Bruschetta
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Bruschetta is a quick and easy appetizer! A mixture of garden-fresh tomatoes, basil, Parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar, and spices on top of grilled slices of French baguettes!
The flavors are amazing and it’s an easy go-to recipe to use up your fresh tomatoes from your garden and the perfect party appetizer!
The reason that Bruschetta is so good is that it’s made using delicious and fresh ingredients. Making this simple recipe during the summer months when the tomatoes are prime and ripe from the garden and fresh basil is in season – they will make this recipe that much more flavorful!
There’s really no wrong way to whip up and enjoy this classic Italian appetizer so have fun gathering up the ingredients and making this delicious recipe.
Skip the bread and make this a low carb main dish by adding a grilled chicken breast. Bruschetta Chicken is one of our favorite summer meals!
What is Bruschetta?
It is an antipasto from Italy. Traditional Bruschetta consists of grilled bread rubbed with garlic and topped with olive oil and salt.
Variations of it include toppings like tomatoes, vegetables, beans, cured meat or cheese.
Ingredients for bruschetta
- Roma tomatoes – This type of tomato is great for bruschetta because they’re meaty, but any fresh ripe tomato will work like chopped cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, or other variety.
- Fresh basil leaves – There isn’t a sub for this, but you can also add some chopped fresh parsley if you have some on hand.
- Shredded Parmesan cheese – for the best flavor, shred or grate a wedge of Parmesan cheese instead of using the pre-shredded kind.
- Minced garlic cloves – use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Balsamic vinegar – this adds a pop of tangy flavor. Or try some balsamic glaze which is a little thicker.
- Olive oil
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper
- French bread – or use sliced Italian bread.
How to Make Bruschetta
- In a bowl, toss together the tomatoes, basil, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Stir in the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, kosher salt, and pepper. Refrigerate while preparing bread.
- Heat up your grill or get a grill pan heated up on your stove.
- Brush your sliced French loaf with olive oil and place on the grill to toast. Once browned, turn and repeat.
- Once done cooking, remove from heat and top the toasted bread with your homemade Bruschetta and cheese.
For parties, I like to arrange the baguette slices on a platter and spoon the bruschetta topping over the top. Drizzle some more olive oil and let everyone help themselves.
Is Bruschetta warm or cold?
Bruschetta is to be served cold, while the bread that you’re putting it on should be served toasty warm. Although, some people prefer to eat it on bread that is cooled down as well, which is totally fine.
What goes well with Bruschetta?
So many things! Olives are a great addition to eat while you’re enjoying Bruschetta as is thin slices of salami or other smoked meats.
Since this is an appetizer, you can easily open up your fridge and see what you have. During the summer months, Bruschetta goes really well with a nice side salad or even some smoked salmon as a main meal.
And during the winter months, this dish can be a great starter for a soup or a heartier option. Honestly, you can pair this appetizer with any dish that you’d like. (it’s just that good!)
Can Bruschetta be frozen?
The tomato topping is best served fresh but technically you can freeze it but it won’t be the same. The tomatoes will break down when frozen and when you thaw the mixture it will be watery. The herbs won’t be as vibrant and fresh-tasting either.
What is the difference between Bruschetta and Crostini?
Bruschetta is actually an Italian word, meaning to “roast over coals” while a Crostini is more just sliced bread, that sometimes doesn’t even have to be toasted.
I hope you give this easy bruschetta recipe a try when you get your hands on some fresh tomatoes from the garden or farmer’s market! It’s so simple but amazingly delicious – fresh, fast, and delicious! That’s what summer is all about, right? Enjoy!
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Bruschetta Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 roma tomatoes seeded and diced
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 loaf French bread toasted and sliced
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss together the tomatoes, basil, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Mix in the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, kosher salt, and pepper. Refrigerate while preparing bread.
- Heat gas grill to medium or charcoal grill until coals are ash white. You can also use a grill pan on the stove top.
- Brush bread slices with olive oil as desired; place onto grill. Grill until browned and grill marks are visible. Turn bread slices and repeat.
- Remove from grill; top each toast with bruschetta topping. Serve immediately
Pam says
I have made this several times. It is one of my favorite appetizers. Has anyone canned it? I just got a lot of fresh tomatoes and looking for a good way to use them.
the Evinks says
I’m so glad you are enjoying this Pam! I wouldn’t recommend canning this as it’s not a recipe developed for canning.
Dana says
This looks yummy! Can this be made ahead a few days and refrigerated? Or is it best served fresh? Of course not the bread :). Thank you.
Julie Evink says
It’s best served fresh, but you could make it a few hours before hand I just wouldn’t do it a few days before!
Melissa Adcock says
So yummy. Thank you for the recipe.
Megan Mitzel says
You’re welcome! Glad you loved it!
Jessica Formicola says
I made this over the weekend and it was a total hit with everyone! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!
Megan Mitzel says
You’re welcome! So happy everyone loved it!
Jacque Hastert says
We are hosting our neighborhood watch party on Sunday and I have this saved to make for everyone. I can guarantee that it will be gone before halftime.
Megan Mitzel says
Awesome! I hope it’s a hit!
Danielle Green says
These look absolutely amazing! I can’t imagine a guest not liking these!
Megan Mitzel says
The most delicious appetizer for any party!
Malinda Linnebur says
These were a hit! Served them as appetizers when we had company over last weekend and everyone loved them!
Megan Mitzel says
Glad they were a hit!