This simple and vibrant Tomato Bruschetta is an Italian classic that is perfect as an appetizer or light snack. Sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes are marinated with basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar, then piled onto crispy garlic-rubbed baguette slices. It's fresh, quick to make, and absolutely bursting with flavor - exactly what you want for a taste of summer on a plate.

Serve bruschetta along with other sides such as a Greek Salad, a romesco dip, a light pasta dish such as this tomato gnocchi, some roasted green beans, or even an eggplant parmigiana.

Ingredient Notes

The exact quantities are in the recipe card at the bottom, but here's a quick rundown:

• Cherry Tomatoes: Use ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for the best flavor. Any mix of colors works beautifully.
  
• Baguette: A fresh, crusty French baguette slices and toasts perfectly for bruschetta.
  
• Garlic: Rubbing fresh garlic over the warm bread adds classic bruschetta flavor.
  
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Since we've got so few ingredients in this recipe, you want to use high-quality ingredients. A great quality extra virgin olive oil is a must.
  
• Balsamic Vinegar & Glaze: The vinegar goes into the tomato marinade, while the glaze is optional for a sweet finishing drizzle.
  
• Cottage Cheese (Optional): For a creamy twist, spread cottage cheese on the bread before adding the tomatoes - not traditional, but so good and a nice boost of protein.

Variations & Substitutions

• Swap cottage cheese for ricotta or goat cheese for extra richness.
• Add finely diced red onion or shallot to the tomato mix for more bite.
• If you don't have balsamic glaze, reduce balsamic vinegar in a small pan until syrupy.

How To Make A Simple Bruschetta

Again, find the full step-by-step and measurements in the recipe card below - here's a quick guide:

1. Prepare the Tomato Topping: Chop the cherry tomatoes, add torn basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together and let it marinate while you prep the bread.
   
2. Toast the Baguette: Slice your baguette diagonally and grill or toast until golden on both sides.
   
3. Garlic Rub: Rub the toasted bread with fresh garlic for authentic bruschetta flavor.
   
4. Assemble: If using, spread a thin layer of cottage cheese on each slice. Spoon over the tomato mixture and drizzle with the extra marinade.
   
5. Finish: Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve immediately while the bread is still crisp.

Top Tips / Chef's Notes

• Use the freshest tomatoes you can find - they're the star of the show. It's for this reason that tomato bruschetta is best when tomatoes are in season so you get the best flavors.
• Leave the tomatoes to marinade in the olive oil and balsamic vinegar for 10 minutes before topping your baguette slices with them.
• Don't skip the garlic rub; it makes a huge difference in flavor.
• Assemble bruschetta right before serving so the bread stays crunchy and doesn't get soggy.

Storage

Bruschetta is best enjoyed fresh! Store the tomato topping separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Re-toast the bread and assemble just before serving.

FAQs

Can I make bruschetta ahead of time?
You can prep the tomato topping and toast the bread in advance, but assemble them right before serving to keep the bread crisp.

What bread is best for bruschetta?
A crusty baguette or ciabatta works well. Slice diagonally for a nice surface area.

Can I add toppings?
Absolutely! Try topping with prosciutto, burrata, or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for extra flavor.