Garlic Tomato Bruschetta

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. + chilling

Makes

2 dozen

Updated: Dec. 07, 2023
I drew inspiration from my grandma’s recipe for this garden-fresh bruschetta. The crisp bread and tomato goodness make a great party appetizer, but the dish also works alongside your favorite Italian entree. —Jean Franzoni, Rutland, Vermont

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • 3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 4 medium tomatoes, diced
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 loaf (1 pound) unsliced French bread

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine oil, basil, garlic, salt and pepper. Add tomatoes and toss gently. Sprinkle with cheese. Refrigerate at least 1 hour.
  2. Bring to room temperature before serving. Slice bread into 24 pieces; toast under broiler until lightly browned. Top with tomato mixture. Serve immediately.
Bruschetta Tips

What kind of olive oil should you use to make bruschetta?

Because there are so few ingredients in this recipe, each flavor really shines through, so you'll want to make sure you're using a high-quality olive oil. Extra-virgin olive oil is a great choice for bruschetta not only because it will taste better but also because you don't have to cook or heat the oil. Check out our Test Kitchen's picks for the best olive oil brands if you want some recommendations.

How can you make bruschetta your own?

If you want your bruschetta to have a little bite, add 2 tablespoons of minced seeded jalapeno peppers and 2 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar to the mixture. If you want some creaminess, spread ricotta on the toast before putting the tomatoes on top. The possibilities are endless, so pull inspiration from our favorite bruschetta recipes.

Can you make bruschetta ahead of time?

You can make the tomato mixture a few hours ahead of time if you really want the flavors to meld together before serving. Prep it any further in advance than that, though, and the tomatoes will get too juicy. Note: You'll need to scoop the mixture onto the toast slices with a slotted spoon regardless.

—Lauren Pahmeier, Taste of Home Associate Editor

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 77 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 172mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.