The Best Bruschetta Recipe | Cookies and Cups


This is the Best Bruschetta recipe, and it’s so easy to make! You’re going to love serving up this delicious Italian-inspired appetizer to kick off your summer dinners, parties, or my favorite way…by the pool!!

Make sure to try my Beach Bread too! It’s insanely delish!

A bowl of bruschetta surrounded by bruschetta toasts.

Easy Homemade Bruschetta Recipe

With tomato season around the corner, it’s time for one of my favorite warm-weather appetizers: bruschetta! This easy recipe for homemade bruschetta is made with juicy ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and zesty balsamic vinegar. Piled on top of a crunchy toasted bread slice, what’s not to love?

You’re going to be making this Italian-inspired bruschetta all season long. It’s full of summer-y flavor and super refreshing! Bruschetta is a perfect easy appetizer for casual dinners, summer cookouts, or parties.

A bowl of bruschetta surrounded by bruschetta toasts.

What is Bruschetta? 

Bruschetta is an Italian antipasto, traditionally made from bread that’s grilled, rubbed with fresh garlic, and then brushed with olive oil. Possibly the most common variation of bruschetta is the one we’re making today, with a topping of fresh diced tomatoes and herbs. 

Bruschetta is different from caprese, which is also Italian. Caprese is a salad made with sliced tomatoes, sliced buffalo mozzarella cheese and fresh basil, dressed with olive oil. Similar ingredients, but not the same!

A slice of toasted bread topped with bruschetta.

Recipe Ingredients

  • Garlic: Finely minced fresh garlic will impart better flavor into the bruschetta (compared to chopped garlic, for example).
  • Olive Oil: When it comes to simple recipes, the quality of your ingredients is key. Get a nice, good quality extra virgin olive oil to use in your bruschetta recipe.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated.
  • Tomatoes: Since tomatoes are the star here, it’s a good idea to buy in season. I prefer smaller, sweeter varieties such as Roma tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, but almost any ripe, fresh tomato will work.
  • Fresh Basil: Perfectly compliments the flavors of the tomatoes, garlic, balsamic and oil.
  • Balsamic Vinegar: Lends some refreshing acidity as well as authentic flavor to the bruschetta.
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Maybe a bit unconventional, but I like my bruschetta with a subtle hint of heat. You can omit the red pepper flakes if you prefer.
  • Bread: French baguette is my first choice for bruschetta recipes, due to its crusty texture. I cut the bread loaf into half inch slices to make them the perfect thickness for toasting.
  • Salt & Pepper
  • Garlic Powder

What Kind of Bread to Use

For the best bruschetta, I always choose a French baguette. However, just about any kind of crusty bread loaf will do. It’s best to use bread that’s a day or two old and on the drier side, cut into slices about a half-inch thick for toasting.



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