Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Italian Flavor – With a balance of fresh ingredients like tomatoes, basil, and garlic, this bruschetta is a true taste of Italy.
- Crispy Parmesan Toasts – The toasted baguette slices are coated with garlic-infused olive oil and topped with parmesan for a delicious crunch.
- Perfect Appetizer – Quick to prepare and perfect for sharing with family and friends at any gathering.
- Customizable – You can adjust the toppings and add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
- Easy and Quick – This recipe takes only 37 minutes from start to finish and makes 24 toasts, making it ideal for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Tomato Bruschetta:
- 6 Roma tomatoes (1 1/2 lbs), diced
- 1/3 cup basil leaves, chopped
- 5 garlic cloves, divided
- 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
For the Toasts:
- 1 baguette
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Directions
Make the Tomato Topping:
- Core and dice the tomatoes. Drain any excess juice and place the tomatoes in a medium-sized bowl.
- Stack the basil leaves, roll them into a tube, and slice thinly to create basil ribbons. Add the basil to the bowl with tomatoes.
- Finely mince 5 garlic cloves. Mix 1 tsp of minced garlic with 3 Tbsp olive oil and set aside. Add the remaining garlic to the bowl with tomatoes.
- Season the tomatoes with 2 Tbsp olive oil, 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir gently and set aside to marinate for 15-30 minutes.
Make the Bruschetta Toasts:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) with the rack in the center.
- Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch thick slices, cutting diagonally. Arrange the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush the garlic-infused olive oil on both sides of the bread slices and sprinkle with shredded parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes, then broil on high for 1-2 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
Serve:
- Spoon the marinated tomato mixture onto each toasted slice.
- Optionally, drizzle with balsamic glaze for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 24 bruschetta toasts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Marinating Time: 15-30 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
Variations
- Cheese Options: If you prefer, you can use mozzarella or goat cheese instead of parmesan for a different flavor.
- Add-Ins: Try adding diced red onion or olives to the tomato mixture for added texture and flavor.
- Herbs: Fresh oregano or thyme can be used in place of basil for a different herb profile.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread for a delicious gluten-free version of this dish.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: The tomato topping can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the toasts are best eaten fresh, as they may lose their crispness.
- Reheating: If you have leftover toasts, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to regain their crispness.
FAQs
Can I make the tomato topping in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the tomato mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just wait to assemble the toasts until you’re ready to serve.
What other toppings can I add to the bruschetta?
You can add a variety of toppings like crumbled feta cheese, prosciutto, or a drizzle of olive tapenade for a Mediterranean twist.
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, you can use any type of bread, such as ciabatta or sourdough, if you prefer. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the tomato topping.
How do I prevent the toasts from becoming soggy?
To avoid soggy toasts, be sure to serve the tomato mixture on the bread immediately after marinating, and avoid letting the topping sit on the toasts for too long.
Can I make bruschetta without balsamic vinegar?
Yes, you can omit the balsamic vinegar, but it adds a nice depth of flavor. You can substitute it with red wine vinegar or lemon juice if you prefer.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?
Fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor, but if you need to use dried basil, reduce the amount to about 1-2 teaspoons.
How do I get my toasts crispy?
Ensure your oven is preheated to 400°F, and broil the toasts for 1-2 minutes after baking to achieve that perfect golden crispiness.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, simply skip the parmesan cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative, and you’ll have a delicious vegan bruschetta.
Can I serve bruschetta as a main dish?
Although traditionally served as an appetizer, you can make it a light main dish by pairing it with a side salad or a soup.
How do I keep the bruschetta topping fresh?
To maintain freshness, store the tomato topping separately in the fridge and assemble the bruschetta just before serving.
Conclusion
Classic Italian Bruschetta is a simple yet elegant appetizer that’s bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. With crunchy parmesan toasts, a juicy tomato-basil topping, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, it’s the perfect dish to serve at any gathering. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, this bruschetta will transport you straight to Italy with every bite!
Classic Italian Bruschetta Recipe
This Classic Italian Bruschetta is the perfect appetizer that combines fresh, juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and crispy parmesan toasts, all drizzled with balsamic glaze. Full of authentic Italian flavors, it’s an easy and quick dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinating Time: 15-30 minutes:
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 24 bruschetta toasts
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Marinating
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Tomato Bruschetta:
- 6 Roma tomatoes (1 1/2 lbs), diced
- 1/3 cup basil leaves, chopped
- 5 garlic cloves, divided
- 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
For the Toasts:
- 1 baguette
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
-
Make the Tomato Topping:
- Core and dice the tomatoes. Drain excess juice and place them in a medium-sized bowl.
- Stack the basil leaves, roll them into a tube, and slice thinly to create basil ribbons. Add the basil to the tomatoes.
- Finely mince 5 garlic cloves. Mix 1 tsp of minced garlic with 3 Tbsp olive oil and set aside.
- Add the remaining garlic to the tomato mixture. Season with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir gently and let the mixture marinate for 15-30 minutes.
-
Make the Bruschetta Toasts:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch thick slices, cutting diagonally. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush both sides of the bread slices with garlic-infused olive oil and sprinkle with shredded parmesan.
- Bake for 5 minutes, then broil on high for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
-
Serve:
- Spoon the marinated tomato mixture onto each toasted slice.
- Optionally, drizzle with balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Cheese Options: Try mozzarella or goat cheese instead of parmesan for a different flavor.
- Add-Ins: Diced red onion or olives can be added for extra texture and flavor.
- Herbs: Swap basil for fresh oregano or thyme for a different herb profile.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread to make a gluten-free version of this dish.
