Description
This Tomato and Pepper Bruschetta is a vibrant Italian appetizer featuring toasted French baguette slices topped with a fresh, flavorful mixture of cherry tomatoes, red and yellow bell peppers, garlic, basil, and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Perfectly crisp and bursting with taste, it makes an easy and colorful starter for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Toasting
- 1 French baguette, sliced into ½-inch thick pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 garlic clove, peeled (for rubbing on toast)
Topping
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved or diced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Toast the Bread. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the baguette slices evenly on a baking sheet and brush them lightly with olive oil. Toast in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the slices are golden and crisp. This creates the perfect crunchy base for the bruschetta.
- Garlic Rub for Flavor. As soon as the toasted bread comes out of the oven and while still warm, gently rub each slice with the peeled garlic clove. This infuses the bread with a subtle garlic aroma and flavor that complements the topping beautifully.
- Prepare the Tomato and Pepper Topping. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the halved or diced cherry tomatoes, finely diced red and yellow bell peppers, minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to integrate the flavors, then let the mixture sit for 10 to 15 minutes to marinate and develop depth.
- Assemble the Bruschetta Just Before Serving. Spoon a generous amount of the tomato and pepper mixture onto each toasted bread slice. For extra richness and a glossy finish, drizzle a little more olive oil on top. Garnish with additional fresh basil if you like. Serve immediately to maintain the crisp texture of the bread.
Notes
- Serve fresh to keep the bread crispy and avoid sogginess.
- Add crumbled feta or mozzarella pearls for a heartier, creamy twist.
- Use multicolored bell peppers to enhance the visual appeal of the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
