Bruschetta Recipe

I love getting bruschetta when I go out to eat with friends. There is something about the flavor combination of tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar that is magic.

But bruschetta is so incredibly easy to make at home. It requires a little bit of chopping and cutting, but the payoff is more than worth it. Your guests will rave over how delicious this is.

Bruschetta Ingredients

The fresher your ingredients, the fresher your tomato bruschetta will be. Here are the simple ingredients that come together perfectly in this recipe for bruschetta. See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full list of ingredients and their measurements.

• French bread: A crusty baguette or French bread is the perfect bruschetta bread. It gets lightly toasted to create a crispy exterior while staying slightly soft inside, making it a sturdy base to hold the tomato topping without getting soggy. The small slices are also the perfect size.
• Olive oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best taste.
• Tomatoes: Roma tomatoes are ideal because they are firm, less watery, and full of flavor. However, grape or cherry tomatoes work well too, especially when diced finely. Fresh, ripe tomatoes are key to a bright and juicy bruschetta topping. Don’t miss my tomato tip below.
• Basil: Fresh basil adds such a fresh herb flavor to bruschetta. Chop it just before adding it to the mixture to keep its flavor bold and fresh.
• Garlic: Minced garlic adds depth and a savory kick.
• Balsamic vinegar: Adds a tangy sweetness that complements the tomatoes and balances out the acidity. A splash of balsamic vinegar enhances the overall flavor and brings everything together.
• Salt and pepper

How to Make Bruschetta

Here is a brief overview of how this easy bruschetta recipe comes together. For the full recipe, including all measurements, be sure to scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Toast the bread slices. Brush the bread on each side lightly with olive oil and toast them in the oven for three minutes. Flip the bread and toast for three more minutes until it is lightly golden brown.
• Make the bruschetta mixture. Combine the diced tomatoes, basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and garlic in a large bowl.
• Top the bread with bruschetta. Once the bread is toasted, top each piece with a spoonful of the bruschetta mixture. Enjoy!

Making Ahead and Storing Leftovers

To prepare this bruschetta recipe ahead of time or in advance, I recommend toasting the bread slices and making the tomato mixture. Store the tomato mixture in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to three days and the toasted bread slices separately in a bag or container in the fridge or at room temperature. Don’t top the bread slices with the tomato mixture until you are ready to serve them.

Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, but know that the bread will get soggy from the juice of the tomato mixture.