Easy Bruschetta Recipe with Tomatoes and Basil is the perfect appetizer or snack that comes together in just minutes.
Fresh, juicy tomatoes, aromatic basil, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil are piled onto crispy slices of toasted baguette — simple yet bursting with flavor.
It’s ideal for entertaining, summer gatherings, or just a quick bite with a glass of wine.
Serve it as a starter, alongside a pasta dish, or as a light lunch with a salad.
Bruschetta with Tomatoes and Basil Recipe
Equipment
- Baking sheet or toaster oven tray
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
- Bread knife
- Cutting board
- Garlic press or use a knife to mince garlic
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette sliced into ½-inch pieces (about 12 slices)
- 4 medium ripe tomatoes diced
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves chopped
- 2 garlic cloves plus 1 whole clove for rubbing bread
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar optional
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Olive oil spray or brush-on olive oil for toasting bread
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven or Grill: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.Toast the Bread: Place baguette slices on a baking sheet. Lightly brush or spray with olive oil. Toast in the oven for 4-5 minutes, or until golden and crispy. For a charred finish, grill for 2–3 minutes per side.
- Prepare Tomato Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine diced tomatoes, chopped basil, minced garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well and let sit for 5–10 minutes to let flavors meld.Rub Toasted Bread with Garlic: While the bread is still warm, rub the top side of each slice with the cut side of a whole garlic clove for extra flavor.
- Assemble the Bruschetta: Spoon the tomato mixture onto each slice of toasted bread right before serving to avoid sogginess.Serve Immediately: Optionally garnish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Enjoy fresh!
Video
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Serving Size | ~90 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 240 mg |
| Potassium | 210 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Vitamin A | 750 IU |
| Vitamin C | 10 mg |
| Calcium | 25 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Cooking Tips
- Use ripe, juicy tomatoes like Roma or cherry tomatoes for best flavor and texture.
- To prevent soggy bruschetta, assemble just before serving.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free baguette or bread slices.
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a beautiful sweet-tangy finish.
What is the Right Way to Serve it?
Classic bruschetta is wonderfully versatile and fits into a wide range of occasions, from casual snacks to elegant appetizers.
It pairs beautifully with Italian meals or as part of a tapas-style spread.
For gatherings, you can serve the tomato mixture in a bowl alongside toasted baguette slices, allowing guests to build their own, this helps keep the bread crisp and prevents sogginess.
Add a touch of elegance with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of crumbled feta or shaved parmesan on top.
- As an appetizer before pasta dishes like spaghetti carbonara or lasagna
- With soup, especially tomato basil or minestrone, for a light but satisfying lunch
- Topped with extras like diced mozzarella, prosciutto, or avocado for added flavor and texture
- On a charcuterie board, paired with olives, cheese, and cured meats
- With a side salad, such as arugula with lemon vinaigrette, to make a complete meal
- Mini versions on crostini for party platters or potlucks
How About Pairing with Drinks?
Pairing this easy bruschetta with the right drink can take the experience from delicious to unforgettable.
Since the dish features fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil, it pairs beautifully with drinks that are light, crisp, and refreshing.
The acidity of the tomatoes matches particularly well with wines that have bright, zesty notes or slight effervescence, helping to cleanse the palate between bites.
- White wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Vermentino — these offer citrusy and herbaceous notes that complement the fresh basil
- Sparkling wine like Prosecco or Cava — the bubbles provide a refreshing contrast to the olive oil and bread
- Light reds like a chilled Beaujolais or Pinot Noir — soft tannins and fruitiness play well with the tomato
- Aperitifs such as Aperol Spritz or Campari and soda — bitter-sweet, bubbly, and ideal for pre-dinner snacking
Non-alcoholic options like sparkling water with lemon, or a chilled herbal iced tea (think mint or basil-infused) for a refreshing balance
Final Thoughts
Easy bruschetta with tomatoes and basil is a quick, flavorful dish that brings simple ingredients together in the best way.
Crisp toasted bread, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil create a balance that works for casual snacks, dinner parties, and everything in between.
Great for entertaining or enjoying on your own, it’s a recipe that proves how just a few fresh elements can come together fast to make something memorable.
Try different toppings, pair it with a favorite drink, and enjoy it freshly made for the best experience every time.
I’m Leo McIntyre, and my love for cooking was born in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I discovered the magic of traditional Southern recipes. Inspired by her passion and the flavors of my childhood, I started SouthernParm to share these treasured family dishes and keep the rich culinary traditions of the South alive for everyone to enjoy.
