Easy Bruschetta Recipe with Tomato and Basil! Topped with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil, learn How to Make Bruschetta on the grill or in the oven and enjoy this classic Italian appetizer with family and friends or as a light lunch and side dish.

Bruschetta

If there is one thing I have always loved it is golden toasted bread rubbed with fresh garlic and smeared with olive oil. Sprinkle with a little coarse sea salt and I’m as happy as a pig in mud.

But, it’s summertime. And summertime calls for tomatoes.

Few flavor combinations, however, compare to ripe tomatoes mixed with fresh garlic and sweet basil. Serve it over chicken and zoodles or top it on toasted Bruschetta…or both.

What is Bruschetta?

Bruschetta (pronounced broosketta) is derived from the verb bruscare, which means to “toast” or “char” or “roast over coals”.

Bruschetta is a starter dish or appetizer (antipasto) with its origins in Italy. Typically made with grilled bread that has been rubbed with fresh garlic, liberally drizzled with olive oil, and salt.

The most popular Bruschetta variations come topped with some combination of meat, cured meat (such as prosciutto), beans, vegetables, or cheese.

The most popular and well-known Bruschetta variation here in the states includes the same delicious grilled bread (that’s the Bruschetta part) topped with a mixture of fresh chopped tomatoes, basil, garlic, onion, and (sometimes) mozzarella cheese. Often, you’ll find Bruschetta drizzled with balsamic vinegar for a delicious tangy layer of flavor.

Ingredients in Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil

At its most basic, all you need are two ingredients to make Bruschetta- crusty bread and olive oil– and an oven (or grill). Because, you know, it’s grilled bread. This 2-ingredient grilled bread is great, but we’re going to make something a little more flavorful today.

Here’s what you need to make this tomato basil Bruschetta recipe,

Bread – The best bread for bruschetta is a fresh thick Italian or French bread that has been sliced on the diagonal into pieces that are approximately 1/2-inch thick. Day-old bread will work, also as your bread does not need to be super soft.
Olive oil – You will need olive oil. In fact, aside from the bread part, olive oil is the only other required ingredient. I recommend using good-quality olive oil with a taste you actually like.
Garlic – A whole clove of fresh garlic is often used to rub all over the bread before drizzling with olive oil. This is optional but adds extra flavor. For good measure, however, and since I really love garlic, I added fresh garlic to the tomato and basil mixture.
Tomatoes – As long as they’re fresh, any tomato will work. Peeling the tomatoes is optional and a step that I chose to leave out because…I’m lazy.
Red wine vinegar – Vinegar is optional. Balsamic vinegar is often used in bruschetta recipes that are topped with tomatoes and basil, but I personally love the flavor of red wine vinegar so that’s what I added here. Feel free to add whichever you prefer.
Fresh Basil – I’m so sorry to tell you this but dried basil will not work in this recipe. Fresh Basil is flavorful and basically the only way to go if you plan to add basil at all.

How to make Bruschetta

There are several different ways to make bruschetta. The most popular being the oven (or a smaller toaster oven) or an outdoor grill. I’m a big fan of each method. That said, grilled bread is incredibly convenient if you already plan to grill outdoors and delivers really nice flavor.

How to make Bruschetta in the oven:

Preheat the Oven – Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F. Set rack on the top position in the oven. Remember, you’re just using the oven to toast the bread.
Prepare Bread – Slice the baguette approximately half-inch thick and on the diagonal (optional- rub with a garlic clove and sprinkle with a small pinch of salt). Use a pastry brush to brush the baguette slices with a thin layer of olive oil.
Toast – Transfer bread to a large baking sheet in a single layer and toast for 4-6 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges. Take extra care not to over-toast.

How to make Bruschetta on the grill:

Preheat the Grill – Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
Prepare Bread – Slice the baguette approximately half-inch thick and on the diagonal (optional- rub with a garlic clove and sprinkle with a small pinch of salt). Use a pastry brush to brush the baguette slices with a thin layer of olive oil.
Grill – Add the bread to the grill and toast for approximately 2 minutes, or until grill marks form. Flip, and grill the other side for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until golden. Remove to a clean plate.

Should Bruschetta be served warm or cold?

Bruschetta should always be served warm. The more time that passes after toasting any bread, the chewier and tougher it will be to eat.

That said, the topping (in this case tomato and basil) may be cold or room temperature.

If you plan to top your bruschetta with something hot or warm (baked salmon, for example) you may add this warm or cold, it’s entirely up to you. However, I recommend making sure to add it to toasted bread that is still warm for best results.

What is the difference between Bruschetta and Crostini?

Wait. There’s a difference?

Yes. There is a difference between Bruschetta and Crostini.

Bruschetta, as we know, comes from the Italian word bruscare which means to “roast over coals”. It is made using thicker slices of Italian or French bread and is, at least traditionally, grilled over a fire.

Crostini, on the other hand, which means “little toasts” is typically made using a smaller, more round-shaped bread (like a baguette), that is sliced into much thinner slices when compared to Bruschetta. Usually toasted in the oven, perhaps the most significant difference is that crostini is almost never eaten without some kind of topping.

For more Italian-inspired recipe, check out:

If you try this Easy Bruschette Recipe, please leave me a comment and let me know! I always love to hear your thoughts.

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