Prepare the bread: place the baguette on a board and carefully slice it diagonally into pieces about 1–1.5 cm thick (the diagonal cut provides a larger surface for the filling). With 240 g of baguette, you will get about 8–10 slices. Arrange the slices on a tray.
Description
Crostini with tomatoes and basil is a classic, simple Italian appetizer made of crispy slices of bread topped with a fresh, zesty mixed filling of ripe tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil. It comes from Italian cuisine, where similar snacks (bruschetta, crostini) are served as antipasti before the main meal. The dish has a contrast of textures: crunchy, golden bread and juicy, slightly moist tomato filling; the flavor is fresh and aromatic thanks to the basil and olive oil, with a subtle hint of garlic. Serve immediately after preparation as an appetizer for parties, picnics, or a light lunch; you can add a slice of mozzarella or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for extra depth of flavor. They look aesthetically pleasing arranged on a flat plate, sprinkled with basil leaves and drizzled with olive oil.
Składniki (9)
- Baguette 1.0 szt.
- Tomato 3.3 szt.
- Garlic 2 ząbki
- Extra virgin olive oil 2 łyżki
- 🌿 Przyprawy
- Fresh basil 0.3 pęczków
- Salt 0.1 szczypt
- Ground black pepper 1 szczypta
- ✨ Opcjonalne
- Fresh mozzarella 125 g
- Balsamic vinegar 10 ml
💡 Kliknij na składnik aby oznaczyć jako użyty
Preparation steps
Preparation
Prepare the tomato mixture: wash the tomatoes, remove the stems, and cut them in half. Holding each half over a bowl, gently squeeze or use a spoon to remove the seeds and excess juice (this will help prevent the bread from getting soggy). Dice the flesh into small cubes (about 5–7 mm). Transfer to a medium bowl.
Season the filling: to the bowl with tomatoes, add finely chopped garlic (10 g = 2 cloves, chop very finely or press through a garlic press), chopped basil (10 g), 30 g of olive oil, 2 g of salt, and 1 g of freshly ground pepper. Gently mix with a wooden spoon for 20–30 seconds to combine the ingredients. Set aside for 5–10 minutes to let the flavors meld — the tomatoes will release some juice, and the oil will absorb the aromas.
Baking/Roasting
Toast the baguette slices: you have two options — oven or skillet. In the oven: preheat to 200°C (top and bottom heat). Arrange the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle them very lightly with oil (about 5 g per side) or brush them. Bake for 6–8 minutes, turning once, until golden and crispy. In the skillet: heat a dry heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat and toast the slices for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden.
After toasting, immediately cut the halved garlic clove in half again and vigorously rub each warm slice with the cut side of the clove — this will add a subtle aroma without overwhelming sharpness. Do not rub it raw; the heat of the bread will release the fragrance.
Assembly
Filling application: on each toasted slice, spread 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 g) of the tomato mixture evenly, but do not overload — excess juice will make the bread soggy. If you are using mozzarella (optional), place a thin slice (about 10–15 g) on the slice before adding the tomatoes or next to them, according to preference. Finally, drizzle lightly with extra olive oil (about 5 g for a few slices) and optionally a bit of balsamic vinegar (optional). Garnish with a single basil leaf.
Serving
Serve the crostini immediately while the bread is still warm and crispy. Arrange them on a large plate or board, preferably in a single layer. If serving at a party, place a bowl of extra basil leaves and a small bottle of olive oil nearby for drizzling.
Fun Fact
Bruschetta and crostini share common Italian roots: both are toasted slices of bread that were once used as a way to check if the olive oil was of good quality (it enhanced the flavor of the bread). In Italian regions, they are served as a simple, rustic snack.
Best for
Tips
Serve immediately after filling, as antipasti or as a side to a salad. You can adjust the portions by placing smaller amounts on mini crostini for parties. Prosecco, light white tea, or lemon water pair well for drinking.
The prepared tomato mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours; mix again before serving. The toasted slices are best stored separately at room temperature for up to 4 hours — do not place them in a damp container, as they will become soft. If reheating is necessary, place them in the oven at 180°C for 2–3 minutes to regain their crispness.
📸 Ugotowane przez społeczność
Zaloguj się, aby dodać zdjęcieDodaj zdjęcie gotowej potrawy
Po zatwierdzeniu przez moderatora otrzymasz 10 punktów doświadczenia.
Nikt jeszcze nie dodał zdjęcia. Bądź pierwszy!
Comments (0)
Be the first to comment on this recipe!
Add a comment