Italian Tomato Basil Bruschetta Recipe (how to+video)
Make classic Italian bruschetta with fresh tomatoes and basil using this easy recipe! This traditional appetizer is simple to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 48kcal
Ingredients
- 2 cloves of Garlic minced
- 24 ounces of Cherry Tomatoes halved (or any variety of tomatoes you prefer)
- ¼ cup Balsamic Vinegar
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Freshly Ground Pepper
- 2 teaspoons Rendered Bacon Fat or Butter
- Fresh Basil chopped (to taste)
Instructions
- Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add 2 teaspoons of rendered bacon fat or butter to the skillet and let it melt.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Cut the cherry tomatoes in half add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and stir to coat them in the garlic and bacon fat/butter.
- Cook the tomatoes for about 5-7 minutes, until they start to break down and release their juices.
- Add 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the tomatoes cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they have reached your desired consistency.
- Stir occasionally during this time.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before adding chopped fresh basil to taste.
- Serve on top of toasted bread or as a side dish.
Video
Notes
- Use Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For the best flavor, drizzle a bit of high-quality extra virgin olive oil over the finished bruschetta.
- Choose the Best Tomatoes: Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. Roma tomatoes and cherry tomatoes work well.
- Use Crusty Bread: Italian bread or French bread slices make the best bruschetta base. Toast until golden brown for the perfect crunch.
- Don't Overdo the Garlic: A little goes a long way. Use fresh garlic cloves, and don’t add too much garlic to avoid overpowering the dish.
- Let the Topping Mixture Marinate: Allow the tomato mixture to sit for at least 15 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together.
- Serve Immediately: Bruschetta is best served fresh. The tomato topping can make the bread soggy if it sits too long.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 48kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 153mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g