Learn how to make the BEST Authentic Bruschetta! It’s super fresh, light, and makes the perfect appetizer or side dish. A great way to use up fresh summer tomatoes!
Looking for more easy refreshing appetizers? Try my refreshing Cucumber Tea Sandwiches or try my fun, fruity twist on bruschetta: Strawberry Basil Bruschetta!
What is Bruschetta?
Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer comprised of bread being grilled or toasted, then rubbed with fresh garlic cloves. To many people’s surprise, bruschetta actually refers to the preparation of the bread and not the tomato mixture! The term Bruschetta actually means grilled bread and doesn’t refer to the Italian style salsa. Who knew?!
Typically bruschetta is topped with tomato, garlic and basil, but Bruschetta can be made with meats, cheese, vegetables, or even white beans! Feel free to customize the recipe to your liking!
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Bruschetta Recipe Ingredients
- Tomatoes: Plum tomatoes, roma or beef steak all work the best for bruschetta. They have the best texture and flavor!
- Olive Oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil. This makes all the difference!
- Garlic: Is minced and added to the tomato mixture as well as rubbed on the toasted baguette! This simple bruschetta is loaded with garlic flavor!
- Fresh Basil: Here’s a tutorial on how to chiffonade basil.
- Red Onion: Adds a nice bite. If the tomato is too strong soak it in some water to muddle the flavor. You can also substitute diced shallots instead.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Adds tang and acidity.
- Bread: I like to use crusty French baguette or any other type of rustic crunchy bread. The key is to have bread that will stand up to the topping and not fall apart or get too soggy too fast.
Kelley’s Tips for success
- Let the bruschetta sit for 30 minutes or more before serving. I find the longer the tomato mixture sits, the better it tastes. I like to place it in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving or even better make it the day before! Just make sure to wait to toast the baguette just before serving.
- Keep the bread crispy! If you are serving this as an appetizer for guests serve the bruschetta on the side in a bowl alongside the toasted baguette. This way the baguette will stay crispy throughout the evening!
- Choose the right tomatoes: I prefer to use plum, Roma, or beefsteak tomatoes in this easy bruschetta recipe. They have more flavor and hold up really well in this bruschetta.
- If you have leftover bruschetta try using it on top of grilled chicken, fish or even on scrambled eggs!
- Add some cheese! You can cube some marinated mozzarella and serve with the bruschetta. It won’t be a typical bruschetta but will taste delicious!
How To Make The BEST Authentic Bruschetta
- Make the tomato mixture: Start by combining tomatoes, red onion, garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and fresh basil in a medium bowl, set aside.
- Toast bread: Slice bread into 1/2 inch pieces. Place baguette slices on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. Broil until crispy and lightly toasted.
- Rub with garlic: When the baguette comes out of the oven rub each slice with the raw garlic clove. (This adds so much flavor!)
- Serve: Top each baguette slice with tomato mixture and serve immediately! (The longer the bread sits the soggier it will get.)
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store the bruschetta toast in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 5 days, and store the tomato topping in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Reheat the bread in the oven or in a skillet until warmed through and crispy.
More Easy Appetizer Recipes To Try
- Homemade Pretzel Bites
- Easy BLT Dip
- Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
- Crab Toast
- Sweet Potato Fries
- Super Easy Salsa Verde
- Healthy Greek Yogurt Guacamole
Bruschetta
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Ingredients
- 6 – 7 tomatoes (I like using plum, roma or beefsteak tomatoes)
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 3 – 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
- olive oil, for toasting
- 1 clove garlic for rubbing on baguette
Instructions
- Combine tomatoes, red onion, garlic, oil, vinegar and basil in a medium bowl, set aside.
- Place baguette slices on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. Broil until crispy and lightly toasted.
- When the baguette comes out of the oven rub each slice with the raw garlic clove.
- Top each baguette slice with tomato mixture and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Did You Make This?
I’d love to hear your feedback! Leave a review and make sure to share your pictures on social media! Don’t forget to follow @thechefsavvy.
Lannie
It was overall really good, me and my family decided to try out the recipe instead of following our family tradition one and we loved it, the only thing we really point it out on was there was too much Vinegar. But overall I give this recipe an approve.
-Approved by the Marias family (italino)
Kris
Like it with a little onion. Drizzle the balsamic. Good recipe. ty Andrea
Michele
I needed a quick and easy appetizer for a last minute get together and this bruschetta was perfect! Thank you for this easy recipe!
Jessica Formicola
I’m growing tomatoes in my garden this year, so I can’t wait to use them to make this amazing looking bruschetta!
Michelle
This was such an easy and flavourful bruschetta! Will definitely make it again, perfect for a light lunch too!
Tayler Ross
Bruschetta is one of my absolute favorite appetizers! I can’t wait to make this for Memorial Day!
Andrea
I like how you put balsamic vinegar in it. So delicous.