Tomato Bruschetta | Joyful Healthy Eats

Tomato bruschetta is the quintessential summer appetizer! We keep it simple with sweet, ripe tomatoes, garlic-infused oil, and fresh basil, all layered onto crusty bread and drizzled with an irresistible balsamic reduction.
I think I have told you before, but one of my favorite ‘make-shift’ date nights with Mike is to make a big spread of appetizers (hello, Baked Goat Cheese Dip and Spinach Artichoke Dip Wonton Bites!), open a bottle of wine, and curl up on the couch with my sweet husband and watch a movie. This tomato bruschetta recipe has quickly become one my favorites to make for that dine-in date night!
Why This Is The Best Tomato Bruschetta Recipe
This is a recipe that keeps it simple, which means every ingredient really shines! Here’s why this bruschetta has become a date night staple in our home, and why you’ll love it too:
- Light and summery. What I love about this tomato bruschetta is that it has such a fresh flavor. It’s light and super easy to make, perfect to munch on during the summer when all the vegetables and fresh herbs are bountiful.
- A balance of flavors and colors. I am all about tomatoes, so I decided to use two different colors to add a little more color to the bruschetta, mixed it with basil from my garden, and topped it off with a homemade garlic olive oil.
- That balsamic reduction. I may or may not consider balsamic reduction to be its very own food group. If you’ve had it before then you understand. But if you haven’t… go make some now! It’s a simple way to add tons of flavor to any recipe with just a little touch.
What You’ll Need
You only need a short list of ingredients for this recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card to find the ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.
- Olive oil – For infusing with garlic and toasting the bread.
- Garlic – Adds a bold flavor that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Red and yellow cherry tomatoes – You could use all red, but I love adding yellow tomatoes for variety. Feel free to work in some other colors too!
- Basil – For a fragrant, herbaceous touch.
- Salt and pepper – Flaky sea salt and freshly ground pepper are especially good.
- Bread – Choose a crusty loaf like a baguette for the best texture.
- Balsamic Reduction – Follow the link for a simple recipe and more tips.
Tips and Variations
These tips will guarantee perfect tomato bruschetta!
- Choose the right bread. Use a crusty baguette or ciabatta for the best texture and flavor. Softer bread types, like Italian bread, tend to get soggy.
- Add cheese. Add slices of fresh mozzarella onto the toast before adding the tomatoes and balsamic reduction, or add shaved Parmesan over the tops of the bruschetta.
- Grill the bread. For a smoky touch, I like to toast the bread slices on a grill during the summer.
Serving Suggestions
It’s easier for guests if you assemble the bruschetta on a platter before serving it, so everyone can just grab them and enjoy. But if you’re throwing an open house type of party—the kind where snacks are left out for a few hours—you may want to let your guests assemble their own bruschetta to keep the toasts from getting soggy. Set out the bread on a platter with a bowl of the tomato topping and the balsamic reduction in a squeeze bottle.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftover tomato bruschetta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store the toasts at room temperature for 2 to 3 days.
Description
Tomato bruschetta is the quintessential summer appetizer! We keep it simple with sweet, ripe tomatoes, garlic-infused oil, and fresh basil, all layered onto crusty bread and drizzled with an irresistible balsamic reduction.
- Make Balsamic Reduction.
- Heat small skillet to medium low heat, add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil to pan.
- Next add minced garlic cloves.
- Saute for 2-3 minutes on low, do not burn! As soon as it becomes fragrant remove it from the heat.
- In a small bowl, add halved cherry tomatoes, halved yellow cherry tomatoes, basil, salt, pepper, and garlic olive oil.
- Toss to coat everything. Season with salt & pepper to taste.
- Heat a large saute pan to medium high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to pan then add slices of bread. Saute each slice for 2-3 minutes on each side, until toasted. Repeat process until all bread is toasted.
- Serve fresh tomato bruschetta with balsamic reduction.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices + bruschetta
- Calories: 181
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 216 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg