Italian Bruschetta

5 from 4 votes

There's a reason Italian Bruschetta is one of the most popular dishes worldwide. This appetizer, or antipasti, is perfect for hosting: the dish can be made fresh in under 10 minutes and makes for perfect finger food.

Prep Time10

Cook Time5

Total Time15

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American, Italian

Keyword: appetizer, easy appetizer, italian appetizer, Italian bruschetta

Servings:

Author: The Modern Nonna

Equipment

Ingredients

6 slices baguette
olive oil
½ clove garlic
1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes halved (or 1 large tomato, cut into chunks)
salt to taste
1 clove garlic minced
2 to 3 basil leaves ripped or chopped
balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Drizzle each bread slice with a little bit of olive oil on each side. Get a grill pan, oil it up a bit, and place it over medium-high heat. Once hot, grill the bread on each side until toasted and golden-brown.
Remove the bread from the grill and rub each slice with the half clove garlic. This will give the bread so much aroma and flavor.
Add the tomatoes to a bowl with a pinch of salt, the minced garlic, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil and stir. Top each slice of bread with a heaping tablespoon of the tomatoes. Optionally, you can drizzle on balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar. Enjoy right away.

Video

Notes

Toast the bread: In the oven at 400F for 15 to 20 minutes, or under the broiler for 2 to 6 minutes, or in an airfryer at 400F for about 10 minutes.
Bread options: Use any crusty bread you like, such as ciabatta, levain, or baguette.
Prep it: This appetizer is meant to be enjoyed right away, so if you are making it for a party you can grill the bread the day before and toss everything together before you serve it. It is not to be kept in the fridge because it will go soggy.

Nutrition