What is on traditional bruschetta?

Toasted bread rubbed with garlic and topped with diced tomatoes, fresh basil, olive oil, and sometimes Parmesan or balsamic glaze.

What kind of bread do Italians use for bruschetta?

They usually use rustic country bread like pane casareccio or slices of ciabatta—something sturdy enough to hold juicy toppings without falling apart.

Do Italians put onions in bruschetta?

Traditionally, no. Italian bruschetta is all about garlic, tomatoes, basil, and olive oil. But some folks love adding a bit of red onion for extra bite.

Can I make this traditional bruschetta recipe ahead of time?

Yes and no. You can prep the tomato topping and toasts separately, but don’t assemble them until right before serving or the bread will get soggy.

What kind of cheese goes on bruschetta?

Parmesan is classic, but mozzarella pearls or Pecorino Romano work too. Or skip it if you’re keeping it vegan!

Traditional Bruschetta Recipe: The Best Easy Italian Appetizer

Name: Traditional Bruschetta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 52 min
Yield: 24 toasts
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 6 Roma tomatoes (1½ lbs), diced; ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped; 5 garlic cloves, minced (divided); 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar; 5 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (divided); ½ tsp sea salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 baguette, sliced; ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese; Balsamic glaze (optional)

Description

This traditional bruschetta recipe is everything you want in a classic Italian antipasto—garlicky, juicy, herby, and so easy to throw together.

Ingredients

Scale

6 Roma tomatoes (1½ lbs), diced

⅓ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

5 garlic cloves, minced (divided)

1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

5 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (divided)

½ tsp sea salt

¼ tsp black pepper

1 baguette, sliced

⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Balsamic glaze (optional)

Instructions

1. Dice the tomatoes and drain excess juice.

2. Combine tomatoes with basil, 4 cloves of minced garlic, 2 Tbsp olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Marinate 30 minutes.

3. Mix 1 clove minced garlic with 3 Tbsp olive oil. Brush onto baguette slices.

4. Sprinkle Parmesan over toasts and bake at 400°F for 5 minutes. Broil 1–2 minutes until golden.

5. Spoon tomato mixture over toasts. Drizzle with olive oil or balsamic glaze. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use ciabatta or sourdough as a substitute for baguette.

Make topping up to 1 day ahead. Toast bread right before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 toast
Calories: 85
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 110mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 2mg

Keywords: traditional bruschetta recipe, tomato basil bruschetta, easy Italian appetizer