My Grilled Bruschetta is smoky, garlicky, and fresh. With grilled bread, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil, it’s a classic Italian appetizer. Rubbing a garlic clove on warm crusty bread adds bold flavor, while the tomato topping brings natural sweetness. A great appetizer or side dish, perfect for the summer months with a great bottle of our favorite wine!
What is Bruschetta?
Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer that starts with grilled bread rubbed with a garlic clove and topped with fresh tomatoes, fresh basil, and extra virgin olive oil.
Traditionally, the bread is toasted over a charcoal grill or grill pan until it develops nice grill marks and a golden brown crust. The combination of smoky bread and bright, fresh toppings makes it a favorite for warm-weather meals.
The tomato topping is simple but full of flavor, often made with juicy tomatoes, kosher salt, and sometimes a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Served as a great appetizer or first course, bruschetta is a staple in Italian cuisine, especially during the summer months when heirloom tomatoes are at their peak.
Looking for more? Try my Caprese Crostini, Roasted Pepper Caprese, Basil Whipped Feta Dip, and Caprese Skewers.
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🌟 Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Tomato lovers, rejoice! This recipe lets juicy tomatoes shine in all their glory, soaking into grilled bread for the ultimate fresh bite.
- Garlic magic happens here. Rubbing a garlic clove onto warm, toasty crusty bread gives it just the right kick—no mincing, no fuss, just pure flavor.
- Smoky, crispy, and summer-approved. Nothing beats the taste of nice grill marks on bread paired with a bright, herby tomato topping—perfect for the summer months and best enjoyed with a great bottle of our favorite wine!
🥘 Ingredients
- Crusty Bread – The perfect base for this dish, offering a crisp, golden brown crunch that soaks up all the flavorful juices. Sourdough bread or Italian bread works best.
- Garlic Clove – Rubbing a cut garlic clove onto warm grilled bread infuses it with bold, aromatic flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Vine-Ripened Tomatoes – Fresh, juicy tomatoes bring brightness and a natural sweetness. Letting them sit with kosher salt helps release their delicious juices.
- Fresh Basil – The perfect herb to complement the tomato topping. Tearing the basil leaves instead of chopping preserves their delicate aroma and freshness.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – A high-quality olive oil enhances the fresh ingredients and ties everything together with a rich, smooth finish.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning, bringing out the natural flavors of the tomatoes and balancing the dish.
See recipe card for quantities.
🔪 Step by Step Instructions
Prepare the Tomatoes: Dice the vine-ripened tomatoes and place them in a medium bowl. Sprinkle with kosher salt and let them sit for about 10 minutes to release their natural juices.
Heat the Grill: Preheat a charcoal grill, gas grill, or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot. Lightly brush bread slices on both sides with extra virgin olive oil to ensure an even, golden brown crust.
Grill the Bread: Place the bread on the hot grill and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until nice grill marks appear and the edges turn crisp.
Rub with Garlic: While the bread is still warm, take a whole garlic clove and rub the cut side across the surface of each slice for an aromatic, garlicky finish.
Make the Tomato Topping: Add torn basil leaves and black pepper to the tomato mixture, then drizzle with a little more extra virgin olive oil. Stir gently to combine.
Assemble & Serve: Spoon the tomato mixture over each slice of grilled bread. Serve the grilled bruschetta immediately as a great appetizer or side dish.
👩🏼🍳 Chef's Tips
- Let the tomatoes sit! Sprinkling the diced vine-ripened tomatoes with kosher salt and letting them rest for 10 minutes helps release their natural juices, creating a more flavorful and juicy tomato topping that soaks beautifully into the grilled bread.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Add Parmesan or Mozzarella – Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top or add fresh mozzarella for a richer, creamier bite.
- Use Balsamic Vinegar – A light drizzle of balsamic vinegar or a balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and depth.
- Swap the Bread – Instead of crusty bread, try sourdough bread, baguette slices, or thick slices of sourdough for a different texture.
💭 Recipe FAQs
Yes! You can prepare the tomato mixture up to a few hours in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature if serving soon or in the fridge for longer storage. Before assembling the grilled bruschetta, let it come back to room temperature and drain any excess accumulated juices to keep the grilled bread from getting soggy.
🥣 Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover tomato mixture in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours or in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before serving. Grilled bread is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in a paper bag at room temperature for a few hours and reheat it briefly on a grill pan to crisp it back up.
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🥗 Pairing Recommendations
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a 5-star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating & comment below to let me know how it came out. Thanks for visiting!
📋 Recipe
Grilled Bruschetta
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Equipment
- Grill or Grill Pan
- Basting brush
- Cutting board and knife
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Tongs or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 loaf crusty bread sliced into 10 slices
- 2 garlic cloves whole
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 vine-ripened tomatoes diced
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves torn
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Dice the vine-ripened tomatoes and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle with salt and let them sit for about 10 minutes to release their natural juices and enhance the flavor.
- Grill the Bread: Lightly brush both sides of the bread slices with olive oil. Grill over high heat until lightly charred and toasted on both sides. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Rub with Garlic: While the bread is still warm, take a whole garlic clove and rub the cut side over the toasted bread to infuse it with garlic flavor.
- Make the Tomato Topping: After the tomatoes have released their juices, gently mix in the torn basil leaves and drizzle with a little more olive oil. Season with black pepper to taste.
- Assemble & Serve: Spoon the tomato mixture over each grilled bread slice. Serve immediately while warm and crispy.
🌡️ Food safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
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