Sun-ripened tomatoes, fresh garden basil, and sweet garlic combine to bring you summer’s best in this easy Bruschetta recipe with a flavorful balsamic glaze. This classic Italian appetizer brings out the best of the season in just a few simple steps.
What is Bruschetta
Classic Bruschetta is an Italian appetizer consisting of sun-ripened tomatoes, garlic, basil, vinegar, and olive oil served over grilled or toasted French baguette slices or Italian ciabatta bread slices.
The Star of Bruschetta
Friends and family love this scrumptious Bruschetta recipe and have even donated fresh garden tomatoes to the cause. Fresh summer tomatoes that have been allowed to ripen on the vine are the best. They are so flavor-packed and really transcend this Bruschetta recipe to the next level. Are you a big fresh garden tomato fan? Try my Caprese salad, tomato salad, cucumber tomato salad, and tomato sandwich. They are delicious and made with sun-ripened tomatoes.
How to make Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze
Make the Tomato Mixture
Start by dicing the ripe tomatoes fairly small and placing them in a bowl. Then sprinkle them with a little salt and set them aside for a bit. Now mince the garlic and chop the basil. Drain any tomato juice from the tomatoes and add the garlic, basil, and pepper. Drizzle with vinegar and olive oil. Then gently toss to coat and let the tomato mixture sit for a bit at room temperature.
Toast the Bread
Meanwhile, slice the baguette on a diagonal in about 1/2 inch slices. Brush both sides with olive oil and bake in a preheated oven until toasted.
Make the Balsamic Glaze
While they are toasting, combine the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Now bring it to a low boil and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The vinegar will reduce, and the glaze will thicken. Remove from the heat and let cool for a few minutes.
Assemble
Now spoon the tomatoes onto the toasted bread slices. Place on a serving platter and lightly drizzle with the balsamic glaze. If desired, garnish with a little Parmesan Cheese. For best results, serve promptly.
Recipe Tips for the Best Bruschetta
- For optimal taste, always use the best sun-ripened tomatoes you can get your hands on. This particular time, I used some beautiful heirloom tomatoes that I bought at the market, but you can use Roma tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, or grape tomatoes.
- Fresh garden basil is king here. Dried basil is just not going to provide enough flavor or aroma to satisfy you.
- Skip the pre-minced garlic. I like to peel and mince fresh garlic every time. It only takes a few minutes, and it is well worth the effort.
- I love this recipe with either red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar mixed in with the tomatoes. Both are equally delicious, albeit different.
- Always use good quality balsamic vinegar for the glaze. It really makes a difference.
- The best bread for bruschetta is toasted French baguette slices, Italian ciabatta slices, or crostini. See below for how to make crostini. For extra flavor, rub the slices with halved garlic cloves.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
How to make crostini
- Slice the baguette diagonally into 1/2-inch slices.
- Brush both sides of each slice with olive oil or olive oil that has been infused with garlic.
- Place on a parchment-covered baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for about 5 minutes. Flip and bake for another 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
Storage
Store the tomato mixture, toasted bread slices, and balsamic glaze separately. Store the tomato mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The crostini store well at room temperature in an airtight container or a zipper bag for up to 5 days. The balsamic glaze will keep up to 2 weeks stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Do not top the crostini until you are ready to serve. I do not recommend freezing any of these components, as the texture will change.
More appetizer recipes
Best Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze
Ingredients
- 3-4 garden fresh tomatoes diced small
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves chopped
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 baguette sliced on a diagonal in 1/2 inch slices
- extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- Parmesan Cheese optional
Instructions
- Combine tomatoes and salt in a bowl. Let sit for 20-30 minutes. Drain tomato juice. Add garlic, basil, and pepper; stir gently to combine. Drizzle with vinegar and olive oil; stir gently to coat. Let sit for 20-30 minutes at room temperature.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Brush both sides of the bread with olive oil. Place on a parchment-covered baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes and then flip the toast and bake for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
- Combine balsamic vinegar and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a low boil and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and let cool for a few minutes.
- Assemble by spooning the tomato topping onto the toasted baguette slices. Place on a serving platter and lightly drizzle with the balsamic glaze. If desired, sprinkle with a little Parmesan Cheese. For best results, serve promptly.
Notes
- For optimal taste, always use the best sun-ripened tomatoes you can get your hands on. This particular time I used some beautiful heirloom tomatoes that I bought at the market.
- Fresh garden basil is king here. Dried basil is just not going to provide enough flavor or aroma to satisfy you.
- Skip the pre-minced garlic. I like to peel and mince fresh garlic every time. It only takes a few minutes, and it is well worth the effort.
- I love this recipe with either red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar mixed in with the tomatoes. Both are equally delicious, albeit different.
- A simple French baguette is a perfect accompaniment. However, whole-grain crackers and crostini also work well.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
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Neha K
Wow this recipe has got all my favorites flavors going on! I love this bruschetta recipe and I made it for a weekend party that I hosted! Everyone loved it and the homemade crostini! Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Neha!
Marley
Bruschetta is an easy recipe in general. But I can’t believe how yours makes it even easier. Fantastic recipe with so much flavor. The crostinis were divine.
Shelley M
Love this easy and delicious bruschetta recipe and the addition of balsamic glaze is perfection! My guests loved every bite. I am going to add this to my personal recipe collection and my party recipe collection.
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Shelley! I like to use compari tomatoes at this time of the year. They are sweet and fully ripened.
Dina
We love this bruschetta recipe. The glaze really knocks it out of the park. I have made this recipe several times and it is always enjoyed by all. Making it again for our party this weekend!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Dina! Have a wonderful party!
June
This is one of my all time FAVORITE recipes! I love it as a simple appetizer with toasted bread, but it’s also so good on chicken and fish.
Beth Pierce
So true, June!
Sara
This was such an easy and delicious recipe that does not disappoint! A great way for me to use up all my summer tomatoes; excited to enjoy this all season long!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Sara! So glad that you enjoyed the bruschetta!
Elizabeth
Your bruschetta is to die for! Thank you for sharing this easy to follow recipe. YUM!
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Elizabeth.
Nathan
This is a stellar bruschetta recipe, so fresh and flavorful! I have a feeling this will be a go-to snack this summer. Thanks so much for sharing!
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Nathan! I am so happy that you like the bruschetta!
Liza
LOVE this bruschetta recipe! The flavors are so fresh and delicious, and the balsamic glaze drizzle really takes these appetizers over the top.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Liza! So glad that you like the burschetta! We love it too!
Amy
What a wonderfully delicious summertime appetizer! This was fresh and delicious!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Amy! So glad that you enjoyed it!
Taylor
This is the best recipe! I used Roma tomatoes and RWV and it was absolutely delicious! This will be my new bruschetta recipe!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Taylor! So happy that you like the bruschetta recipe.
Kyli
This was amazing! Homemade French bread, garden tomatoes, and freshly picked basil. I used elephant garlic instead of regular garlic because it is fairly mild with a slight oniony undertone. It was devoured in no time.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Kyli! I love elephant garlic too! We can only get it here at certain times of the year.
Rosie
I tried this today using a homemade sourdough loaf that hadn’t risen that much and was pretty heavy—it was such a delicious way to use it up! I’m definitely making this again!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Rosie! So glad that you liked it!
Dannii
This was the perfect summer meal. So easy to make too.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Danni! So glad that you enjoyed it!
cyndy
Great bruschetta recipe! My tomatoes from the garden are really coming in now so we’ve had this recipe about 5 times! Last night we added a little burrata!
Beth Pierce
Delicious! So glad that you are enjoying the recipe!
Kathleen
Fresh ingredients that make a perfect summer appetizer or snack. This easy bruschetta is fabulous!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Kathleen! So glad that you liked it.
Savita
I’m totally a bruschetta fan, going to make this one all summer. SO easy and flavorful
Beth Pierce
Thanks Savita! Enjoy!
Savita
I’m totally a bruschetta fan, and your recipe is so delicious. I’m going to have it all summer long. Next time I am going to add a few mozzarella pearls.
Suja
This was delicious! We really enjoyed both making and eating it!
Eleanor
OOPS!! I forgot to mention I too brush both sides of baguette w/olive oil before broiling.🥴
Margaret S
Made this for a company potluck. Absolutely scrumptious. I didn’t even get to take any leftovers home 😪.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Margaret! So glad that everyone like the brushetta! It is such a great summer dish. So flavorful and fresh!
Eleanor
I make this often in summer but just a little differently. I toast both sides of baguette ovals and then scrape garlic on 2nd toasted side, top with shaved Italian cheese+broil lightly to melt before topping w/tomato/basil+glaze mix.
Beth Pierce
Sounds delicious! Thanks for the tip!
Jordan
Absolutely delicious! I’d like to make this ahead of time in future. If I toast the baguette the night before, what’s the best to way to store it for the next day? And will it be as good?
Beth Pierce
Thanks Jordon. I probably would not toast those in advance. I am afraid it would not be as good. You could however make the balsamic sauce ahead of time and store in the fridge. Then bring it out and let it come to room temperature.
Jennifer
Fantastic! I added a little red onion too!
Ellie
Can I prep the tomato mixture 1 day before serving?
Beth Pierce
Yes it can.
Katie S
I’ve been trying to mimic my favorite restaurants bruschetta for years! This tastes just like it and is so good. Added this to my recipe book. 🙂
Beth Pierce
Thanks Katie! So glad that you liked it!
Anne
Wow! I can’t believe this fabulous recipe that’s been shared over 1700 times only had 30 people take the time to rate it! It’s delicious. We compared it to our favorite restaurant’s and it is on par. I did use a store bought balsamic glaze because I wanted to try it and, although I love balsamic vinegar, I do not like how it smells in the house after reducing it on the stovetop.
The tip to salt, wait, and drain the tomatoes is a great one.
Thanks for the keeper recipe. It was a hit!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Anne! So glad that you liked it. My son would agree with you about the vinegar!
Anna
I am obsessed with bruschetta! It’s my favorite summer lunch!
Allison Kaye
This was SO good, I could have eaten the whole thing with a fork!
Betsy
Yummy! This is so fresh and tasty! Love the dressing on the bruschetta. Wonderful tang and so absolutely delicious!
Natasha
This recipe was a hit! It felt like we were dining in a fancy restaurant. Thank you for another awesome recipe!
Ann Clark
This is so easy and delicious! I will make this all summer long!
April
Bruschetta is my all time favorite appetizer. This was by FAR the best bruschetta recipe I’ve tried.
Krissy Allori
The perfect combination of ingredients and that sauce is everything!
Agnieszka
This bruschetta is so perfect for a summer party or when you’re grilling out. Love the tecipe!
Biana
Yum! I love easy recipe, and this one so easy and delicious. Perfect for summer picnics.
Julia
These are such easy and flavorful appetizers. My favorite!
Kristina Tipps
I love bruschetta during tomato season. I’ve never used brown sugar before, I can’t wait to give it a try. Thanks!
Natalie
Your pictures are making me wish I had a plate in front of me! Bruschetta is one of the easiest & tastiest appetizers ever! The balsamic glaze is the cherry on top!
Toni
This was a huge hit at my house!!
Matt
One of my favorite appetizers! I love it with a bit of mozzarella or prosciutto or both. And that balsamic glaze is so yummy!
Jen
I could eat this by the spoonful! Love it!
Shelley
Such a beautiful, simple appetizer that really lets the tomatoes shine. My family would love this recipe!
Kellie H
One of our favorite easy appetizers! Always so flavorful and simple to prepare.
Anita
This is so easy to prepare and it’s just perfect for party. I love making it when I get really fresh basil. 🙂
Nart
This recipe is delicious and very easy to make. Perfect for gatherings 🙂
Amanda
I have so much basil in the garden right now, and I’m so glad I used it for this bruschetta! It truly is the easiest appetizer but so full of flavor. This will definitely make an appearance again!
Denay
A perfect way to use tomatoes from the garden! Our family loves making this easy tasty recipe.
Patty
Definitely the best appetizer and/or snack ever! This is the perfect Bruschetta recipe!
Erin
This Bruschetta looks incredibly delicious!
Jacque Hastert
This is by far the best bruschetta recipe I have tried in a long time. I will be making it again very soon when my next batch of tomatoes comes through.
Sarah
What a great way to use up all my summer tomatoes! Looks worthy of a restaurant, indeed!
katerina
I love how easy and delicious this is! The perfect appetizer!
Catalina
Bruschetta is my favorite summer appetizer. Sounds so refreshing!
Jamie
I know for sure this Bruschetta would be a huge hit in my house!
Tara
These are really amazing appetizers! Perfect for entertaining!!
Amanda
This is by far the best bruschetta I have ever had!