Quick and Easy Bruschetta Recipe with Fresh Tomatoes and Basil

This easy bruschetta recipe with tomatoes and basil is bursting with flavor and comes together in minutes. Perfect appetizer for any occasion!

One of the best parts of summer is harvesting tomatoes. I LOVE fresh garden tomatoes, don’t you? My raised bed vegetable garden in the potager has been producing tomatoes like crazy this year! Because my harvest is out of control, I’m looking for different ways to use them in recipes.

We’ve been enjoying this easy bruschetta recipe almost every day. And now that my virtual supper club group is hosting a tailgating party, I’m all about making my grandmother’s recipe for bruschetta tomatoes.

It’s the perfect finger food that you can prepare ahead and serve for any occasion.

Who am I kidding? It’s perfect to snack on too! Wait until you try my grandmother’s easy bruschetta recipe!

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What is Bruschetta?

Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer consisting of grilled or toasted bread rubbed with garlic and topped with fresh ingredients. The most traditional and beloved combination features diced tomatoes, fragrant basil, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper, sometimes finished with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.

While this classic tomato and basil bruschetta reigns supreme, countless variations exist. You can explore toppings like creamy mozzarella, roasted peppers, briny olives, savory prosciutto, or even buttery avocado. While these are all delicious options, I prefer the timeless recipe passed down from my Grandma.

Bruschetta’s versatility makes it a perfect canvas for culinary creativity, whether you’re enjoying a simple snack or an elegant appetizer.

The Best Tomatoes for Bruschetta Recipe

While you can use almost any tomato for bruschetta, I love to use Romas because they have a deep flavor. But I also enjoy making it with whatever’s ripe from the garden – Jersey boys, Rutgers Ramapo, Heirloom, etc.

Seriously, whatever you can use works!

How to Make This Easy Bruschetta Recipe

I am a huge fan of Italian food because I grew up on it. Between my grandmother and my mother, we were always eating amazing Italian dishes most nights of the week.

Before my grandmother passed away several years ago, she gave me some of her best homemade Italian recipes. And I’m so glad she did because they are SO GOOD and SO EASY to make!

(If you haven’t checked out my baked shrimp scampi, it’s seriously the best! And the fact that you don’t have to saute the dish makes it even better…but I digress.)

Fresh is Best

While bruschetta can be enjoyed year-round, using the freshest ingredients elevates this simple dish to new heights.

Summer, when tomatoes and basil are in their prime, is undoubtedly the best time to savor the vibrant flavors of peak season produce. Seek out homegrown or farmers market gems for the most delicious results.

Though the classic recipe shines on its own, a touch of fresh mozzarella can add a luxurious twist. But trust me, even without it, this bruschetta is simply irresistible!

Ingredients

You don’t need a whole lot of ingredients to make this dish but like I mentioned earlier, the fresher the ingredients, the better the dish.

• 4-6 Fresh Tomatoes chopped
• 4 Cloves Garlic minced
• 1 Bunch Fresh Basil chopped
• 1/8 Tsp Oregano
• 5 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 2 Loaves Baguette French or Italian Crusty Bread
• Salt and Pepper to Taste

Directions

• Chop fresh tomatoes.
• Place in a colander over a bowl, add a few dashes of salt, mix and allow to drain for an hour or two.
• Mince 4 cloves of garlic.
• Chop fresh basil into thin strips.
• Mix tomatoes, basil, garlic, oregano, and extra virgin olive oil in a bowl.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Slice bread into thin slices.
• If toasting in the oven, preheat to 400 degrees.
• Place bread on a baking sheet and bake for a few minutes until lightly toasted. (Or toast slices in a toaster oven.)
• Top bruschetta onto bread slices and serve.

Draining the Tomatoes

Tomatoes can release a lot of water, so I prefer to gently squeeze out some excess juice before dicing them. I also drain the diced tomatoes briefly before mixing everything together. This helps prevent the bruschetta from becoming soggy, ensuring the bread stays delightfully crisp.

Toasting or Baking the Bread

I find that toasting the bread in a toaster oven yields the best results, and it conveniently accommodates about half a loaf of sliced Italian bread at once. However, if you prefer, you can bake the slices instead.

Regardless of your chosen method, toasting the bread is crucial for the perfect bruschetta experience. It adds a wonderful texture and prevents the toppings from making the bread soggy.

To prepare ahead of time, you can toast the bread and make the bruschetta mixture in advance. Then, simply assemble everything just before serving, or let guests build their own.

Other Bruschetta Recipe Variations

• Caprese Bruschetta: Add fresh mozzarella slices to each bread slice before topping with the tomato mixture.
• Garlic Lover’s Bruschetta: Add more minced garlic to the tomato mixture for an extra punch.
• Balsamic Glaze Bruschetta: Drizzle a balsamic reduction over the assembled bruschetta for a sweet and tangy flavor.
• Herbed Bruschetta: Incorporate chopped fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or parsley into the tomato mixture.

Storage Information

• Tomato Mixture: Store the tomato mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir before using to redistribute the flavors.
• Toasted Bread: Store toasted bread slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Re-toast if they become too soft.
• Assembled Bruschetta: It’s best to assemble just before serving to prevent the bread from becoming soggy. If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator and consume within 1 day.

Additional Tips

• Choosing Tomatoes: Opt for vine-ripened tomatoes for the best flavor. Avoid using overly ripe or soft tomatoes, as they can make the bruschetta too watery.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve as an appetizer, snack, or alongside a light salad for a complete meal.

More About This Recipe for Bruschetta Tomatoes

This easy bruschetta recipe is a fantastic way to use your harvested tomatoes, capturing the essence of summer with each bite. Every time I make it, I’m reminded of how amazing my grandmother was and her love for simple, delicious food. The ease of preparing this dish means it’s perfect for any occasion, and trust me, there likely won’t be any leftovers because it’s that good!

For more garden-fresh recipes, sign up for my newsletter. If you have a favorite way to make bruschetta or a preferred type of tomato, please leave a comment below. I’d love to hear from you!

Thank you so much for following along.

Enjoy a beautiful day! xo

More of My Favorite Fresh Tomato Recipes

One of the best parts about growing tomatoes is harvesting and using them in the kitchen.

Want to save your tomato harvest to use throughout the year? Try freezing tomatoes with these easy tips.

Wait until you try some of my favorite tomato based recipes!

• Simple Salad with Cucumbers, Tomatoes and Onion
• Caprese Salad Bites Appetizer
• The Best Recipe for Caprese Salad
• Loaded Nachos
• Quick and Easy Spinache Tortellini Soup
• How to Make Sunday Sauce with Meatballs Like a Pro

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