Bruschetta With Balsamic Glaze Recipe

Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze is an easy, flavorful appetizer that comes together in minutes with just a few simple ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and basil. This quick and affordable finger food will have your guests raving, making it the perfect starter for any gathering. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both delicious and effortless, this bruschetta is your go-to!

Original post: November 2010 | Updated: January 2022 and December 2024

Why This Recipe Works

• Such an easy appetizer, made using just a few simple ingredients.
• Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze is such a simple finger food to throw together with a huge flavor profile. 
• Guests rave every single time I serve this easy tomato bruschetta and they have no idea that I spent mere minutes making it. 
• Perfect starter for any gathering.
• Such a great recipe, involving the perfect combination of ingredients, including tomatoes, garlic, balsamic vinegar and basil.
• If you are searching for an easy, affordable, quick appetizer to make that people will rave about, this is it!

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Recipe Ingredients

• Tomatoes – Chopped Roma tomatoes work great for this recipe, but other varieties may be used such as grape tomatoes, cherry tomatoes (halved), vine-on tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, fresh garden tomatoes or plum tomatoes. As long as you have approximately 4 cups total chopped ripe tomatoes, you’re all set!
  Whichever variety of fresh tomatoes you use, be sure to chop them into small, bite-sized pieces.
• Basil – 1/3 cup fresh basil can be replaced with up to 2 teaspoons dried basil. Fresh fragrant basil is always best!
• Parmesan cheese – Grated and shaved Parmesan cheese can be used interchangeably.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic can be replaced with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
• Balsamic vinegar – Increase the amount of balsamic vinegar used for an even stronger flavor. Do not exceed 1/4 cup total.
• Olive Oil – Use good quality extra virgin olive oil.
• Seasonings – Salt and black pepper make a simple, delicious seasoning combo.
• Bread – Use a sturdy bread to hold the tomato spread, such as French bread, a French baguette, rustic Italian bread, crostini or any similar variety.

How to Make Bruschetta With Balsamic Glaze

Step 1

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

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 in a single layer.

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

Step 3

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

Recipe Notes

• 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.
• An extra little treat would be to top each toasted baguette slice with feta cheese, goat cheese or creamy burrata just before serving.
• A pinch of salt sprinkled over the tops of the fresh homemade bruschetta before serving adds a delicious touch.
• Set the final appetizers on a serving platter and give them a final drizzle of balsamic glaze for an impressive presentation.

What Bread To Use For Bruschetta

Traditional bruschetta is made with a wide, full slice of toasted rustic Italian bread. In the U.S. it is common to make it using French bread, baguette slices or any type of crusty bread.

Is Bruschetta Served Warm or Cold

Bruschetta can be served right as you pull the bread out from the oven. 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 right as the party is starting, you can serve it at room temperature.

How To Serve Bruschetta

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.

What To Serve With Bruschetta

Classic bruschetta is typically served as an appetizer, so serve it with other finger foods and smaller bites of food. Options include antipasto skewers, hot or cold dips served with veggies and crackers, party meatballs and cocktail wieners.

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.

More Finger Food Recipes

• Homemade Pretzel Bites With Ham and Cheese
• Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
• Deviled Eggs
• Mushrooms Stuffed With Crab
• Antipasto Skewers
• Baked Potato Rounds

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