Classic Italian Bruschetta (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Tomato Bruschetta

01 - 6 Roma tomatoes, diced (1 1/2 lbs)
02 - 1/3 cup basil leaves, chopped
03 - 5 garlic cloves, minced, divided
04 - 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
05 - 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
06 - 1/2 tsp sea salt
07 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
08 - Balsamic glaze (optional)

→ Bruschetta Toasts

09 - 1 baguette
10 - 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
11 - 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese

# Instructions:

01 - Core and dice the Roma tomatoes. Drain excess juice and transfer tomatoes to a medium bowl. Stack basil leaves, roll into a tube, and slice into thin ribbons. Add basil to the tomatoes. Finely mince 5 garlic cloves, setting aside 1 tsp of the minced garlic. Mix the reserved garlic with 3 Tbsp olive oil. Add the remaining minced garlic to the tomato mixture. Season with 2 Tbsp olive oil, 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir gently to combine and allow to marinate for 15 to 30 minutes. Serve with bruschetta toasts and optional drizzles of olive oil or balsamic glaze.
02 - Preheat the oven to 400˚F with a rack placed in the center. Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch thick diagonal slices. Arrange the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using the garlic-infused olive oil, brush both sides of the bread slices. Sprinkle the tops with shredded parmesan cheese. Bake at 400˚F for 5 minutes, then broil on high heat for 1 to 2 minutes until the edges are golden brown.

# Notes:

01 - For best results, use fresh tomatoes and high-quality olive oil.