22 Easy (but Fancy) Bruschetta Recipe Ideas to Try at Home (2024)

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22 Easy (but Fancy) Bruschetta Recipe Ideas to Try at Home (1)

By Taryn Pire

Published Apr 29, 2021

Besides its oft-butchered name (it’s brew-sket-ta, by the way), there’s little to get people riled up over this beloved Italian antipasto. For one, it involves a generous hunk of bread. Second, it can be topped with much more than just seasoned tomatoes—in fact, you can use virtually anything your heart desires. Here, 22 bruschetta recipe ideas to try at home this summer and beyond.

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PHOTO: JON COSPITO/STYLING: Heath Goldman

1. Rainbow Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta

Can you believe these summer stunners will only take you 15 minutes from start to finish? All it takes is layering seasoned ricotta cheese and pesto-coated tomatoes on thin slices of baguette.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

2. Italian Bruschetta Bar

The word "bruschetta" often refers to tomato-topped bread when used stateside, but it actually has way less to do with produce than you may think. Technically, the only must is grilled bread that's been rubbed with garlic and topped with salt and olive oil—you can supplement with cheese, cured meats, veggies and beyond, hence this snack-filled masterpiece.

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3. Garden Fresh Bruschetta

You can't go wrong with the classic combo of tomatoes, garlic, fresh dill and EVOO. Pro tip: Drain the tomatoes a bit after dicing them to avoid soggy crostini down the road.

4. Pesto And Garlic Shrimp Bruschetta

Mediterranean meets Italian (meets our mouths). Think garlicky poached shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, capers and tangy feta atop a layer of herbaceous pesto.

5. Mushroom Bruschetta With Balsamic And Thyme

Light on calories but still surprisingly filling, thanks to the mushrooms. (They have 3 grams of protein in every half-cup serving.)

6. Beet And Blueberry Bruschetta

Sure beets your usual lunch salad. (Sorry.) The key here is roasting the beets until they're tender, sweet and earthy.

7. Smashed Green Olive And Pistachio Burrata Bruschetta

Briny, creamy, crunchy—this creative take truly has it all. We especially love the addition of uber-sweet cara cara orange juice in the olive relish.

8. Easy Strawberry Bruschetta

Tangy balsamic glaze cuts right through the sweetness of summer strawberries and creamy goat cheese. Pair it with your favorite Pinot Grigio and lazy dinner is served.

9. Nectarine Fig Burrata Bruschetta

Using fresh figs and nectarines keeps the cook time to a minimum, but we're betting a few minutes on the grill would bring out all the fruits' sweetness.

10. Tomato, Salami And Chunky Arugula-basil Pesto Bruschetta

The homemade pesto spread is super rustic, since the ingredients are mashed together in a bowl instead of puréed in a blender or food processor. It's just the starter for an old-school Italian main, like pasta alla Norma.

11. Greek Bruschetta

Come for the refreshing combination of cucumber, cherry tomatoes and herbs. Stay for the creamy hummus and feta crumbles. Dare we suggest using toasted pita points instead of baguette?

12. Roasted Cherry Tomato And Whipped Feta Toast Points

So gorgeous, and yet a total cinch to put together. Seriously—the hardest part is waiting 20 minutes for the tomatoes to roast in the oven.

13. Tropical Breakfast Bruschetta

Y'all, it tastes like the beach. Think baked, sugared pieces of baguette topped with vanilla Greek yogurt, fresh fruit and toasted macadamia nuts. Feel free to use whatever tropical fruit you have, like kiwi, coconut flakes or papaya.

14. Classic Bruschetta With Cheese

There's only one way the O.G. mix of Roma tomatoes, balsamic vinaigrette, garlic and fresh basil could get any better—with a handful of shredded mozzarella.

15. Avocado Bruschetta

Yup, your favorite breakfast fruit can do more than just avo toast and guacamole. Its buttery flavor and creamy texture are just what this mélange of zippy balsamic and juicy tomatoes calls for.

16. Smashed Pea Bruschetta

Spring produce in all its glory. The peas are smashed with fresh mint, rice vinegar, diced chiles and lemon before being topped with homemade pickled radishes.

17. Elote Bruschetta

If chips and salsa are getting stale at your weekly Taco Tuesday dinner, look no further than this corn-kissed alternative. The bread is spread with lime-cotija mayonnaise before being topped with charred corn.

18. Bruschetta Baked Brie

This isn't just a wheel of Brie baked to gooey perfection and topped with tomato bruschetta. The cheese is baked *inside* a hulled-out loaf of sourdough bread (!!!).

19. Zucchini And Ricotta Salata Bruschetta

Sprinkling the zucchini with salt ahead of assembling is key. They contain a ton of water, so sweating them in a colander to drain will keep the crostini from losing its crunch later on.

20. Beet Bruschetta With Goat Cheese

Good things come to those who wait, including this spring appetizer. The garlicky beets take about an hour to turn fork tender, but your patience will most definitely be rewarded.

21. Brunch Bruschetta Bar

So many of the components can be made ahead, like the sun-dried tomato muhammara, basil pesto or marinated cherry tomatoes. On the big day, just lay out all the toppings, spreads and cheeses so your guests can assemble their own crostini.

22. Bruschetta Tart With Whipped Goat Cheese

We never thought we'd say this, but you won't even miss the bread—promise. Bookmark it now to serve at Mother's Day brunch later.

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22 Easy (but Fancy) Bruschetta Recipe Ideas to Try at Home (24)

Taryn Pire

Food Editor

Taryn Pire is PureWow’s food editor and has been writing about all things delicious since 2016. She’s developed recipes, reviewed restaurants and investigated food trends at...

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22 Easy (but Fancy) Bruschetta Recipe Ideas to Try at Home (2024)

FAQs

How to make bruschetta Martha Stewart? ›

Combine tomatoes, oil, 1 tablespoon salt, and pepper to taste in a large bowl. Toast cut side of baguette halves on grill or under broiler 1 to 2 minutes. While still hot, lightly rub cut surface with garlic. Spoon tomato mixture over bread with a slotted spoon, then add onion.

What is the topping on bruschetta called? ›

food blogger Author has 2.9K answers and 48M answer views. · 1y. Though the whole thing is usually called bruschetta, the topping is called the condiment.

What type of tomato is most commonly used for bruschetta? ›

Something sweet and juicy, like heirloom tomatoes, tomatoes, vine tomatoes or Roma tomatoes. If making bruschetta when tomatoes are not in season, I recommend using grape or cherry tomatoes instead. Garlic – We will use just a clove to rub on the bread! Oil – The best extra-virgin olive oil you can afford!

What to eat with bruschetta for dinner? ›

The best side dishes to serve with bruschetta are Caprese salad, prosciutto wrapped melon, marinated olives, scrambled eggs, butternut squash, Italian sausage, pork tenderloin, zucchini noodles, grilled vegetables, antipasto platter, Caesar salad, stuffed cherry peppers, and pasta salad.

Why does my bruschetta taste bitter? ›

If your bruschetta is bitter, it's likely because the tomatoes you used were not ripe enough. Be sure to use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best flavor.

What are the ingredients in Maretti bruschetta? ›

WHEAT Flour, Vegetable Oil (Sunflower Oil, Antioxidant: Rosemary Extract), Corn Mix 13% (Corn Meal Extrudate, Skimmed MILK Powder, Dried Gluten, Stabilizer: Guar Gum; Dextrose), Tomato, Olives and Oregano Seasoning 6% (Dextrose, Salt, Corn Starch, Tomato Powder 9%, Onion Powder, Dried Parsley, Yeast Extract, Garlic ...

Why is my bruschetta watery? ›

Peel and gut your tomatoes

Tomato skins and seeds can be bitter, and removing them improves the flavor and texture of your bruschetta topping. Seeds and skin also contain extra water, which can make your bruschetta runny and your toast points soggy.

What is a fun fact about bruschetta? ›

Bruschetta traces its roots back to ancient Rome, where peasants created a simple dish by grilling leftover bread over an open fire. This practice allowed them to make use of stale bread and add flavor to their meals. The word “bruschetta” comes from the Italian verb “bruscare,” which means “to roast over coals.”

What to use in bruschetta instead of basil? ›

What Can I Use Instead of Basil in Bruschetta? Fresh basil is considered a key ingredient in bruschetta, so it is worth seeking out fresh basil to make this classic recipe. If you must use a basil substitute, try some oregano, thyme, or marjoram in your bruschetta recipe.

Should I remove seeds from tomatoes for bruschetta? ›

Take the extra effort to peel and seed large tomatoes

Not only can thick tomato skins and bitter seeds add a less-than-desirable flavor and texture to your topping, but seeds add extra water, which can make your toasts runny and even soggy.

How long does homemade bruschetta last in the fridge? ›

Once the bread is lightly toasted, rub garlic on each slice and spoon on the tomato mixture. Drizzle with the balsamic glaze, if desired, and enjoy! Store any excess bruschetta in a sealed, airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Is bruschetta good or bad for you? ›

The primary ingredient in Bruschetta is tomatoes and as you already know tomatoes are extremely good for health. They are packed with Vitamin C, Vitamin K1, folate and potassium. Moreover, they are also a rich source of antioxidants such as Chlorogenic Acid that is known to help lower blood pressure.

Can bruschetta be a meal? ›

It's delicious just like that or, better yet, topped with fresh, flavorful combinations for the ultimate open-faced sandwich. Typically, bruschetta is a snack, first course or an appetizer, but I think of bruschetta more as a meal. I like to top this grilled bread with simple toppings and serve them with a green salad.

How to properly eat bruschetta? ›

I always use one hand to hold the bruschetta, and the other hand in a cup under the bread. This way, when small pieces of tomato inevitably fall, they land in my hand and not on the table cloth. I've had good luck eating it this way.

Why is my bruschetta soggy? ›

If the bread is only lightly toasted, it might not be able to withstand the moisture from the tomato mixture. 2. Too Much Topping or Dressing: Overloading the bread with too much tomato mixture or dressing can make it soggy.

What's the difference between crostini and bruschetta? ›

The main difference between these two toasts is that crostini is often thinly sliced, while bruschetta is usually served in thicker slices and drizzled with olive oil before it's toasted. The standard topping is diced tomato mixed with olive oil, garlic and Italian herbs—delicious, but a little boring.

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