Name: Easy Bruschetta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar; 1 lb or 3 cups chopped tomatoes; 3 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp fresh basil; 1 tsp sea salt; 3 large garlic cloves plus one more to rub on the grilled bread

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This Easy Bruschetta Recipe is not only simple but incredibly delicious. Combining grilled crusty bread topped with fresh tomatoes, herbs, and oil.

Traditional bruschetta is referring to grilled sourdough bread that is rubbed with a garlic clove and drizzled with olive oil. Then it is topped with a tomato and herb mixture. In the States, we tend to focus more on the tomato mixture when we refer to bruschetta.

But the grilled bread is certainly an important aspect of serving this dish. It is the blend of tomatoes, herbs, and crisp rustic grilled bread that makes this simple recipe so delicious. For this, I use a rustic sourdough loaf that I purchase pre-sliced to make it easier. You can of course serve this with a homemade sourdough loaf as well. I don’t believe you can get any more authentic than that.

As for the tomato mixture. Well, the summer tomatoes are in full swing at the moment and to me, there is nothing better than a chilled glass of wine to go alongside a bowl of this easy bruschetta recipe. It is the perfect time to share this recipe on the blog.

Summer nights, acoustic guitar music, and bruschetta. All the elements of an enjoyable summer evening. I find myself wanting to relax out in the garden even after a day’s work in it. But that is the grand pay off I suppose for the hard work. The garden provides much more than the mere tomatoes for this recipe. It provides a peaceful retreat that is inviting and beautiful to sit in.

In our garden, I try to grow as many as I can so that I can have this one hand throughout the summertime. Admittedly I find myself feeling like I have underplanted. I suppose it is always about next year, or so my garden friends tell me. But no matter what, I make a batch of this for dinners in a pinch or to serve to friends, as it is always a welcomed one to the summer table.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love it because it is well, easy and fresh. I love to grill bread during the warmer months and serve them with a topping of some sort. A plate with sliced grilled bread and a small bowl of something to top it with.

I do different hummus for this and of course this easy bruschetta recipe. It also makes a lovely appetizer that people swarm to at parties. I like to leave my tomatoes a bit chunkier when I make my easy bruschetta recipe however you can finely chop the tomatoes if that is your preference.

What You Will Need To Make It

1 lbs or 3 cups of chopped tomatoes

3 tbsp olive oil

1-2 tbsp balsamic vinegar plus more to garnish

3 tbsp chopped fresh basil

3 large cloves of garlic plus one for rubbing on the bread

1 tsp of sea salt

Grilled bread (optional)

Directions

In a bowl chop the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. It can be as chunky or thinly sliced as you like. You can even use your food processor for this if you like yours to extra finely mixed up.

Mince garlic and add to the bowl.

herbs garlic and chopped tomatoes in a bowl

Give a rough chop to the basil then add.

Sprinkle the salt over then add the vinegar and olive oil to the bowl.

Give it all a good stir. Cover with a lid until ready to serve.

To Serve

Grill up a rustic style of bread. I suggest using a pre-sliced sourdough loaf as I find they work perfectly for this and are easy to slice into smaller pieces. Heat a cast iron grill pan. Coat the pan with a few drizzles of olive oil or you can brush your bread with the olive oil as well.
After grilling the bread, it is traditional to rub a clove of garlic over the bread slice before topping it with tomatoes. I have added so much garlic to the tomato mixture that it might seem necessary.
Cut bread into 1/2 inch thick slices if needed then grill both sides.
Serve the grilled bread slices along side the tomato mixture.

easy bruschetta recipe in a bowl with toasted bread surrounding

Tools You May Need

Cast Iron Grill Pan

Wooden Measuring Spoons

White Mixing or Serving Bowls

FAQ

What type of tomatoes work best ?

Honestly, there are so many different types of tomatoes out there I can’t imagine one not working well with the simple flavor combinations of this easy bruschetta recipe. I have even used cherry tomatoes. Typically I grow Roma, Beefsteak, and San Marzano’s. Along with a variety of cherry-style tomatoes. All have been used and have worked wonderfully for this recipe.

How long can this be stored?

I store this in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You will notice the flavors get a little stronger as it sits.

What breads work best for this?

I tend to use a crustier rustic style of bread like sliced sourdough to grill up and serve alongside it. In traditional bruschetta that is the type of bread that is served. However, it is not going to ruin anything if you use a baguette or dare I say crostini for this recipe.

Serving Suggestions

I have mentioned the importance of the bread being served for this but if you have leftover tomato topping there are several ways to use it up.

It works as an excellent topping for grilled or pan-seared chicken breast.
Or tossed into a simple pasta.
Adding a scoop to scrambled eggs is also delicious. It is like an Italian version of salsa in the eggs and worth trying.

If you try this recipe and love it, I would appreciate you coming back to give it 5 stars! Or tag me on Instagram @rox_aquaintlife!

Yield: 12 servings