Crisp toasted baguette slices with tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil arranged stylishly in a diagonal line.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Toasts
01 - 1 French baguette, sliced diagonally into 8 pieces (about 1/2-inch thick)
02 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
→ Topping
03 - 2 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
04 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
05 - 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
06 - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
07 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ To Serve
09 - 1 small garlic clove, peeled (for rubbing toast)
10 - Extra basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
11 - Balsamic glaze, for drizzling (optional)
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Arrange the baguette slices in a diagonal line on the prepared baking sheet. Brush both sides with olive oil.
03 - Bake the slices for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crisp.
04 - While the toasts bake, combine diced tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped basil, 1 tablespoon olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Toss gently and set aside.
05 - Remove toasted baguette slices from the oven. While warm, gently rub one side of each slice with the peeled garlic clove.
06 - Spoon the tomato mixture generously over each toast. Arrange the toasts on a platter in a diagonal line for an elegant presentation.
07 - Garnish with extra basil leaves and drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired. Serve immediately.
