Slow-Simmered Tomato and Basil Bruschetta

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-12 · Updated 2026-04-12

A simple yet elegant appetizer featuring fresh tomatoes and basil on toasted bread, with a slow-simmered tomato base that develops deep flavor. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs large, diced (about 2 cups) tomatoes, fresh, finely chopped basil, extra virgin olive oil into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 2 large, diced (about 2 cups) tomatoes
• 1/4 cup fresh, finely chopped basil
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small clove, minced garlic
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces (about 12 slices) baguette
• 1 tbsp (optional) butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 large diced tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped basil, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, then reduce heat to low and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and the flavors meld.
2. Step 2: Meanwhile, preheat a skillet over medium heat. Place 12 baguette slices on the skillet and toast for 2 minutes on each side until golden brown and crisp, using 1 tbsp butter if desired to prevent burning.
3. Step 3: Once the tomato mixture has simmered for 15 minutes, remove from heat and let cool slightly. Spoon the tomato mixture evenly over the toasted baguette slices.