One of the best parts of every meal are the apps! This weekend I decided to make one of my favorite appetizers, bruschetta! This dish is so simple and refreshing not to mention, a party pleaser. Not only does this app look amazing, but it will make your guests wanting more! I love the simplicity of this dish because it is inexpensive and has minimal ingredients.

A lot of appetizers you could get at a restaurant have high calorie intakes and are usually not prepared fresh, depending on where you go. Unlike those appetizers, bruschetta is packed with flavor and won’t make you feel guilty for eating more than one! Once you make this dish and see how easy and delicious it is, you will receive that rewarding feeling of accomplishment. There are many different versions and ways to make bruschetta but today I want to show you the way my family makes it.

Ingredients for the Tomatoes:

  • 2 cloves of garlic (sliced thin)
  • 4 tbsp. of extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 large tomatoes, diced
  • 2 tbsp. of balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 c. basil (sliced thin)
  • 1 tsp. of salt
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

Ingredients for the Bread:

  • 1 large baguette
  • Extra virgin olive oil (to brush on the bread)
  • 2 cloves of garlic

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees
  2. Make the tomato mixture: in a small pan, heat the oil over medium-low heat for 2 minutes. Add the garlic slices and cook until they are lightly browned for 3-4 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  3. In a large bowl, add the tomatoes, basil, balsamic, crushed red pepper and salt together. Once the oil and garlic mixture is cooled, add it to the tomato mix. Let this marinate together for about 30 minutes.
  4. On a baking sheet, brush extra virgin olive oil onto each piece of french bread, front and back. Toast the bread in the oven for 10-15 minutes until golden brown. Let the bread cool and rub the tops of each piece with garlic cloves.
  5. Finally, spoon the tomato mixture on the tops of each piece of bread and eat!