YaYa’s Bruschetta
Ingredients
- 1 clove garlic halved
- 14 3/4 in slices French bread
- 4 medium tomatoes seeded and diced
- 1/4 c chopped red onion
- 2 T olive oil
- 1 T minced fresh basil
- 1/4 t. salt
- 1/8 t pepper
Instructions
- Rub garlic on French bread and place garlic side down on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 5 minutes on each side until lightly brown.
- Mix remaining ingredients and serve on bread.
Yaya’s Tips for Success
This bright, flavorful Bruschetta is one of those simple pleasures that brings summer right to your plate. With juicy tomatoes, sweet red onion, fresh basil, and just the right touch of garlic, this makes a perfect starter or side to just about any meal. It also comes together in no time and is a great way to use up garden tomatoes when they’re in season. I’ve made this more times than I can count, especially when the family is over—Mark and the boys usually eat these up before I can even set the tray down. Make sure to use a good, crusty French bread and let it get golden brown in the oven before spooning on the tomato mixture. You can serve these warm or at room temperature, but they don’t last long either way!
This recipe is all about fresh ingredients.
- Use ripe, firm tomatoes and fresh basil for the best flavor.
- If your bread is on the softer side, let it sit out for 30 minutes beforehand to firm up slightly before toasting.
- Don’t skip the step of rubbing garlic on the bread—it’s a little thing that makes a big difference.
- And always taste your tomato mixture before serving; sometimes an extra pinch of salt or pepper brings everything together just right.
Yaya’s Customization Ideas
There’s plenty of ways to make this your own!
- You can add a splash of balsamic vinegar or drizzle the finished bruschetta with a balsamic glaze for a little tang.
- A sprinkle of crumbled feta or shaved Parmesan on top can give it a richer flavor.
- If you like a little heat, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes goes a long way.
- You could even toast the bread on the grill for a bit of smoky flavor.
Yaya’s Original Recipe Card
