Using quality ingredients and simple preparation is the secret to the best bruschetta recipe in just minutes!
Made with fresh tomatoes, basil, parsley, green onions and garlic, all mixed into a lightly seasoned olive oil dressing, makes the perfect topping for crackers, bread, or crostini! Serve bruschetta as an appetizer or party hors d’oeuvre with a crisp white wine or robust red vintage. And it also makes a healthy light lunch or a substantial snack. This versatile recipe can be altered with a variety of fresh herbs, olives, or grated cheeses. Crunchy, juicy, tangy, and savory all at once, bruschetta is packed with flavor, texture, and pizzazz!
What is Bruschetta?
- Pronounced ‘broo-shke-tah’, it is an Italian antipasto dish that is served on grilled or toasted bread rubbed with garlic, olive oil, and salt.
- Fresh tomato forms the basis of most bruschetta recipes. When combined with herbs and olive oil, it makes a bright, flavorful combination of just a few unforgettable fresh ingredients!
FUN FACT: Bruschetta is actually the preparation of the bread (cut, olive oil, garlic rubbed) over the topping.
An Amazing Appetizer
- Bruschetta can be served hot or cold. It can also be added to pasta dishes or served as a topping on pizza, or in an antipasti platter.
- This recipe for bruschetta provides the classic method, but it can be modified and dressed up with a bit of mozzarella cheese, bleu cheese, or goat cheese crumbles.
- Make bruschetta in a double batch because the flavors blend even more overnight and there are so many ways to enjoy it!
Ingredients and Variations
TOMATOES: Take those late summer tomatoes and mix and match their colors and shapes in bruschetta topping! Otherwise, choose Romas because they are extra meaty and will stay firm.
BREAD: The key to a great bruschetta is thick slices of bread that soak up the tangy tomato marinade. Crusty loaves like no-knead bread, and little slices of crostini, are the way to go. No time to bake? Simply use hearty crackers and scoop bruschetta from a bowl like a dip!
MARINADE: A quality olive oil, fresh basil and parsley are a must for this recipe! Add some red wine vinegar for an even brighter flavored result, or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
EXTRAS: Taking a departure from ‘true’ bruschetta, other ingredients can up-level this topping; like diced cucumbers, minced red onion, or a mixed olive tapenade (chopped green and kalamata olives), as well as chopped sun-dried tomatoes will make bruschetta look even more elegant. Stir in a little smoked garlic or garlic confit for more depth of flavor.
CHEESE (Optional): Chopped bocconcini (mozzarella) cheese or parmesan cheese makes a ‘Caprese’ style topping that is equally impressive and can even be served as a hot bruschetta appetizer after being broiled a minute or two.
How to Make Bruschetta
Bruschetta is quick and easy when you follow these steps.
- Dice tomatoes and drain them in a colander (as per recipe below).
- Toss all ingredients in a large bowl and marinate for about 6 hours, if possible, or at least 2.
- Serve with French bread, a baguette, or crostini.
Tips & Tricks
- Bruschetta tastes even better the next day! Keep bruschetta in a covered container in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
- Simply stir, drain if necessary, and refresh the flavors with salt and basil.
- Serve it over chicken, use it to top a green salad or twice baked potato, or add it to a wrap with fresh spinach or arugula for a healthy, energizing workday lunch!
Other Fresh And Easy Recipes!
- Fresh Guacamole With Tomatoes – 10 minute recipe!
- Garden Salsa – so much flavor
- Caprese Skewers – a quick, easy and elegant appetizer
- No Cook Tomato Sauce With Pasta – a delish dinner idea
Easy Bruschetta Recipe
Ingredients
- 8-9 tomatoes or 15 roma tomatoes, about 3 cups chopped tomatoes
- ½ cup olive oil
- 5-6 Tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 5 Tablespoons fresh basil chopped
- 3 green onions chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced, or more
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Chop tomatoes into small pieces (about ⅛-¼ inch).
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Allow to rest for at least a couple hours, about 6 hours if possible.
- Stir before serving. Serve with fresh French bread, baguette, or crostini.
Notes
- Use a vegetable chopper for quick prep! Scissors work well to quickly cut up the fresh herbs, and a garlic press makes mincing garlic a breeze.
- Make bruschetta a day before serving and refrigerate it in a covered container for up to 3 days.
- Serve bruschetta as a condiment over chicken, on top a green salad, or add it to a wrap.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
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