Classic Bruschetta

Preheat the Oven - Set the oven rack to the middle position. Preheat to 450ºF (232ºC).
Slice the Bread - Cut the bread on a slight bias into ½" thick slices or ¾" for thicker pieces. There should be between 12 to 24 slices depending on the thickness and length of the loaf.
Toast the Baguette Slices- Lightly brush olive oil on both sides of the bread. Sprinkle salt on both sides. Bake until the surface is lightly browned, about 5 minutes per side. You still want a soft chew in the center of the bread and not be completely dried out. Transfer toasted bread to a wire rack.
Enhance the Bread's Flavor - While the bread is still warm, rub the cut-side of garlic on both sides for extra flavor.
Dice the Tomatoes - Cut the tomatoes lengthwise into quarters, removing the core and seeds. Chop into ¼" dice. There should be about 4 cups of diced tomatoes. Transfer to a medium bowl.
Season the Tomato Mixture - To the bowl of tomatoes, add the minced onions, basil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture, and stir to combine. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.
To Serve - Add the tomato mixture on top of the toasted bread slices and serve immediately. Alternatively, place the mixture in a bowl and let guests top the bread themselves.