Easy Homemade Bruschetta

This homemade bruschetta features tomatoes, basil, balsamic vinegar, and Parmesan cheese on toasted bread. It’s a perfect make-ahead party appetizer!

Italian bruschetta is one of those simple recipes you’ll turn to again and again once you learn how to make it.

I first fell in love with fresh bruschetta when I married my husband and he was stationed in Italy. There are so many variations of bruschetta but today I’m sharing a basic homemade balsamic Bruschetta recipe that you can whip up in minutes!

Why I love this recipe

• The combination of ripe tomatoes, aromatic basil, and garlic creates a vibrant taste.
• It comes together in no time, making it perfect for a last-minute gathering.
• This recipe is great as an appetizer or a snack, and it never fails to impress.

For more Italian recipes, see our authentic Homemade Pesto and Bacon Pasta Carbonara, then pair it with a Bellini Cocktail!

Ingredients

• extra virgin olive oil
• minced garlic
• fresh and ripe Roma tomatoes
• Parmesan cheese
• balsamic vinegar
• kosher salt
• ground black pepper
• fresh basil leaves
• French bread

Step by step

1. In a small skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. (Do not burn it!)
3. Remove the sautéed garlic from the heat and pour it into a large bowl. Allow it to cool.
4. Meanwhile, chop the tomatoes, shred the Parmesan cheese, and cut the basil into ribbons.
5. Once cooled, add the tomatoes, cheese, basil, vinegar, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Toss to mix.
6. Spoon the tomato mixture over toasted bread and garnish with additional cheese and basil if desired.

How to cut basil ribbons

Authentic Italian bruschetta calls for basil ribbons, known as “chiffonade.” If you haven’t cut basil ribbons before, no worries, it’s easy!

1. Buy fresh basil at the store and remove the leaves from the stem.
2. Stack the basil leaves on top of each other so they cup one another, then roll them into a cigar-like shape.
3. Once rolled, use a knife, thinly slice the roll, and you’ll have ribbons!

Variations

For a briny twist, you can drizzle balsamic glaze for added sweetness or mix in some chopped olives. You can also experiment with different cheeses like feta or mozzarella cheese for a unique flavor.

Serving suggestions

A firm toasted bread like a baguette is the most common way to serve bruschetta but you could also serve it with other types of bread, crackers, or even Melba toast.

You can also serve the bruschetta over baked chicken breast, with crackers, or with scrambled eggs for breakfast.

Can bruschetta be made ahead of time?

You can prepare the components of bruschetta up to a day in advance, but it’s best to assemble it right before serving. The tomato mixture can be made ahead and stored in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld.

The toasted bread should be made fresh or a few hours before serving to ensure it stays crisp. For best results, top the bread with the tomato mixture just before serving to avoid sogginess.

Storage

Bruschetta is best enjoyed the same day. If you have leftovers, keep the tomato mixture and toasted baguette slices separate.

Store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the toasted bread in a sealed bag to maintain its crunch. When you’re ready to serve again, reassemble and enjoy!

If you try this recipe please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!

Print