Eating Bruschette will instantly make you feel like you’re sitting on a sun-drenched Italian terrace! And it’s got a balsamic glaze twist that is truly oh-la-la!
Is there anything better than crispy, golden baguette slices topped with a fresh, juicy tomato mixture?
And then drizzled with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze? Probably there is not!
This easy bruschetta recipe is simple. It’s delicious. And it’s about to become your go-to appetizer for every occasion!
It’s incredibly easy to prepare. So it’s perfect for impromptu get-togethers or a quick, tasty snack.
The fresh ingredients are in every single little yummy bite. Oh man!
And that homemade balsamic glaze? It’s a game-changer!
Plus you can swap out or add ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Not only is this tomato bruschetta a crowd-pleaser, but it also looks impressive on any serving platter!
What Is Bruschette?
Bruschette, the plural of bruschetta, is a classic Italian starter dish.
It’s usually made from grilled bread rubbed with garlic and topped with a variety of toppings.
The most popular being a fresh tomato and basil mixture.
Though you could find lots of other things on them too.
It’s simple but packed with the best of Italian ingredients!
Bruschette Ingredients
This simple recipe requires the best quality ingredients! Here’s what you need:
- Baguette: Sliced into ½-inch pieces.
- Tomatoes: Diced pretty small.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Chopped up well.
- Garlic Cloves: Mince these tiny.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This rich flavor is great for drizzling!
- Balsamic Vinegar, Brown Sugar, Honey: Combined to make the glaze.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Brings out the natural flavors of the other ingredients.
Pro Tips:
- Choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best taste.
- Roma tomatoes work great. Cherry tomatoes would work too if cut to size.
- Use high-quality Italian extra virgin olive oil for authentic flavor.
How Do You Pronounce Bruschetta and Bruschette?
Bruschetta is pronounced “broo-SKEH-tah.”
And the plural, bruschette, is “broo-SKEH-teh.”
The emphasis is on the second syllable.
And bam! Now you sound like a true Italian when discussing this delicious dish!
How to Make Bruschette?
Here’s how to make homemade bruschetta that everyone will love:
- Toss together the diced tomatoes, chopped basil, minced garlic, and seasoning.
- Make balsamic glaze by simmering balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and honey until thickened.
- Toast slices of baguette until golden and crispy, then top with the tomato mixture.
- Drizzle the balsamic glaze over your bruschette and serve!
Pro Tips:
- Letting the tomato mixture sit lets you drain any excess liquid, preventing soggy bread.
- Watch your balsamic glaze closely as it simmers! You don’t want to burn it!
Is Bruschette Cooked?
The base of bruschette, the bread, is toasted. It gives it a really nice crunch.
But the traditional topping of fresh tomatoes and basil is not cooked.
It’s best this way because the topping is soft and cool while the bottom is warm and crunchy.
It’s seriously the best texture contrast!
What Is the Best Bread to Use for Bruschette?
A baguette is the classic choice. It’s got the perfect size and crunch once toasted.
But you could also choose bread made with traditional Italian ingredients.
Look for ones with wheat flour or a hint of brewer’s yeast.
The main thing is you have to find a bread that will hold up well to toasting and topping.
Is Bruschette Healthy?
Absolutely it’s healthy!
Bruschette is a light, nutritious option!
It’s got a bunch of fresh ingredients like tomatoes and basil. Hello healthy fruits and veggies!
Plus the heart-healthy fats found in extra virgin olive oil!
Goodness don’t you feel healthier just reading that? So good for you!
It’s a guilt-free appetizer that’s as good for you as it is delicious!
Can You Make Bruschette Ahead of Time?
You can toast the bread and make the balsamic glaze ahead of time.
But bruschette is best assembled just before serving.
If you make it too early, the bread will become soggy.
And the toppings will be okay usually for a little while but not too long.
If I’m serving them at a party and want it out for a while, I’ll usually serve it separately.
Just keep the topping on one side of the bread and people can add their own.
How Long Does Bruschette Last?
Once together, bruschette should be enjoyed immediately. It doesn’t actually last very long.
Like I said, the bread will become soggy if left to sit for too long with the toppings.
So try not to over prepare!
And if you don’t know how many you’ll actually need, maybe think about serving it separately.
How to Store Leftover Bruschette?
If you have leftover toppings, store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge.
The toasted bread and balsamic glaze can also be stored in airtight containers.
You can keep the bread at room temperature and the glaze in the fridge.
Can You Freeze Bruschette?
Sorry but that’s a definite no! You can’t freeze bruschette.
Once you’ve got it assembled, that bread and topping isn’t going to be good at all coming out of the freezer.
You could make the balsamic glaze early and freeze it separately in an airtight container.
When you’re ready to use it again, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
Then give it a good stir before serving to restore its consistency.
What to Serve with Bruschette?
Bruschette goes well with a bunch of other appetizers!
If you want a whole Bruschette table, try these:
- Blueberry Bruschetta
- Pear Bruschetta
- Strawberry Bruschetta with Cream Cheese
- Spinach Bruschetta
- Cranberry Bruschetta
Or try these other Italian options for an authentically Italian meal:
- Instant Pot Italian Chicken
- Chicken Parmesan
- Italian Seasoning Recipe
- Giardiniera Recipe
- Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken
- Lasagna with Cottage Cheese
- Fusilli Pasta Salad
- Inside Out Stuffed Peppers
- Pepperoni Dip
Is Bruschette Italian?
Yes, bruschette is very authentically Italian.
It’s originally from Central Italy.
And it has become a beloved antipasto (starter dish) enjoyed all over the country and beyond!
Traditionally, bruschette was served as a way to salvage bread that was going stale. Never let it go to waste!
Instead they would toast it and rub it with garlic for flavor.
This simple yet delicious bruschette recipe is sure to impress at your next gathering!
With its combination of crispy bread, fresh tomatoes, and that irresistible balsamic glaze? Everyone will love it! Buon Appetito!
Bruchette
Make simple, elegant bruschette with fresh tomatoes, a homemade balsamic glaze, and a touch of Italy in every bite! A guaranteed hit!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°
- Combine tomatoes, basil, and garlic into a bowl. Add some salt and pepper to taste. Let sit for about 10 minute and then drain excess liquid.
- While the tomatoes sit, begin on your balsamic glaze. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, brown sugar and honey in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and then simmer for about 10 minutes, or until glaze coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Place cut baguette slices onto a sheet of parchment paper and drizzle with olive oil. Mix the baguettes around and flip over, drizzle with more olive oil.
- Place in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until the baguettes have a nice golden color.
- Place a spoonful of the tomato mixture onto each baguette slice.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
- Place on a serving platter and enjoy!
Notes
- The bread should be nice and crispy so it doesn’t get soggy from the tomatoes and balsamic glaze.
- Save the rest of the balsamic glaze that you don’t use and keep in the fridge! We love to put this on pizza and salads. It will keep in the fridge for about two weeks.
Erin | Dinners, Dishes and Desserts
Tuesday 9th of April 2024
It was super easy and delicious! I will surely prepare this again!
Beth
Monday 8th of April 2024
This is such a tasty recipe. I made it in just a few minutes. Coincidentally, that's also about how long they lasted!