Tomato Bruschetta

Why This Is The Best Tomato Bruschetta Recipe

This is a recipe that keeps it simple, which means every ingredient really shines! Here’s why this bruschetta has become a date night staple in our home, and why you’ll love it too:

• Light and summery. What I love about this tomato bruschetta is that it has such a fresh flavor. It’s light and super easy to make, perfect to munch on during the summer when all the vegetables and fresh herbs are bountiful.
• A balance of flavors and colors. I am all about tomatoes, so I decided to use two different colors to add a little more color to the bruschetta, mixed it with basil from my garden, and topped it off with a homemade garlic olive oil.
• That balsamic reduction. I may or may not consider balsamic reduction to be its very own food group. If you’ve had it before then you understand. But if you haven’t… go make some now! It’s a simple way to add tons of flavor to any recipe with just a little touch.

What You’ll Need

You only need a short list of ingredients for this recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card to find the ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.

• Olive oil – For infusing with garlic and toasting the bread.  
• Garlic – Adds a bold flavor that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
• Red and yellow cherry tomatoes – You could use all red, but I love adding yellow tomatoes for variety. Feel free to work in some other colors too!
• Basil – For a fragrant, herbaceous touch. 
• Salt and pepper – Flaky sea salt and freshly ground pepper are especially good.
• Bread – Choose a crusty loaf like a baguette for the best texture.  
• Balsamic Reduction – Follow the link for a simple recipe and more tips.

How to Make Tomato Bruschetta

You’ll find a brief overview here, but the recipe card below has the complete instructions for you.

• Make the balsamic reduction. Follow the instructions in the post linked above.
• Infuse the oil. Heat a small skillet over medium-low. Add the olive oil and garlic cloves. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes over low heat. Don’t let the garlic brown or burn—you just want to cook it gently to infuse the oil with flavor.
• Prep the bruschetta topping. Toss the tomatoes, basil, salt, pepper, and garlic oil in a bowl.
• Toast the bread. Heat a pan over medium high. Coat it with olive oil then toast both sides of the bread slices until golden brown. 
• Serve. Serve the toast with the tomato topping and balsamic reduction.

Tips and Variations

These tips will guarantee perfect tomato bruschetta!

• Choose the right bread. Use a crusty baguette or ciabatta for the best texture and flavor. Softer bread types, like Italian bread, tend to get soggy.  
• Add cheese. Add slices of fresh mozzarella onto the toast before adding the tomatoes and balsamic reduction, or add shaved Parmesan over the tops of the bruschetta.
• Grill the bread. For a smoky touch, I like to toast the bread slices on a grill during the summer.

Serving Suggestions  

It’s easier for guests if you assemble the bruschetta on a platter before serving it, so everyone can just grab them and enjoy. But if you’re throwing an open house type of party—the kind where snacks are left out for a few hours—you may want to let your guests assemble their own bruschetta to keep the toasts from getting soggy. Set out the bread on a platter with a bowl of the tomato topping and the balsamic reduction in a squeeze bottle.

How to Store Leftovers

Leftover tomato bruschetta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store the toasts at room temperature for 2 to 3 days.

More Bruschetta Recipes

• Strawberry Bruschetta
• Easy Bruschetta Chicken
• Roasted Red Pepper Bruschetta Recipe
• Avocado Bruschetta
• Smashed Chickpea Crostini with Bruschetta