Bruschetta

This delicious and easy to make brushetta recipe will put your fresh tomatoes to good use.

This tomato bruschetta (broo-SKET-uh) is the most wonderful appetizer during fresh tomato season. Easy to prepare and bursting with summer flavors, these bruschetta make a great snack, appetizer, or side dish.  Try it and you’ll be hooked.

Ingredients

  • 10 plum tomatoes, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¾ cup fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • French or Italian bread slices

Preheat oven to 475° F.

In a medium bowl, mix all ingredients except bread; set aside. Slice bread into 1” slices.

If you’re working with a large loaf, halve each slice.  Brush one side of each slice with extra virgin olive oil.  Place the slices oil-side down on a cookie sheet, and toast them in the oven until golden brown.

Either serve tomato mixture, room temperature, in a bowl and each person tops their own slice or make ahead and place on a large serving plate.  Try not to top too far ahead of serving, as the bread can get soggy.