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Easy Roasted Cherry Tomato Bruschetta with Basil

roasted cherry tomato bruschetta - featured image

A simple and delicious summer appetizer featuring roasted cherry tomatoes caramelized to perfection, fresh basil, and toasted baguette slices. This bruschetta offers a vibrant, juicy punch with a perfect balance of flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pint (about 300g) cherry tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 small French baguette, sliced into ½-inch thick pieces
  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Rinse and dry the cherry tomatoes. Slice them in half and place them in a mixing bowl.
  3. Add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and the minced garlic to the tomatoes. Toss gently to coat all the tomatoes evenly.
  4. Spread the tomatoes cut-side up on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  5. Roast for about 20-25 minutes until tomatoes soften, skins blister, and start to brown slightly.
  6. While tomatoes roast, slice your baguette into ½-inch thick slices. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil and place on a separate baking sheet.
  7. Toast the bread under the broiler or in a toaster oven for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
  8. Remove the roasted tomatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly for 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, add chopped fresh basil, balsamic vinegar (if using), salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
  9. Top each toasted baguette slice with a generous spoonful of the roasted tomato mixture. Optionally, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
  10. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect crunch and juicy topping.

Notes

Use ripe but firm cherry tomatoes to avoid mushy texture. Space tomatoes evenly on the baking sheet to ensure caramelization instead of steaming. Mince garlic finely to mellow its flavor when roasted. Brush bread with olive oil before toasting for a golden, crisp crust. Serve immediately to prevent sogginess. For gluten-free, substitute baguette with gluten-free crusty bread. For vegan, omit Parmesan or use nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: bruschetta, roasted cherry tomatoes, basil, summer appetizer, easy recipe, Italian appetizer, toasted baguette