Classic Bruschetta Recipe: A Simple and Delicious Italian Appetizer
This classic bruschetta appetizer will make your mouths water just at the sight! Bruschetta (pronounced BROO – SKAY – TUH), also known as Bruschetta al Pomodoro, has been a popular dish in Italy since about the 15th century, but different forms of this dish can be traced all the way back to Ancient Rome! As one of Italy’s classic cuisines, it really captures the simplistic yet flavorful approach towards ingredients – and it doesn’t hurt that it’s ready in under 20 minutes!

Classic Bruschetta
Servings: people
Ingredients
- 3 tomatoes (diced)
- 12-15 fresh basil leaves (cut into stripes)
- 2 cloves garlic (optional)
- 4-6 slices bread
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Cut up the tomatoes and basil and add to a bowl. Add the olive oil and salt and pepper, mix gently, then cover and set in the fridge to set.
- Either toast the bread in an oven or on a grill pan. Toast them enough to be crunchy on the outside yet soft inside.
- Optional: if you are someone who does like the flavor of garlic, this would be the time to actually take a whole garlic clove (peeled) and rub it onto the bread. The rough texture will essentially grate the garlic onto the bread for a light flavor since whole chunks of garlic are not traditionally added to this dish.
- Add the marinated bruschetta mixture on top of the bread and serve!
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As someone who’s travelled extensively in Italy, I can say this bruschetta recipe is the real deal. It takes me right back to the trattorias of Tuscany. The tomatoes and basil are so refreshing, and the crunchy bread with the garlic rub – just yum! This is authentically Italian and I appreciate it. 🍞🍅
So fresh and vibrant. It was a hit with my picky eater kids too. Love how the garlic flavor is present but not overpowering.
I really like the idea of marinating the tomato and basil mixture – It definitely elevates the taste
Made it for a family thing recently. My cousin is a chef in NY and she thought these were super tasty.