Bruschetta With Balsamic Glaze Recipe

Name: Bruschetta With Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Ingredients: 8 Roma tomatoes (diced); 1/3 cup fresh basil (chopped); 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated, divided); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar; 1 tsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 8 slices French bread (cut to 1-inch thickness)

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Tomatoes marinated in basil, oil, balsamic vinegar and garlic is the perfect topping for this bruschetta with balsamic glaze recipe. It is the perfect little finger food for any gathering. Get ready to knock people’s socks off!

Tomato mixture on top of pieces of French bread slices, sitting next to a cutting board.

Original post: November 2010 | Updated: January 2022

Why This Recipe Works

Bruschetta is not an appetizer I typically think to make, but when I do I am SO glad I did. It is such a simple finger food to throw together with such a huge flavor profile. Guests rave every single time I serve this yummy party food and they have no idea that I spent mere minutes making it.

This recipe in particular is super flavorful and delicious. I am always a huge fan of anything overflowing with tomatoes, especially when it also involves garlic (yum), balsamic vinegar and basil.

If you are searching for an easy, affordable, quick appetizer to make the masses rave, this bruschetta with balsamic glaze is IT!

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Recipe Ingredients

Tomatoes, French bread, basil and other ingredients on a white backdrop meant for making bruschetta.

Tomatoes – Chopped Roma tomatoes work great for this recipe, but other varieties may be used such as cherry tomatoes (halved), vine-on tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes or plum tomatoes. As long as you have approximately 4 cups total chopped tomatoes, you’re all set!
Basil – 1/3 cup fresh basil can be replaced with up to 2 teaspoons dried basil.
Parmesan cheese – Grated and shaved Parmesan cheese can be used interchangeably.
Balsamic vinegar – Increase the amount of balsamic vinegar used for an even stronger flavor. Do not exceed 1/4 cup.
Bread – Use a sturdy bread to hold the tomato spread, such as French bread, rustic Italian bread, crostini or any similar variety.

How to Make Bruschetta With Balsamic Glaze

Step 1

In a small bowl, toss together tomatoes, basil, 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, garlic, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, kosher salt and pepper.

Mixing bowl filled with chopped tomatoes, basil and parmesan cheese.

Mix well. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 2

Just before serving, preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line bread slices on a baking sheet.

Tomato spread mixture in a bowl, sitting next to a baking sheet lined with french bread slices.

Spoon the tomato mixture over the tops. Sprinkle remaining parmesan cheese over the tops.

Bread slices on a baking sheet lined up, and a spoon dropping a tomato mixture over the top of a few of them.

Step 3

Bake in the preheated oven for 3-5 minutes, or until bread is lightly golden around the edges and the tomato mixture is warmed through.

Serving Options

Option 1 – Toast the French bread with tomato mixture spread on top in a 400-degree oven for 3-5 minutes for a warm appetizer.

Option 2 – Toast the bread by itself in a 400-degree oven for 3-4 minutes and then add the chilled tomato mixture to the top for a cold appetizer.

Recipe Notes

Whichever type of tomatoes you use, be sure to chop into small, bite-sized pieces.
Leftovers should be stored separately, if possible. Spoon the tomato spread into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bread should be stored separately, in a sealed bag or container at room temperature.

Top view of bruschetta lined up on a counter.

FAQ About Bruschetta

Can you freeze bruschetta?

Bruschetta can be frozen, but will lose freshness if you go this route. When freezing, transfer the tomato mixture to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 4 months. Freeze bread separately.

What bread to use for bruschetta?

Traditional bruschetta is made with a whole, wide full slice of toasted rustic Italian bread. A crostini is better known for using a smaller slice of textured bread with a variety of toppings. In the U.S. it’s common to find it made using French bread or a baguette.

What to serve with bruschetta?

Bruschetta is typically served as an appetizer, so serve alongside other finger foods and bites of food. Options include antipasto skewers, hot or cold dips served with veggies and crackers and cocktail wieners.

Is bruschetta served warm or cold?

Bruschetta can be served right as you pull the bread out from the broiler or off the grill. The bread is best served when the slices are warm and just slightly crispy but still chewy inside. If you don’t have time to prepare the bread as the party is about to start, you can always serve the bruschetta room temperature. But you’ll enjoy freshly grilled bruschetta best.

What goes on bruschetta?

Bruschetta does not use a smooth sauce, but is well-known for a chunky tomato spread mixed with onions, garlic and olive oil, topped with Parmesan cheese.

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Close up of balsamic bruschetta lined up on a counter.

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