Classic Italian Bruschetta (20 Minute Recipe)

Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer (pronounced broos-ketta) that is typically eaten with toasted bread and tomatoes coated in olive oil and seasoning. Bruschetta also happens to be one of my favorites dishes to make because its easy and delicious.

I am the kind of home chef that likes to make food from different cultures exactly how they’re meant to be eaten. Bruschetta is often “westernized” by the addition of loads of garlic and balsamic (although delicious). I prefer the simple recipe that has a short ingredient list, but doesn’t miss out on flavor.

Since this is a very simple recipe, there is importance in the quality of ingredients you use. Something I am a preacher of, is the quality of the ingredients you keep in your pantry (and fridge).

Ingredients

• Good Olive Oil: I LOVE good quality olive oil. A few things to look for when shopping for olive oil is:
  • The Bottle: Olive oil should be stored in a dark container to prevent spoiling or a change in flavor.
  • The Origin: I like to look for single origin olive to ensure I’m not getting an “olive oil blend”.
  • The Color: While you won’t be able to see the color of the oil if it is in a dark bottle, but a deep yellow-green is an indicator of a good quality olive oil.
• Fresh Tomatoes: Since this bruschetta is all about simplicity, you want really fresh and juicy tomatoes.
  • I would stay away from Roma/plum tomatoes since they are typically more meaty than juicy.
  • Go for cherry tomatoes. vine-ripen tomatoes, or even heirloom tomatoes if you’re feeling fancy 😉
  • I used rainbow cherry tomatoes that give a variety of sweet and tart flavors.
• Fresh Basil: I think one of the keys to making this classic Italian bruschetta is using fresh herbs. I am also a huge advocate for fresh herbs in everything!
  • You can definitely buy a packet of fresh basil from the supermarket or they usually sell basil plants for around $4-$5 that you can tend to and grow for a while!

If you do want to change this recipe up and add different flavors, you can add some of the following:

• Cheese:
  • Parmesan or Mozzarella: You can mix the mozzarella into the mix and you can even bake the bread with the bruschetta mixture on top.
  • Burrata or Ricotta: I spread some onto the toast and then top with the tomatoes. These make like little crostinis.
• Balsamic: You can either add some balsamic vinegar straight into the mix or top your bruschetta with a bit of balsamic glaze (delish).
• Pesto: I am a pesto lover, so spreading some onto the toast adds such a burst of flavor.

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