Preheat oven to 400°F and arrange baguette slices on a large baking sheet.

Brush both sides of bread slices lightly with olive oil and bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.

While bread toasts, combine diced tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped basil, ¼ cup olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Mix well and let sit to marinate.

Once bread is cool enough to handle, you can rub a cut garlic clove on each slice for extra flavor (totally optional but delicious!).

Using a slotted spoon, top each toasted slice with the tomato mixture, allowing excess liquid to drain off.

Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired and arrange on a serving platter.

Serve immediately for the crispiest results, or within 30 minutes of assembling.