Summer Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil is a simple, fresh appetizer that highlights the vibrant flavors of ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil on toasted bread. It’s the perfect light and flavorful dish to serve alongside Easy Homemade Hummus and Marinated Olives for a delicious and effortless summer spread.
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🥖 The Ingredients
With just a handful of fresh ingredients, this summer bruschetta comes together to create a satisfying and delicious appetizer bursting with vibrant flavors. Find ingredient notes (including substitutions and variations) below.
🌿 Substitutions and Variations
- Bread – A sliced baguette is traditional, but many types of sliced bread will work. You could also serve this on sliced homemade focaccia for a wonderful depth of flavor.
- Tomatoes – We use cherry or grape tomatoes in this recipe. However, any ripe tomato will work. Chop the tomatoes as fine as you want. Just remember, if they are too chunky, they will be harder to pile onto the toasted bruschetta. Sun-dried tomatoes can be used in place of the cherry tomatoes.
- Other Flavor Enhancers – We like the simplicity of this summer bruschetta. However, you could also include chopped sautéed mushrooms, cooked spinach, and sautéed (and chopped) veggies such as eggplant, yellow squash, and zucchini.
- Herbs – Basil is classic, but you can use thyme, rosemary, or chives, or a combination of all of them. Fresh is best, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch.
See the recipe card (with video) below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Expert Tip
The tomato and basil topping can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Allowing the flavors to meld for at least a few hours will enhance their depth. We don’t recommend slicing and toasting the bread more than an hour in advance of serving (the bread will dry out). And don’t add the topping until just before serving.
👩🏼🍳 How to Make Summer Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil
- Step 1: In a bowl, mix the tomatoes with the basil.
- Step 2: Add the oil and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Stir again.
- Step 3: Brush the bread slices with oil and garlic.
- Step 4: Grill the bread until toasted on both sides.
- Step 5: Top each toasted slice with a mound of tomato mixture.
- Step 6: Place on a platter and serve at once.
🍽️ How To Serve
- These make a wonderful appetizer before a wonderful Italian feast, including classic Caesar salad, authentic pasta all’Amatriciana, best-ever chicken piccata, and homemade tiramisu.
- These make a wonderful warm-weather appetizer or snack. They are good year-round, but we love our Christmas Crostini during the chilly months.
- Place the bruschetta on a large platter and let guests serve themselves, or pass them around on the platter with napkins. Either way is festive and delicious.
🙋🏽♂️ Frequently Asked Questions
A crusty Italian bread or baguette works best, as it toasts nicely and holds the toppings without becoming soggy.
Yes, you can mix the tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil a few hours in advance to let the flavors meld, but toast the bread just before serving.
To prevent sogginess, toast the bread until crisp and drain any excess liquid from the tomato mixture before spooning it onto the bread.
Yes, it’s a light and nutritious appetizer made with fresh vegetables, healthy olive oil, and whole-grain bread, making it a wholesome choice.
☀️ Other Summer Appetizers
Ready to make the most delicious appetizer of the summer? Go for it!
And when you do, be sure to take a photo of it, post it on Instagram, and tag @HowToFeedaLoon and hashtag #HowToFeedaLoon!
Summer Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil
Video
Equipment
- Grill pan or gas, charcoal, or electric grill.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes varied colors, halved or quartered
- ⅓ cup basil fresh, chopped
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 large clove garlic halved, lengthwise
- 1 baguette cut into ½-inch slices
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, gently stir together the tomatoes and the basil.2 cups cherry tomatoes, ⅓ cup basil
- Add a couple of healthy dashes of the oil, and then add a couple of pinches of salt and pepper. Gently stir again.¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, Kosher salt and black pepper
- Preheat a grill pan (or cast-iron skillet) over medium-high heat (or fire up your grill).
- Brush the bread with the cut side of the garlic and then brush on some of the oil (only on one side of the bread).1 large clove garlic
- Grill the bread until toasted on both sides, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.1 baguette
- Transfer the toasted bread to a platter, oil side up. Mound the tomato-basil mixture on top of each slice. Serve at once.
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