Roasted Tomato and Basil Bruschetta

Did you know that bruschetta has been enjoyed in Italy since at least the 15th century? This beloved antipasto has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a way to salvage stale bread. Today, you'll find countless variations, but the roasted tomato and basil version stands out for its depth of flavor. By roasting the tomatoes, you're not only intensifying their sweetness but also creating a more complex taste profile. If you've never tried this twist on the classic, you're in for a treat. Let's explore how this simple yet sophisticated dish can elevate your next gathering or quiet evening at home.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Roasted Tomato and Basil Bruschetta is a modern twist on traditional Italian appetizer, featuring intensified flavors from roasting tomatoes.
Key ingredients include ripe tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, fresh basil, and French or Italian bread.
Preparation involves roasting tomatoes, toasting bread, and combining chopped tomatoes with basil before assembling.
Serve immediately after assembly to maintain bread crispness and optimal flavor.
Quality of ingredients, especially ripe tomatoes, is crucial for the best taste experience.

History

Bruschetta's origins can be traced back to ancient Rome.

You'll find that this simple yet delicious dish has been a staple of Italian cuisine for centuries. In its earliest form, bruschetta was created by olive growers who'd sample their freshly pressed oil on slices of bread. They'd rub garlic on the bread and drizzle it with olive oil to test its quality.

As time passed, the dish evolved, and people began adding toppings like tomatoes, herbs, and cheese. You'll notice that the name "bruschetta" comes from the Roman dialect word "bruscare," meaning "to roast over coals."

This refers to the traditional method of toasting the bread over an open flame.

Today, you'll find countless variations of bruschetta across Italy and beyond. Each region has its own twist on the classic recipe, incorporating local ingredients and flavors.

Whether you're enjoying it as an appetizer or a light meal, bruschetta remains a beloved part of Italian culinary tradition, embodying the simplicity and freshness that characterize Mediterranean cuisine.

Recipe

Roasted Tomato and Basil Bruschetta is a delightful twist on the classic Italian appetizer. This simple yet flavorful dish combines the sweetness of roasted tomatoes with the aromatic freshness of basil, all atop crispy slices of toasted bread.

With just five key ingredients, this recipe highlights the essential elements that make bruschetta so appealing. The roasting process intensifies the tomatoes' natural sweetness, creating a perfect balance with the garlic and olive oil. When paired with fragrant basil and crunchy bread, it results in a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that captures the essence of Italian cuisine.

2 lbs (900g) ripe tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup (10g) fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 baguette or Italian bread, sliced

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the halved tomatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and sprinkle with minced garlic. Roast for 25-30 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and slightly caramelized.

While the tomatoes are roasting, slice the bread and brush with the remaining olive oil. Toast the bread slices in the oven for the last 5-7 minutes of the tomato roasting time.

Once the tomatoes are done, let them cool slightly, then roughly chop them and mix with the chopped basil. Spoon the tomato mixture onto the toasted bread slices and serve immediately.

For the best results, choose ripe, in-season tomatoes to maximize flavor. If you prefer a smoother texture, pulse the roasted tomatoes in a food processor before mixing with the basil.

To prevent the bread from becoming soggy, assemble the bruschetta just before serving. For an extra layer of flavor, try rubbing a clove of garlic directly on the toasted bread before adding the tomato mixture.

Remember that bruschetta is best enjoyed fresh, so prepare only as much as you plan to serve immediately.

Cooking Steps

To create this delicious bruschetta, you'll start by preheating your oven to 400°F and preparing the tomatoes for roasting.

While the tomatoes cook, you'll toast bread slices and then chop and mix the roasted tomatoes with fresh basil.

Step 1. Preheat Oven to 400°F

The first step in creating this delectable bruschetta is to preheat your oven. Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to fully heat up while you prepare the other ingredients. This high temperature is crucial for roasting the tomatoes and toasting the bread to perfection.

As your oven warms, you'll have time to halve the tomatoes and mince the garlic. Proper preheating ensures that when you're ready to roast, the oven will be at the ideal temperature to caramelize the tomatoes and intensify their flavors.

It's essential not to rush this step, as an insufficiently heated oven can lead to uneven cooking and less flavorful results. While waiting, you can also slice your baguette or Italian bread.

Step 2. Prepare Tomatoes for Roasting

With the oven preheating, it's time to focus on preparing the tomatoes for roasting. Start by selecting ripe, flavorful tomatoes, as they'll form the heart of your bruschetta. Wash them thoroughly under cool running water, then pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.

Using a sharp knife, carefully cut each tomato in half crosswise. This will expose the juicy interior and create a flat surface for even roasting.

Arrange the halved tomatoes on a baking sheet, cut-side up. Make sure they're not overcrowded, allowing space for heat to circulate.

Drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the tomatoes, ensuring each half gets a light coating. This will help them caramelize and develop a rich flavor.

Next, sprinkle the minced garlic evenly across the tomatoes. Don't worry if some falls onto the baking sheet; it'll infuse the oil with a delicious aroma.

The garlic will roast alongside the tomatoes, mellowing its sharp bite and adding depth to your bruschetta. Your tomatoes are now ready for their transformation in the oven.

Step 3. Toast Bread Slices

As your tomatoes roast to perfection, it's time to focus on the bread, the foundation of your bruschetta.

Take your baguette or Italian bread and slice it diagonally into pieces about 1/2 inch thick. You'll want each slice to be large enough to hold a generous spoonful of the tomato mixture.

Brush both sides of each bread slice with the remaining olive oil. This will help create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft.

Place the slices on a baking sheet, making sure they're not overlapping. You'll add these to the oven during the last 5-7 minutes of the tomato roasting time.

Keep a close eye on the bread as it toasts. You're looking for a golden-brown color and a crisp texture.

Once they're done, remove them from the oven immediately.

If you'd like to enhance the garlic flavor, you can rub a clove of raw garlic on one side of each toasted slice. This step is optional but adds an extra layer of flavor to your bruschetta.

Step 4. Chop and Mix Ingredients

Once your tomatoes have finished roasting and cooled slightly, it's time to chop and mix the ingredients. Begin by transferring the roasted tomatoes to a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, roughly chop the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Don't worry about making them too uniform; a rustic texture adds to the charm of the dish.

Next, finely chop the fresh basil leaves. You'll want to do this just before mixing to preserve the herb's vibrant flavor and aroma. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes and basil. Gently fold them together, allowing the warmth of the tomatoes to release the basil's essential oils.

If you'd like a smoother consistency, you can pulse the mixture in a food processor. However, be careful not to over-process; you want to maintain some texture.

Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed. A pinch of salt or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can enhance the flavors. Once you're satisfied with the taste and consistency, your bruschetta topping is ready to be spooned onto the toasted bread slices.

Step 5. Assemble and Serve Immediately

The final step in creating your delicious bruschetta is assembly and serving. Once your tomatoes are roasted and chopped, and your bread is toasted, it's time to bring everything together.

Start by spooning a generous amount of the roasted tomato and basil mixture onto each slice of toasted bread. Don't be shy; you'll want each bite to be packed with flavor. As you assemble, make sure you're working quickly to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.

Arrange your assembled bruschetta on a serving platter, creating an appealing presentation. If you're feeling fancy, you can garnish with a few whole basil leaves or a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil.

It's crucial to serve your bruschetta immediately after assembly to ensure the bread maintains its crispness and the flavors are at their peak. If you're preparing for a party, consider assembling in small batches as needed rather than all at once.

This way, your guests will always have fresh, crispy bruschetta to enjoy. Remember, bruschetta is best enjoyed right away, so gather your friends or family and savor your creation while it's at its finest.