This is a classic preparation for fresh tomato bruschetta using basic, but quality ingredients. It shouldn’t be overly complicated or fussy, just taste really good!
What to Grab at the Store
The list of ingredients for this fresh tomato bruschetta might look a little lengthy, but they’re all simple and easily found at your local grocery store. A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.
- Baguette – Most grocers will sell pre-made crostini, a baguette drizzled with olive oil and spices, then baked to a crispy brown, but you can also easily make your own. You can use ciabatta, sourdough or a french baguette for your toast bread.
- Extra virgin olive oil – I like to use a good quality olive oil here. There aren’t many ingredients in this appetizer, so quality matters.
- Grape tomatoes – Also known as cherry tomatoes, you can use whichever colors you’d like, but I like to use red, yellow or mixed. Make sure they’re quartered so they fit better onto the bread slices. Roma tomatoes or heirlooms work great too.
- Fresh basil – Fresh basil leaves make all the difference. The flavor and freshness is out of this world.
- Fresh garlic – Definitely mince your own garlic clove rather than buying the pre-minced jar of garlic from the grocery store.
- Balsamic vinegar – Same as the olive oil, I like to use a good quality balsamic. You could switch things up and use a flavored balsamic if you’d like!
- Parmesan cheese -Freshly grated is always the way to go! I use it as more of a garnish, but measure it with your heart!
- Flaky sea salt & freshly ground black pepper – You can add this to taste. You can also swap it for kosher salt if that’s what you have on hand.
This Is How We Do It
- Prepare oven and baguette. Preheat the oven and cut the baguette into 1/2 inch thick slices. Lay them in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Brush the slices with the extra virgin olive oil. Bake until crispy and lightly browned.
- Cut tomatoes. Using a serrated knife, cut the grape tomatoes into quarters. If any are larger or particularly juicy, press out the pulp, juices and seeds.
- Combine tomatoes, basil, garlic, balsamic and olive oil. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cut tomatoes, shredded fresh basil, grated garlic, balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil Toss to combine.
- Add tomato mixture to crostinis. Spoon the tomato mixture over the crostini slices.
- Garnish. Top with shredded parmesan cheese and sprinkle with the flaky sea salt & freshly ground black pepper.
5S Philosophy 👩🏻
- Salt – I like to sprinkle either flakey sea salt or kosher salt over the top of the tomatoes to really bring out all of the flavors.
- Seasoning – While we use fresh basil here, you can also add some italian seasoning to really get that herbaceous flavor kicked up a notch.
- Sauces – In addition to the balsamic vinegar that we use in this recipe, I love adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze to really take the flavor up a notch.
- Swaps – In addition to the tomatoes, try adding some chopped red onion, green olives or roasted red peppers into the mix. You can also top with burrata, mozzarella cheese or ricotta cheese.
- Senses – Fresh tomato bruschetta is a vibrant burst of summer in every bite. The scent of ripe tomatoes, sweet and sun-kissed, mingles with the sharp fragrance of fresh basil and garlic. As you bite in, the crisp, toasted bread gives a satisfying crunch, followed by the juicy, tender tomatoes spilling their bright, tangy flavor.
Perfect Pairings
Fresh tomato bruschetta is the perfect italian appetizer to pair with a glass of wine or to munch on while grilling up some juicy steaks. We like to serve it as an appetizer with other fun bites.
Things like pinwheels, chips and dips, air fryer burrata, sliders or cheese boards are all great options. Of course you can serve it as a starter to any fresh seafood main course.
Personally, I like to serve mine on a platter with meat and cheeses. The last time I made it, I served it with fresh mozzarella cheese slices and thinly sliced prosciutto. Kind of like a caprese salad. They both pair well with the drizzle of balsamic glaze garnish too.
Storage and Freezing
How to Store
Tomato Bruschetta can be made ahead of time. Store bruschetta mixture in an airtight container in the fridge and crostini in an airtight container or plastic bag in the pantry for up to 2-3 days.
Can I Freeze Tomato Bruschetta?
I do not recommend freezing this appetizer. Tomatoes do not freeze well and are quite soggy upon thawing.
More Easy Appetizer Ideas
It’s always a good idea to have some great appetizers in your recipe box. Here are some of my favorites.
Tomato Bruschetta Recipe
Ingredients
For the Crostini:
- 1 thin baguette
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Bruschetta:
- 2 cups grape tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil , chiffonade
- 2 cloves fresh garlic , grated
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese , freshly grated
- flaky sea salt & freshly ground black pepper
Optional Toppings and Additions:
- balsamic glaze
- chopped green olives
- chopped roasted red peppers
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- burrata or mozzarella cheese , on the crostini
- ricotta cheese , on the crostini
Instructions
Crostini:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cut the 1 thin baguette into 1/2 inch thick slices, Lay them in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Brush the slices with the 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. Bake the for 15 minutes, or until crispy and lightly browned.
Bruschetta:
- Using a serrated knife, cut the 2 cups grape tomatoes into quarters. If any are larger or particularly juicy, press out the pulp and seeds.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cut tomatoes, shredded 1/4 cup fresh basil, grated 2 cloves fresh garlic, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil Toss to combine.
- Spoon the tomato mixture over the crostini slices. Top with shredded 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese and sprinkle with the flaky sea salt & freshly ground black pepper .
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.
Nutrition
Delicious and garlicky. Also great on grilled chicken and shrimp!
I LOVE bruschetta! So simple, yet so effective.