Bruschetta is the way to go for easy appetizers. This Buca Di Beppo copycat is a keeper - tomatoes, onion, and fresh basil on top of garlic-toasted bread.
1 pound Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced in 1/4-inch cubes
1 1/2 cup diced red onions
8 cloves garlic, crushed or minced
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
2 ounces olive oil
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup minced fresh basil
1 long loaf French or Italian bread
3 ounces garlic olive oil
Preheat the oven broiler.
Combine the tomatoes, red onion, garlic, salt, pepper, olive oil, and basil in a bowl and mix gently.
Slice the bread into 1/2-inch thick slices and place on a rimmed baking sheet. Brush one side of the sliced bread pieces with the garlic olive oil. Place the bread in the oven and broil just until lightly browned.
Remove the toasted bread pieces from the oven. Top each with some of the tomato mixture.
Serve the bruschetta immediately.
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reviews & comments
November 6, 2021
Just wanted to add that the bruschetta recipe above without fresh mozzarella or balsamic vinegar is the original recipe from when Buca di Beppo first opened. At that time it was a garlic olive oil used on the bread. It has changed a couple of times since then. The one above is definitely customizable to adding in the fresh mozzarella and/or balsamic drizzle and/or butter instead of oil to make it your own favorite version.
July 17, 2020
This recipe is pretty good but different from what I had a Bucca di Beppos. They put Balsamic Vinegar and fresh mozzarella cheese with the tomatoes. They also put butter on the bread instead of olive oil. I highly suggest adding the balsamic and butter.
January 29, 2018
Tried this one and everyone liked it. Great for a crowd and easy to make. A hit! :)
last time i was at buca's they had balsamic vinegar sprinkled on top. not sure if you just left that out because you dislike the flavor.....
January 15, 2011
I made this for a wedding reception. Everyone in the wedding party wanted the recipe. It was a hit!
February 22, 2008
This was delicious and easy to make. It made a little too much though. Next time I would cut the recipe in half.