Bruschetta Recipe
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This easy Bruschetta recipe is a classic appetizer of toasted crusty bread topped with olive oil, fresh tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze. Crowd-favorite and comes together in minutes!
Fresh bruschetta has a combination of bright, amazing flavors that make this such a favorite snack and appetizer. The drizzle of balsamic glaze takes it over the top in my opinion. The freshness of the basil and tomatoes melds perfectly with the rustic toasted bread with a hint of garlic. And this tasty recipe only takes minutes to make!
Table of Contents
What is Bruschetta?
Bruschetta (pronounced broo·skeh·tuh) is an appetizer, or antipasto, from Italy made of grilled or toasted bread topped with olive oil, garlic, and salt. Some variations include tomatoes, vegetables, meats, or cheese. Many believe that the bruschetta is the topping; however, the bruschetta is simply the grilled bread.
Ingredients for Bruschetta
The complete list of ingredients is given in detail in the recipe, but here are some highlights that go into making this Bruschetta so delicious!
The Bread
Use good quality rustic bread such as ciabatta, sourdough, or a baguette. Drizzle it with olive oil before toasting for a tasty, crusty exterior.
Tomatoes and Basil
You can use whatever fresh tomatoes you choose – from ripe heirloom or Roma tomatoes to grape or cherry tomatoes. Peel and deseed large tomatoes, but this isn’t necessary when using cherry tomatoes.
The fresh basil is one of my favorite parts of this bruschetta. Stack the fresh basil leaves, then roll the stack of leaves into a tight roll. Then, cut the roll into thin strips or a basil chiffonade.
Balsamic Glaze
While I say this is optional in my recipe, I really hope you use it! It adds so much flavor to the bruschetta and marries the tomatoes and basil together perfectly! Use my homemade balsamic glaze recipe or a good quality glaze from the store.
Recipe Variations
Optionally, you can also include cheese. Some favorites are ricotta spread as a bottom layer before adding the tomato-basil topping, freshly grated parmesan sprinkled on top, and even feta crumbled into the tomato-basil mixture.
Tip for the Best Bruschetta
Rub the garlic clove on the bread! Instead of adding minced garlic to the recipe, rub a clove of garlic on the bread for all the incredible flavor without giving it an overpowering garlic taste.
How to Make Bruschetta
- Grill the bruschetta. Drizzle olive oil onto a grill pan, then place bread slices on the pan and drizzle with additional olive oil. Cut the tip off the garlic clove and rub it onto the top side of the bread slice. Grill bread until lightly toasted, flipping to grill the other side, about 3 minutes per side. Remove to a serving platter.
- Make the topping. Stir together diced tomatoes, diced onion, and thinly sliced basil leaves. Drain any excess liquid. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble and serve. Spoon the topping onto the toasted bread when ready to serve. Drizzle all slices with balsamic glaze if using.
How to Serve Bruschetta
Bruschetta is fabulous served on trays as an appetizer. It makes a flavorful vegetarian dish that is a crowd favorite. I also love to serve it as a side instead of garlic bread with spaghetti, pasta fagioli, or minestrone.
This recipe can easily be halved or multiplied depending on the number you plan to serve.
Make Ahead Tips
You can toast the bread beforehand and add the topping and balsamic drizzle right before serving. Furthermore, you can serve the tomato bruschetta topping on the side to allow guests to assemble their own.
If you tried this Bruschetta Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Bruschetta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 loaf bread, ciabatta, sourdough, or a baguette (sliced into 1 1/2 to 2-inch slices
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, peeled and the tip snipped off
- 1 1/2 pounds tomatoes, Roma tomatoes or cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced into a small diced
- 6-8 large basil leaves, fresh, thinly sliced
- kosher salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
- balsamic glaze, optional
Instructions
- Grill the bruschetta. Drizzle olive oil onto a grill pan over medium heat. Place bread slices onto grill pan and drizzle tops with additional olive oil. Cut the tip off the garlic clove and rub it onto the top side of the bread slice. Grill bread until lightly toasted, flipping to grill the other side, about 3 minutes per side. Remove from the grill to a serving platter.
- Make the topping. Stir together diced tomatoes, diced onion, and thinly sliced basil leaves. Drain away an excess liquid. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble and serve. Spoon the topping on the toast when ready to serve. Drizzle all slices with balsamic glaze if you choose to use.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Enjoy!
Robyn xo
Originally published 2014.
Hello, can’t wait to try this recipe. Is it possible to make the tomato mixture ahead of time? If so how much ahead can I make it? I can keep the toasting of the bread and putting the mixture on bread right before the party.
I think you could make the tomato mixture about a day ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container. You can toast the bread ahead of time and then add the topping and balsamic drizzle right before the party begins for serving. Hope you enjoy!
I’ve tried the recipe with bagels, absolutely delicious!!! 🙂
Made it with and without the balsamic glaze, both were incredible and delicious. My glaze wasn’t as thick as I would’ve liked it, but still so good!! My young grandsons even loved it and you know how boys can be with eating raw onion and tomato, however, I did use homegrown tomatoes and purple onion which did cut the bitterness factor out and that helped. So yummy and good and easy to make. Everyone should try it once!
Hi Michelle,
So happy you enjoyed this recipe. Isn’t it amazing how children will surprise us with what they like to eat sometimes? I’m sure the homegrown tomatoes helped. Nothing is better than that!