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–+ servings
Bruschetta on a white platter.

Rustic Italian Bruschetta Recipe

Alexandra Horan
Our Italian bruschetta recipe is made with toasted bread, garlic, tomatoes, basil, and olive oil. It's easy to make and bursting with fresh flavors.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian, Italian - American
Servings 24 servings
Calories 60 kcal

Equipment

  • baking sheet

Ingredients
  

  • 1 baguette sliced into ½ inch pieces
  • 3 cups Roma tomatoes diced
  • 4 tbs extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbs garlic -chopped
  • ⅓ cup fresh basil chopped
  • ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese or grated Romano
  • 1 tbs white balsamic vinegar or red balsamic
  • ½ teaspoon table salt -to taste
  • 2 tablespoon balsamic glaze -drizzle as a garnish (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil - choped for garnish (optional)

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Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Slice a baguette into ½-inch pieces and lay them on a baking sheet.
  • Brush each slice of bread with olive oil, making sure it’s lightly coated on both sides. Place the baking sheet on the center rack of the preheated oven. F. Allow the sliced bread to bake for about 10 minutes, flipping midway.
  • Add the tomatoes, basil, garlic, and parmesan cheese to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Mix well to combine.
    *For a more rustic depth of flavor, rub a garlic clove on the slices.
  • Add the salt, remaining olive oil, and balsamic vinegar to the tomato mixture.
  • Change the oven setting to broil (500°F), and let the bread toast until it becomes golden brown.
    *Halfway through, carefully turn the bread slices over so that both sides are evenly toasted.
  • Spoon the tomato mixture onto the toasted bread slices.
  • Drizzle balsamic vinegar onto the assembled bruschetta and garnish with freshly chopped basil.

Notes

Recipe Variations
  • Tuscan Style: Keep it classic; use garlic and olive oil, without the tomatoes.
  • Sicilian Bruschetta: Add capers, olives, and a splash of red wine vinegar.
  • Gourmet Twist: Top with prosciutto, ricotta, buratta, Gorgonzola, or roasted figs for a modern Italian flair.
  • Mozzarella Bruschetta: Add fresh mozzarella slices or burrata for a creamy twist.
  • Roasted Pepper Bruschetta: Swap tomatoes for roasted red peppers and goat cheese.
  • Mushroom Bruschetta: Sauté mushrooms in garlic and butter, then pile them high.
 
Can I Make Adjustments to the Recipe?
We used white balsamic vinegar for the recipe, but a darker balsamic will work as well; the tomatoes will absorb some of that color.
If I am making this as a snack for myself, I will “cheat” and use pita chips instead of making toasted bread.
Roma tomatoes are preferred, but not every produce vendor will have them. If they have regular plum tomatoes, those will work well (Roma tomatoes are a type of plum tomato).
If neither is available, look for firm, juicy tomatoes that are easy to slice. You can also use orange or yellow heirloom tomatoes to up the visual appeal of the appetizer.
 
Serving Suggestions
  • Pair with a crisp Italian white wine, such as Pinot Grigio.
  • Serve alongside an antipasto board for a rustic starter spread.
  • Perfect for a light lunch with a side salad.
 
How to Store and Reheat
Toast fresh bread each time you serve it for the best results. If needed, re-toast slices in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes. The bread can be frozen and toasted later, but the topping should always be fresh.
Store the tomato topping in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Drain excess liquid before using.
 
Is bruschetta always made with tomatoes?
No. While the tomato mixture is what many associate with bruschetta, the bread is actually what it is identified as in Italy. The topping can be various things, such as beans, meat, or roasted vegetables.
How to Prevent Bruschetta from Getting Soggy.
Getting bread nice and crunchy is the key to preventing a soggy texture. We bake the bread slices and then broil them before adding our tomato topping. Don't add the topping until ready to serve.
Is bruschetta served hot or cold?
The bread should be served warm and lightly toasted, while the tomato topping is best at room temperature. This contrast is what makes bruschetta so appealing.
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Nutrition

Calories: 60kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 2gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 137mgPotassium: 89mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 275IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 32mgIron: 0.5mg
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