The Best Homemade Italian Bruschetta Recipe! This cherry tomato bruschetta appetizer comes together in under 10 minutes.
Our Italian bruschetta recipe is a healthy and flavorful appetizer that perfect for snacking on year round, but especially in the Summer tomatoes are at their peak!
We love it because it comes together in just 10 minutes, making it the best appetizer for when you’re short on time.
Fresh cherry tomatoes get tossed with oil, balsamic vinegar, and herbs for a bright topping for your favorite bread.
why we love this easy appetizer
- Healthy and flavorful. If you’re thinking, “is bruschetta healthy?”, it definitely is! Thanks to olive oil and tomatoes, it is loaded with healthy fats and antioxidants!
- Light and fresh. This is the perfect Spring or Summer appetizer because it won’t leave you feeling too full.
- Super quick and easy to make. Simply chop up the veggies and herbs, then toss everything together for a delicious 10-minute snack!
Whether you make this to serve for a baby or wedding shower, a potluck or cookout, or just for a quick snack, it will be one that everyone loves!
ingredients
All you’ll need to do for this easy recipe is make a quick trip to a farmer’s market or the grocery store, for a few simple ingredients. Here’s what we like to use:
- fresh cherry tomatoes – taste test them to make sure they’re sweet
- olive oil – we like extra virgin olive oil
- balsamic vinegar – look for one with no added sugar!
- garlic, fresh basil, salt, pepper
- french bread
substitutions & variations
Oil – Because this is an Italian bruschetta recipe, real, extra virgin olive oil is really the best choice. If you need another option, use a heart healthy option like avocado oil.
Tomatoes – Although we prefer a cherry tomato bruschetta, substituting them with some colorful heirloom tomatoes makes a gorgeous presentation! Just make sure the tomatoes are ripe and sweet!
Fresh basil – We do not recommend substituting dried basil for fresh. The flavor of dried spices just isn’t the same.
Balsamic vinegar – If you prefer a thicker drizzle, you can use a balsamic glaze, which is super simple to make!
To make balsamic glaze, just place 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and allow it to simmer for 8 to 10 minutes.
Add some cheese – I love adding some cubed mozzarella in with your bruschetta. It’s like a chopped caprese salad!
best bread for bruschetta
Technically, you can serve the tomato bruschetta topping over any type of bread you like. Because the topping can be somewhat heavy, we think the best bread for bruschetta is something hearty.
We like to use slices of crusty French baguette or ciabatta bread. A baguette is best because you can slice it into small circles that are easy to hold.
Some people like to take the time to toast the bread first, for a little crunch factor. It’s a delicious option! You could also grill your bread!
How to make Bruschetta
- In a bowl mix together tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- While tomatoes marinate, slice and toast bread. Scoop tomatoes on top of the bread and enjoy!
Should bruschetta topping be hot or cold?
Bruschetta should be served at room temp. You don’t want it to be warm, but if it’s ice cold the olive oil will solidify. It’s best at room temp!
tips for making our Italian bruschetta recipe
- Use good quality tomatoes– Fresh cherry or grape tomatoes are the best for tomato bruschetta. Make sure to taste a couple of them for sweetness before using. Toss out tomatoes with dark spots or bruising.
- Slice the tomatoes into bite sized pieces– The reason we like using cherry tomatoes is because they are already small. By cutting them in halves or quarters, they aren’t as likely to roll off the baguette slices.
- Allow time for the flavors to blend – You don’t need to marinate them overnight, just let the bruschetta topping sit for 5 minutes or so before adding it to the bread or toast slices.
- Serve at room temperature– Bruschetta should be served at room temp. You don’t want it to be warm, but if it’s ice cold, the olive oil will solidify.
what to serve with cherry tomato bruschetta
Any other light or healthy snacks would be great on an Italian bruschetta board. Maybe some arancini (rice balls) or caprese pasta salad.
Of course, a glass of wine or some red sangria always goes well with Italian appetizers like this one.
If you have leftover bruschetta, us it up in this Chicken Bruschetta Salad.
Storing Leftovers
Storing: We recommend enjoying the Italian bruschetta toasts while they are fresh. If there is any extra filling, you can keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Can you freeze bruschetta? There are some appetizers that can be frozen, but Italian bruschetta is not one of them. The fresh ingredients don’t freeze well, especially olive oil, which coagulates when frozen.
Italian bruschetta recipe FAQ
Yes, you want to toast the bread for bruschetta
No, it’s best when eaten right after toasting to avoid soggy bread. You will want to allow the tomato topping to sit for a while to let the flavors meld.
Other healthy snack recipes:
Check out these other easy, healthy snack recipes!
Quick Bruschetta Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes quartered 1 lb tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced (1 clove)
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 loaf of french bread sliced ½ inch thick
Instructions
- In a bowl mix together tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, basil, salt and pepper.
- Let the tomatoes sit for 5 minutes.
- While tomatoes marinate, slice and toast bread.
- Scoop tomatoes on top of the bread and enjoy!
Notes
- Use good quality tomatoes– Fresh cherry or grape tomatoes are the best for tomato bruschetta.
- Slice the tomatoes into bite sized pieces
- Allow time for the flavors to blend – Just let the bruschetta topping sit for 5 minutes or so before adding it to the bread or toast slices.
- Serve at room temperature– Bruschetta should be served at room temp.
Sarah F. says
This recipe is excellent! It took me a little longer than anticipated to chop all of these cherry tomatoes, but otherwise it was very quick and easy to make. Perfect for summer! I’ve always wanted to make bruschetta, and I’m so glad I used this recipe.
Liz Marino says
So happy you liked it!!
Judith says
Delicious!!!