Tomato Basil Bruschetta

Tomato Basic Bruschetta is the perfect end-of summer dish. It’s made with garden ripened tomatoes and fresh basil. Pair this flavorful combination with oven-crisped Italian crostini for an amazing appetizer.

Crusty bread, olive oil, fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic and balsamic vinegar make a fresh, healthy appetizer

SERVES: 8 PREP TIME: 5 minutes BAKE TIME: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/2 loaf crusty Italian bread

• 3 Tbsp. olive oil

• 1 lb. fresh Roma (plum) tomatoes, finely diced

• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced

• 10 fresh basil leaves, cut into ribbons

• 2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar

• salt and pepper, to taste.

Instructions

1. Slice half of the loaf of Italian bread into 3/4-inch slices and brush both sides with olive oil. Place on a baking sheet.

2.   Bake bread at 400⁰F until lightly brown and crispy. about 10 minutes.

3. Mix diced tomatoes, minced garlic and basil and balsamic vinegar together and season with salt and pepper.

4. When bread has cooled, generously top with bruschetta mix and serve right away.

5. Store bruschetta mix (without bread) in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. 

   Variations: Use prepared melba toast or bagel chips in place of Italian bread crostini. Add other veggies or fresh herbs of choice.