Bruschetta
"Crispy toasted Costco baguette piled high with garlicky tomatoes and fresh basil. The appetizer that proves simple ingredients done right always win."
The Game Plan
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees (or fire up the broiler if you like to live dangerously). Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch rounds and arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer.
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Brush each slice generously with olive oil on one side. Bake for 4–5 minutes until golden and crispy on the edges. Under the broiler, this takes about 2 minutes — watch them like a hawk.
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While the bread toasts, combine the diced tomatoes, minced garlic, basil, 3 tbsp olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Toss gently and let it sit so the flavors mingle.
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As soon as the toasts come out of the oven, immediately rub the top of each one with the cut side of the halved garlic clove. The rough, toasted surface acts like a grater and pulls the garlic flavor right in. This step is everything.
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Spoon the tomato mixture generously onto each toast. Don't be shy — pile it on.
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Serve immediately. Bruschetta waits for no one — the bread gets soggy after about 15 minutes.
