My Grandma’s Simple Bruschetta Recipe

Bruschetta is easier than you think. Grab the few ingredients, give yourself 10 minutes, and you’ve got yourself a delicious Italian appetizer! It’s no wonder it’s considered Italy’s #1 appetizer!

I’m excited to share with you my grandma’s simple bruschetta recipe. Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, this recipe will transport you straight to the streets of Italy. If you’re looking for a delicious, healthy, and versatile appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion, then you’re in the right place.

5 Reasons Why This Bruschetta Recipe is the Best

1-Tradition: The fact that the recipe is passed down from my grandmother means that this recipe is tried and true. It’s that easy bruschetta recipe that leaves your taste buds craving more.

2-Simplicity: If you don’t have much time on your hands but want to make a delicious appetizer, this is the recipe for you! With just a few ingredients like fresh tomatoes and fresh basil, you will have this ready in minutes.

3-Flavorful: Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer with a wonderful combination of flavors that will satisfy all cravings.

4-Versatile: Bruschetta can be made in many different ways, with different types of bread, toppings, and seasonings. This versatility can make it a fun and creative recipe to experiment with. Feel free to add in additional toppings such as avocado. Or, choose your favorite bakery bread. Make it your own.

5-Healthy: This is most definitely a healthy appetizer option, as it includes fresh vegetables and extra virgin olive oil, which are both considered to be healthy foods.

I am confident that you will agree that this is the very best bruschetta recipe out there.

The History of Bruschetta

Bruschetta made its debut in Italy during the 15th century. It was thought to have been created after trying to find a useful solution for stale bread.

It was cheap food for the peasants. And, it started with just two ingredients, olive oil, and bread. Boy am I glad it has turned into what it is today. Just olive oil and bread sound quite boring, in my opinion.

Italy’s number one appetizer is named after bruschette which means slices of toast with toppings. As you travel through the regions, you’ll notice different versions.

For example, in Arruzzo, their famous recipe includes pork salami on top. But one thing remains the same, no matter which version you eat, everyone agrees that bruschetta must be paired with toasted bread. Yum! 

The Ingredients

Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes come in several colors and shapes. Yellow, green, black, and red, to be exact.

One little tip I learned is that the smaller the tomato, the better it tastes. This is because commercially grown cherry tomatoes that are smaller in size get to stay on the vine longer because they are less likely to bruise in transit.

Another indicator of good-quality tomatoes is where they were grown. Look for locally grown tomatoes, or buy them from your Farmer’s Market.

These varieties will typically stay on the vine longer because they do not have to travel far, which means better flavor. Finally, make sure the tomatoes are deep red and unwrinkled.  

Basil: When searching for basil at the grocery store, look for bunches that are bright green, with fragrant leaves. Stay away from leaves that are wilted or have blackened leaves. Just like most herbs, basil can go bad pretty quickly.

A great way to extend the freshness is to add a little water to a cup and place the basil in the cup. Keep in mind that fresh basil prefers room temperature so keep it out of the fridge. It is recommended to purchase organic varieties as herbs tend to be heavily sprayed.  

Garlic: There are a few tricks to finding the freshest garlic at your local supermarket. First, look out for sprouting as it is a sign that the garlic is old. (However, you can still eat garlic that has sprouted. Just remove the sprout).

Next, gently squeeze the bulb and check for hardness. You are looking for firm garlic cloves and not hollow which could indicate dehydration.

To store garlic, keep it in a cool and dry spot. Leave it on the counter, or store it in a dark cabinet. Either way, your garlic should last 7-10 days.

Olive oil: Shoot for using extra virgin olive oil for this recipe. What’s the difference between plain olive oil and “extra virgin” olive oil?

EVOO is the least processed form of olive oil. This means the naturally occurring vitamins and antioxidants are not lost during processing. Therefore, increasing the health benefits but also increasing the price.

You should choose an oil that is sold in a dark glass container and away from heat.

Other ingredients: Balsamic vinegar or a balsamic reduction are great toppers for the tomato mixture. Also, make sure to have garlic powder, salt, and black pepper available to toast the baguette slices.  

No matter the time of year, the ingredients are always available and easy to find at your local grocery store.

How to Make This Simple Bruschetta

Check out the entire recipe list and more detailed step-by-step instructions in the recipe card at the end of this post. Here are the basic steps.

Step one: Start by preparing your french baguette or whatever variety you go with. Simply diagonally slice the loaf not too thick but also not too thin. The slices need to hold a spoonful of bruschetta on top. 

Step two: Lay the slices onto a lined cookie sheet. Drizzle them with extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toast the tops until right before they start to turn golden brown. (I only like to toast the tops. Do not flip. Set them aside.

Step three: Chop the tomatoes in half, width-wise. Grab a small bowl and squeeze out the inside seeds from the juicy tomatoes. Set these tomato halves into a medium bowl. Place the minced garlic, thinly sliced basil, olive oil, and salt into the bowl as well. Toss it all up.

Step four: Put a spoonful of the mixture onto a piece of toasted bread. Drizzle with a balsamic glaze, or fresh balsamic vinegar. Adding the vinegar is the perfect way to combine the fresh flavors.

Enjoy immediately. Yum!

Other Optional Bruschetta Topping Ideas

While this bruschetta completely stands alone in the flavor department, there are always additional toppings that could bring a different dimension. Here are a few I recommend.

Guacamole

Thinly sliced red onion

Sprouts

Avocado

Red pepper flakes

Hummus

Mozzarella cheese

Parmesan Cheese

How to Store Bruschetta

Place the tomato mixture in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. While eating it the day you make it is recommended, you can absolutely save leftovers.

Tips + Modifcations

You can certainly use another variety besides cherry tomatoes such as grape or Roma tomatoes. The most important part is that you choose ripe tomatoes.

The kind of bread you choose can make or break your fresh tomato bruschetta. Make sure to go with a thick, crusty type of bread. Do not over-toast the bread slices.

Enjoy!

XOXO

Michelle