Bruschetta, a classic Italian appetizer, is a perfect combination of simplicity and flavor. This homemade bruschetta recipe offers an easy and delicious way to create a crowd-pleasing starter. With just a few ingredients, including a French baguette, olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, basil, salt, and balsamic reduction, you can whip up a dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying. The process involves toasting bread and topping it with a flavorful tomato mixture, making it an ideal recipe for gatherings or as a light snack.
Bruschetta Recipe
Bruschetta is an excellent choice for an appetizer because it’s easy to make and versatile. You can serve it at a casual get-together, as a starter for a more formal dinner, or even as a quick snack. Toasting the bread in the oven gives it a delightful crunch, contrasting nicely with the fresh and juicy tomato topping.
Cooking Methods and Tips
To achieve the perfect bruschetta, start by preheating your oven to 325°F. Slice the French baguette into rounds and lightly brush them with olive oil mixed with granulated garlic for added flavor. Toast the rounds on a baking sheet until they are golden and crispy. Meanwhile, prepare the tomato mixture by dicing Roma tomatoes and mixing them with chopped basil, salt, and olive oil. The key is to discard the seeds and pulp of the tomatoes to avoid a soggy topping.
Variations and Ingredient Details
The beauty of bruschetta lies in its versatility. While the traditional recipe calls for tomatoes and basil, you can easily customize it. Add ingredients like diced mozzarella, chopped olives, or even avocado for a twist. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. The choice of tomatoes is crucial – Roma tomatoes are ideal due to their firmness and low moisture content, which helps maintain the texture of the bruschetta.
Why you’ll love this dish…
- Ease of preparation: This bruschetta recipe is straightforward and quick to make, which is great for those who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Versatility: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a quick appetizer, bruschetta fits the bill.
- Freshness: The combination of fresh tomatoes and basil brings a burst of flavor.
- Customizability: You can easily modify the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
More great Appetizers here!
Bruschetta shopping list
Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- French baguette
- Olive oil
- Granulated garlic
- Roma tomatoes
- Chopped basil
- Salt
- Balsamic reduction
Try our Grilled Bruschetta Chicken Recipe!
How to make Bruschetta at home
This is just the overview so you can see what you’re actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.
1
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 325°F.
2
Prepare the Baguette
Slice the baguette into rounds and brush them with olive oil.
3
Toast the Bread
Place the rounds on a baking sheet and toast until golden.
4
Make the Tomato Mixture
Dice the tomatoes, mix with basil, salt, and olive oil.
5
Assemble
Top the toasted bread with the tomato mixture and drizzle with balsamic reduction.
Try our Traeger Bruschetta too!
Homemade Bruschetta FAQ
Can this recipe be made in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the tomato mixture and toasted bread rounds ahead of time. However, assemble them close to serving to maintain the bread’s crispness.
What’s the best way to store and reheat the leftovers?
Store the tomato mixture and bread separately in the refrigerator. Reheat the bread rounds in the oven to restore their crunch.
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While a French baguette is traditional, you can use ciabatta or sourdough for a different texture and flavor.
Try our Pellet Grill Feta Pasta!
Serve this with…
More great recipes featuring fresh tomatoes to love!
- Pellet Grill Lingcod Pasta
- Traeger Chicken Caprese
- Caprese Pasta Salad
- Shrimp Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil
Bruschetta Recipe
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 French baguette
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
tomato mixture
- 4 Roma tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chopped basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic reduction
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- Slice the baguette into rounds and brush lightly with the 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Toast the rounds on a large baking sheet.
- While the rounds are toasting, dice the tomatoes and discard the seeds and pulp.
- Mix the tomatoes with the chopped basil, salt, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Top the toasted rounds with the tomatoes and drizzle everything with balsamic reduction.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 181Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 511mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 5g
Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate. If you are tracking these things for medical purposes please consult an outside, trusted source. Thanks!
Nicole Johnson
Nicole Johnson, a self-taught expert in grilling and outdoor cooking, launched Or Whatever You Do in 2010. Her blog, renowned for its comprehensive and creative outdoor cooking recipes, has garnered a vast audience of millions. Nicole's hands-on experience and passion for grilling shine through her work. Her husband, Jeremiah Johnson, also plays a pivotal role in recipe development, adding his culinary flair to the mix. Together, they form a dynamic duo, offering a rich and varied outdoor cooking experience to their followers.