This Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze recipe is a classic, delicious Italian appetizer that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, having friends over for drinks, or simply looking for a quick and easy snack, this bruschetta is sure to be a hit.
It's an antipasto dish from Italy consisting of toasted bread rubbed with garlic oil. It can be served with a variety of toppings, but this recipe features a flavorful tomato mixture and tangy balsamic glaze.
Jump to:
❤️ Why its a must-try
- It's incredibly flavorful and easy to make!
- The combination of fresh tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze is simply irresistible.
- Bruschetta is a great way to showcase seasonal produce, making it perfect for summer gatherings.
This appetizer is a favorite because not only is it budget-friendly but it feels gourmet enough to impress your guests. The crispy bread, juicy tomatoes, and tangy balsamic make for a perfect bite every time. Plus, it's a great way to use up any bread you may have on hand before it goes stale.
📝 Ingredients
Note: This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.
📋 Ingredient Notes
- Roma tomatoes - Look for tomatoes that are firm yet still slightly yielding to the touch. Also tomatoes with smooth, unblemished skins that are free from bruises and soft spots.
- Fresh basil leaves - Ripe basil is fragrant and bright green in color. Avoid leaves that are wilted, yellowing, or blackening.
- Garlic - Look for garlic cloves that are firm and plump with dry, papery skins. Avoid any cloves that have started to sprout or show signs of mold.
- Olive oil - Choose an extra-virgin olive oil with a flavor that you enjoy. Be sure to check the expiration date for freshness and quality.
- Balsamic vinegar - Look for a high-quality balsamic vinegar for the best flavor.
Salt and pepper - A pinch of salt and a few grinds of fresh black pepper will really bring out the flavor of your tomatoes! - Baguette - Pick up a fresh baguette in the bakery of your local grocery store.
- Garlic oil - This is a mixture of garlic and olive oil simmered together for a few minutes. It can be used as a marinade, basting sauce, or as a topping for your bruschetta! If you do not have it, mix one minced garlic clove with 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Parmesan Cheese - For this recipe freshly grated parmesan cheese will give the best flavor.
- Honey balsamic glaze - This is an optional topping that you can drizzle over this tasty appetizer.
🥄 Instructions
Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Place chopped basil, diced tomatoes, garlic, balsamic vinegar, olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Lightly toss to coat.
- Brush toast on both sides with garlic oil and sprinkle tops with parmesan cheese. Bake in the center of your oven for 5 minutes.
- Top with tomato mixture and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
💡Amira's Tips
- Make sure to use a serrated knife when slicing the baguette, as it will help create even and clean slices.
- Slice your bread into ½ inch slices for the perfect ratio of crispy bread to flavorful topping
- Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper will make cleanup much easier.
- For a shortcut, you can premake the balsamic glaze so it's always ready when you want to make this dish.
🧺 Storage
You can store leftover toasted bread in an airtight container at room temperature. The tomato mixture and balsamic glaze can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
⌛ Make Ahead
This appetizer is best served fresh, I don't recommend that you make it too far in advance. The toasted bread will lose its crunch and the tomato mixture will become soggy.
🍽️ Serve With
- Bruschetta is a versatile appetizer that pairs well with many different dishes. I love to pair it with this Lasagna without Ricotta or this Vegan Sundried Tomato Pasta.
- Use this recipe to make the most delicious Bruschetta Chicken dinner.
👩🍳 Variations
- For added flavor, try grilling the bread instead of toasting it in the oven. Just watch it closely because it will burn quickly.
- Trying to avoid a trip to the grocery store? You can skip the garlic oil and just brush your toast with olive oil instead.
- Want to add a little protein? Add diced avocado or mozzarella cheese to the topping for added creaminess.
- Swap out the balsamic glaze for a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness. The sweetness will compliment the tomatoes well.
💬 FAQs
In Italy, bruschetta is typically known as "fettunta" which means "oiled slice."
While it can be served as a light meal, traditionally bruschetta is considered an appetizer. It's perfect for sharing with friends and family before a main course.
📣 Related Recipes
- This Phyllo Cup Appetizer is full of fresh vegetables and a tangy feta dip, it's a Middle Eastern appetizer that is perfect for parties.
- These Potato Balls are a delicious bite size snack with crispy exterior and a gooey, melty cheese center. A savory and satisfying kid friendly snack or side dish.
- Potato Croquettes are crispy, golden brown savory bites. irresistibly delicious and perfect for any occasion! Serve as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a delightful side dish.
- These Bread Balls are the perfect appetizer for your next gathering. Easy, crispy and freezer friendly appetizer for a great make ahead recipe.
- These Potato Cheese Balls are a delicious bite-size snack with a crispy exterior and a gooey, melty cheese center. They are a savory and satisfying kid-friendly snack or side dish.
- Irresistible Cheese Stuffed Breadsticks with delicious melted cheese in every bite. This recipe is so easy making it the perfect satisfying appetizer for your next party.
More Mediterranean Appetizers
- This zesty, bold Italian Olive Salad will give you a taste of the bright flavors of Mediterranean cuisine.
- This Mediterranean Chickpea Salad pairs perfectly with bruschetta for a light and refreshing summer meal.
More Bruschetta Recipes
- Craving a quick and easy meal with delicious Italian flavors? This easy Bruschetta Pizza with chicken has it all.
- Bruschetta with Mozzarella is a delightful and easy appetizers that is always welcomed in parties and get-togethers. Crusty bread lightly scented with garlic oil and topped with all the goodness of vibrant fresh bruschetta with rich creamy mozzarella.
I hope you'll like this recipe and please if you make this recipe, snap a pic and hashtag it #amiraspantry — I love to see your creations on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter!
Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for the FREE Amira's Pantry newsletter delivered to your inbox with lots of tips and surprises!
If you like this recipe do not forget to give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and attach a photo of your finished dish. It is always a pleasure of mine to see your photos and check your own take of the recipe. Thank you.
What’s new? Check out Amira's Pantry Store on Amazon where you'll find all kinds of nostalgic goodness! Thanks so much for being a part of Amira's Pantry!
🥣 Equipment
The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
- Knife and cutting board
- Large bowl
- Baking sheet
Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze
Ingredients
For the tomato mixture:
- 8 roma tomatoes 3 cups diced
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves chopped
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- 4 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Bread:
- 1 large baguette sliced into ¼ inch slices diagonally
- 3 Tablespoons garlic oil or mix one minced garlic clove with 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
optional:
Instructions
- Core and dice tomatoes, place on a colander to drain excess liquid.
- Place chopped basil, diced tomatoes, garlic, balsamic vinegar, olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Lightly toss to coat.
- Preheat oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Brush toast on both sides with garlic oil and sprinkle tops with parmesan cheese.
- Place in the center of your oven for 5 minutes.
- Serve toast with tomato mixture and balsamic glaze.
Nutrition
Sign up and learn more about Mediterranean flavors
Would you like to save this post?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Vivian Luca
So delicious! And similar to Italian traditional one! Thank you for sharing!
Amira
Thank you so much Vivian, I am glad you find it delicious.