an immersion blender attachment and you will be saving yourself so much time in the kitchen!
This is definitely best served chilled. The longer it sits, the salt will draw out more moisture from the tomatoes and it may get a little soupy. I like to use that juice to help soften the hard bread so that it does not destroy my mouth.
However, if you find there is too much liquid, you can easily drain some. Just keep in mind you are losing some of the balsamic flavor that has not been absorbed! I also love to sprinkle some fresh Parmesan cheese on top.
And if you happen to have any leftovers (doesn’t happen often, so go ahead and make a big batch just to be sure!), you can use this to top off some grilled chicken or as a pasta sauce!
Ingredients
- 1 baguette
- 2 lb roma tomatoes
- 10 large fresh basil leaves
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 whole garlic cloves
- olive oil
Instructions
- Finely dice tomatoes and place in a bowl.
- Cut basil either into thin ribbons (chiffonade) or small dice. Add to tomatoes.
- To the bowl, add the balsamic, 1/2 Tbsp olive oil. salt, and 1 clove minced garlic. Stir to incorporate. Cover and chill for at least one hour.
- When ready to serve, slice the baguette into 1/2 inch coins on the bias (at an angle). Lay them out on a cookie sheet and lightly drizzle with olive oil. Bake them at 300F. After 5 minutes, flip the crostini. Bake an additional 5 minutes, or until they just start to turn brown around the edges, and remove from the oven.
- Let the bread cool slightly. Unpeel the whole garlic cloves and rub them against the toasted bread, flavoring each piece. Serve with the chilled tomato mixture.
I will take an entire plate of this right away, please and thank you 🙂 Totally pinning, have a great day! xo
It is definitely difficult to walk away from! 🙂
This is perfect for spring! I can totally imagine me eating this outside in the garden on a sunny day. 🙂
This looks amazing!! Going to add it to my need to cook list for sure!
Wow this looks so good! The colors are amazing.
Bruschetta is my favourite snack. I could eat it every day, I’m pretty sure. I’m going to have to try it with the garlic crostini – looks so good!
This looks amazing!!! I’m going to have to find some GF bread to try it out with for sure! <3
Yum! Bruschetta is one of our favorite snacks when we go out. I bet it tastes so much better made fresh at home. We are going to try growing some basil this year so we’ll have to try it out!
These are my favourite little snacks! Love it!
That looks absolutely divine! Now my tummy is rumbling.
This looks delicious. A great way to use our tomatoes and basil. The balsamic vinegar is a great addition.
Looks great!
These look SO delicious! I’m starving right now and wish that I was having these for lunch! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Oh man I’m dying over here. This looks ah-mazing! Bruschetta is one of those things I can never step away from or tell myself no to. It’s easily one of my favorite Italian dishes of all time and it’s so amazingly simple! Perfect for summer picnics, too.
xoxo,
Dannie
http://www.stilefotocibo.com
I’m almost drooling on my laptop, this looks so good. Bruschetta is one of my favorite appetizers. I’ve never tried making it before, but now I MUST after seeing how good this looks. Yum!
I love bruschetta! this one looks delicious
This looks yummy! I always love making recipes filled with vibrant colors.
growing up in an italian household, bruschetta was a staple haha. sooo good 🙂
YUM! That topping is perfection! I love it on more than just bread!
looks delicious!
oh wow! these look so mouthwatering 🙂