Bruschetta with tomatoes and basil 

If you’re a big fan of tomatoes, then bruschetta is a new tasty appetizer to try. It is one of the most famous dishes in Italian cuisine and a true classic in the country. Bruschetta is an easy dish that is also perfect as an appetizer. Bruschetta can be made in many different types and flavours. The most popular one throughout Europe, however, is undoubtedly the bruschetta with tomato and basil. 

Ingredients for 16 pieces

• 2 ciabatta baguettes 
• 8 large fresh tomatoes 
• 2 cloves of garlic 
• Fresh basil 
• Salt and pepper 
• Olive oil 

Preparation 

To start, begin by cutting the fresh tomatoes into small cubes. Place the diced tomatoes, along with any remaining flesh, in a large bowl. Next, finely chop the basil and add it to the bowl along with some salt, pepper, and olive oil. Also, add one pressed clove of garlic. Mix well. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for half an hour. Slice the ciabatta diagonally and lightly brush one side with olive oil. Grill both sides in a toaster or in a pan until crispy. For an extra burst of flavour, rub the grilled bread with garlic. Arrange the bread slices on a plate and spoon the bruschetta topping over them. 

Tips: 

You can also replace the ciabatta baguettes with regular baguettes, or you can use simple white sandwich bread and cut it into triangles for a larger surface area. 

When cutting the tomatoes into pieces, you can also remove the flesh. However, leaving the flesh in adds a juicy texture to the bruschetta. 

You can also replace the tomato and basil bruschetta with delicious, sweet cherry tomatoes. 

Inspiration for other bruschetta variations:

• Bruschetta with a base layer of pesto mayo topped with slices of Parma ham and pine nuts. 

• Bruschetta with a layer of carpaccio combined with Parmesan cheese and pine nuts. For extra flavour, you can add pesto, truffle mayonnaise, or arugula. 

• Bruschetta with a base of sliced mozzarella, topped with slices of Parma ham and a basil leaf. 

• Bruschetta with a base of salami, topped with sliced mozzarella and a sun-dried tomato.