1. Prepare the Tomatoes and Basil: Begin by washing your tomatoes and basil thoroughly. Dice the tomatoes into small, even pieces, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch cubes. Finely chop the fresh basil leaves. In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes and chopped basil.

2. Season the Tomato Mixture: To the tomato and basil mixture, add 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a grind of fresh black pepper. Stir gently to combine everything, ensuring the tomatoes are evenly coated. Set this mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the bread.

3. Slice the Sourdough Bread: Using a serrated knife, slice the sourdough bread into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Aim for slices that are roughly uniform in thickness so they toast evenly. You should get about 8-10 slices from a standard loaf.

4. Toast the Sourdough Slices: Heat a large skillet or a grill pan over medium heat. Alternatively, you can use a toaster oven. Lightly brush one side of each sourdough slice with a little extra virgin olive oil. Place the bread slices, oil-side down, in the hot pan or on the grill. Toast for 2-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy. You want a good crunch but not so hard that it’s difficult to bite into.

5. Garlic Rub for Flavor: Once the sourdough slices are toasted, remove them from the heat. Take your peeled garlic cloves and rub one side of each warm toast slice vigorously with a garlic clove. The warmth of the bread will help release the garlic’s aroma and flavor, infusing the toast with a subtle, delicious garlic essence.

6. Assemble the Bruschetta: Now it’s time to assemble! Spoon a generous amount of the seasoned tomato and basil mixture onto each garlic-rubbed sourdough slice. Make sure to get some of the delicious juices along with the diced tomatoes.

7. Final Touches and Serving: Arrange the assembled bruschetta on a serving platter. For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, drizzle a small amount of extra virgin olive oil over the top of each bruschetta. If desired, you can also add a light drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy counterpoint. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp texture of the bread.