Fresh, juicy heirloom tomatoes meet crispy rosemary bread in this simple bruschetta recipe. A drizzle of olive oil, a hint of garlic, and a touch of basil turn it into the perfect summer bite.
Bruschetta is one of my favorite foods — simple, rustic, and absolutely perfect. Just ripe tomatoes, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and bread toasted until golden, then rubbed with fresh garlic. That’s all it takes to create something that feels like summer on a plate.
This batch was extra special because my brother-in-law gifted us a basket of gorgeous heirloom tomatoes from his suburban garden. Bursting with color and flavor, they were the kind of tomatoes that make you pause and appreciate the season. If you have access to truly fresh tomatoes — from a garden, farmers market, or a generous neighbor — this is the recipe to celebrate them.
Ingredients
2 large heirloom tomatoes, diced
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (plus more for toasting bread)
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 handful fresh basil, finely chopped
Sea salt, to taste
Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
1 loaf rosemary bread (Lidl or similar)
2–3 garlic cloves, whole
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the tomatoes
Diced heirloom tomatoes ready in a bowl, showing off their vibrant colors.
Step 2: Season and marinate
Add olive oil, red wine vinegar, basil, salt, and cracked pepper. Stir well and let sit for 15–20 minutes so the flavors meld.
Tomatoes tossed with basil, olive oil, and red wine vinegar to marinate.
Step 3: Slice and oil the bread
Cut the rosemary bread into thick slices. Brush or drizzle each side lightly with olive oil.
Step 4: Toast the bread
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Toast the bread until golden brown and crisp on both sides.
Golden-brown rosemary bread crisping in a skillet with a drizzle of EVOO.
Step 5: Garlic rub
While still warm, rub each slice with a whole garlic clove to perfume it with just the right amount of garlic.
Step 6: Assemble
Spoon the marinated tomato mixture generously over each slice of bread.
Step 7: Serve
Arrange on a platter and finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, if desired. Serve immediately.
Closing Reflection
Bruschetta reminds me that the best meals don’t have to be complicated. Just a handful of good ingredients, prepared simply, can feel like a feast. When the bread is still warm from the pan and the tomatoes burst with summer sweetness, it’s more than just an appetizer — it’s a reminder to slow down and savor what’s right in front of you. Sometimes the simplest foods are the ones that make us feel most grateful.
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