📖 Instructions

1. First things first, let's get that bread ready. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice a baguette or similar bread into 1/2-inch thick slices. Arrange them on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil, just a light coating, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Pop those slices into the oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until they're golden and perfectly crisp. Keep an eye on them, so they don't burn!
2. While the bread is toasting, we'll tackle the star of the show—the topping! Grab your cutting board and finely dice those lovely tomatoes. I usually go for a mix of colors and textures for a more interesting dish. You'll also want to finely mince 2 cloves of garlic. If you're feeling fancy, you can use a garlic press. If not, a sharp knife will work just fine. Throw the garlic into a mixing bowl. Now, add in about 1/4 cup of good quality olive oil and give it a little swish-swish with a whisk.
3. Next up, add those diced tomatoes to the bowl along with the garlic and olive oil. Now's the time to get that fresh basil involved. Roughly chop about 1/2 cup of basil leaves and toss those into the mix, too. Stir gently—you don't want to mush up the tomatoes. Season with a generous pinch of salt and a bit of freshly ground black pepper. Taste it, and adjust the seasonings. Remember, it's all about getting it right for your palate. Sometimes I add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
4. Once your bread is perfectly golden and crispy, take it out of the oven. Let it cool for a minute. Using a spoon, gently spread the tomato mixture evenly over each slice of toasted bread. Don't be shy with the topping! If you feel like making it fancier, you can add a sprinkle of balsamic glaze right before serving. It's totally up to you. A sprinkle of sea salt and a grind of freshly ground black pepper will bring out the gorgeous flavors.
5. And there you have it! Your light and oh-so-delicious bruschetta is ready. Serve immediately and enjoy every bite. This is one of those recipes that's so darn simple, yet bursting with flavor. It's perfect for a light lunch, an appetizer, or even a snack. Plus, it’s perfect for that impromptu summer get-together with your besties!