Bruschetta

About This Recipe

Bruschetta is the quintessential Italian appetiser — slices of rustic bread grilled until charred at the edges, rubbed with a raw garlic clove, then heaped with a vibrant topping of diced ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and grassy olive oil. Every bite delivers crunch, freshness, and the unmistakable taste of summer in the Mediterranean.

Ingredients

Serves 2

• 4 slicesrustic Italian bread (ciabatta or sourdough), 2 cm thick
• 4 mediumripe tomatoes, deseeded and diced
• 8 leavesfresh basil, torn
• 2 tbspextra-virgin olive oil
• 1 clovegarlic, halved
• 1 tspbalsamic vinegar
• 0.5 tspflaky sea salt
• 0.25 tspblack pepper

Instructions

1. 1

   Make the topping

   Combine diced tomatoes, torn basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss gently and let sit while you toast the bread.

2. 2

   Toast the bread

   Grill or toast bread slices until golden and charred at the edges, about 1–2 minutes per side.

3. 3

   Rub with garlic

   While the bread is still hot, rub the cut side of the garlic clove across the surface of each slice. The rough toast acts like a grater.

4. 4

   Top and serve

   Spoon the tomato mixture generously onto each slice. Serve immediately before the bread softens.

Variations

• •

  Top with burrata and a drizzle of pesto for an indulgent version.

• •

  Add diced peaches and prosciutto for a summer twist.

• •

  Vegetarian: swap the protein for roasted king oyster mushrooms, smoked tofu or cooked chickpeas — adjust seasoning slightly upward to compensate.

• •

  Spicier: add a finely chopped fresh chile or a teaspoon of crushed Aleppo/Urfa pepper to the aromatics for warm, layered heat instead of a single sharp hit.

Storage

Topping can be made 1 hour ahead. Assemble just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions