By Meghan SplawnView →
TIMELESS CLASSIC
Rustic Garlic Crostini with Fresh Tomato and Basil
★★★★★
5.0 (390)|(2 Reviews)Vine-ripened tomatoes marinated in extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and fresh basil, spooned over warm, garlic-rubbed crusty sourdough.
M
By Meghan Splawn (Senior Food Editor)•Published July 24, 2026
⏱ 15 mins
Simply Recipes / Meghan Splawn🔥 140 kcal
WHY MAKE THIS
- Showcases the peak flavor of sweet summer tomatoes.
- Bread can be toasted in advance; topping takes 5 minutes to mix.
- Infused with pungent garlic and peppery extra virgin olive oil.
TIMELESS CLASSIC
Rustic Garlic Crostini with Fresh Tomato and Basil
The gold standard of Italian appetizers. Crisp toasted artisan bread rubbed with a clove of raw garlic while still warm from the oven, topped with fragrant summer tomatoes and olive oil.
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time5 mins
Total Time15 mins
Servings6 servings
Scale Recipe:
📱Keep Screen Awake While Cooking
Ingredients
- 1 crusty French baguette or sourdough loaf, sliced into 1/2-inch diagonal rounds
- 1.5 lbs ripe Roma or vine tomatoes, seeded and finely diced
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, peeled (1 grated, 1 left whole for rubbing bread)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more for brushing)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced into ribbons (chiffonade)
- 1 tbsp good balsamic vinegar
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt & 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Directions
1
Marinate tomatoes
In a medium bowl, gently combine diced tomatoes, grated garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, basil ribbons, salt, and black pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
2
Toast the bread
Preheat oven broiler or grill pan. Brush bread slices lightly with olive oil and toast 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
3
Rub with fresh garlic
Immediately rub the cut side of the whole garlic clove across the hot toasted bread surface — the crust acts like a grater, infusing rich garlic essence.
4
Top and serve
Use a slotted spoon to mound marinated tomato mixture onto each warm crostini and serve right away.
💡 CHEF'S PRO TIPS
- Always seed your tomatoes before dicing so your crostini doesn't become soggy.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer tomatoes so excess juices stay in the bowl.
Nutrition Facts
Per ServingCalories140 kcal
Protein3g
Carbs18g
Total Fat6g
Sodium: 260mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Community Reviews & Ratings
2 cooks have shared their thoughts on this recipe
S
Sarah M.★★★★★
This has completely replaced my normal avocado toast! The beans blend so well you cannot even tell, and I stay full until lunchtime!
D
David K.★★★★★
Great trick for adding protein without cooking eggs on busy mornings. Added a pinch of red pepper flakes and lemon zest—delicious.
