Classic Bruschetta

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Delight your guests with this Classic Bruschetta with Parmesan Cheese. An easy Bruschetta recipe that combines tomatoes, onions, garlic, basil, and olive oil topped off with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese for a vibrant flavor experience. Perfect as an appetizer or snack!

This dish makes a great addition to any meal. Skip the bread and add the tomato topping to chicken and angel hair for Bruschetta Chicken Pasta.

Or, use your favorite homemade pizza dough for an amazing bruschetta pizza, and don’t forget the cheese-stuffed breadsticks!

Bruschetta with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and basil on toast.

Tomato Bruschetta

Bruschetta with parmesan cheese is a classic Italian appetizer that can be made quickly and easily.

A traditional Bruschetta recipe calls for the tomatoes to be diced and mixed with minced garlic, basil leaves, olive oil, and salt. Then the mixture is spooned onto toasted bread slices and topped with grated parmesan cheese.

Another option is to make bruschetta with balsamic glaze. This variation adds an additional layer of flavor by drizzling on a balsamic glaze before topping it off with fresh parmesan cheese.

This adaptable recipe can also be modified to include other favorite toppings such as roasted bell peppers or even olives.

Bruschetta with parmesan cheese is a simple yet delicious dish that pairs perfectly with your favorite Italian wine or craft beer.

It makes for an easy dinner party option or a great snack when entertaining guests – just make sure you have plenty of napkins on hand!

How to Make Classic Bruschetta:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, and put the baguette slices onto a baking sheet.
  2. Bake the bread for 5 to 7 minutes until it is lightly toasted. While the bread is baking, prepare the bruschetta topping.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, onions, basil, garlic, and olive oil. Taste, and add salt and pepper.
Slices of french baguette on a baking sheet.
Bruschetta ingredients in a glass bowl.
  1. Put 1 to 2 tablespoons of the tomato mixture onto each piece of bread. Then sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over the tomato mixture.
  2. Return the bruschetta to the oven for 2 to 3 minutes so the cheese melts a little.
  3. Enjoy immediately!
Top down photo of bruschetta on a baking sheet.
Top down photo of sliced bread with bruschetta and cheese.

Tips for Success:

  • Start with good-quality tomatoes, preferably freshly picked or the freshest you’re able to purchase.
  • Slice the tomatoes into small pieces and discard any seeds to keep the dish from becoming watery.
  • Toast the bread slices in a preheated oven until they’re lightly golden brown on both sides for classic bruschetta. Or, brush garlic-infused olive oil on the bread for extra flavor and crispiness.
  • Swap the tomato mixture with olives, melons, cured meats, mushrooms, goat cheese, feta or your other favorite toppings for a variation on the classic recipe.
  • Drizzle balsamic vinegar, balsamic glaze, or extra virgin olive oil over each slice before serving!

Storage:

Refrigerator: If you need to save your bruschetta for later, simply store it in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will remain fresh for up to 3 days!

Freezer: Freezing is not recommended.

Close up photo of bruschetta on toast.

Can you use a different type of tomato?

Yes, you can use a different type of tomato for classic bruschetta. Depending on your taste preferences, you could try using cherry tomatoes or even heirloom tomatoes. 

Each tomato variety has its unique flavor profile that can add different notes to the bruschetta. Experiment with different types to find the one that best fits your tastes!

How do you keep the bread from getting soggy?

To keep the bread from getting soggy, toast it in a preheated oven until lightly golden brown on both sides before adding the tomato mixture.

You could also brush each slice with garlic-infused olive oil, which will help keep the bread crisp. 

Additionally, try to avoid adding too much of the tomato mixture onto each piece of toast and remove any extra liquid from the tomatoes before spooning them onto the bread slices. 

Finally, make sure to enjoy bruschetta immediately after preparing for optimal freshness!

Up close photo of an easy bruschetta recipe on toast.

What’s the best bread for bruschetta?

  • Ciabatta Bread – This classic Italian-style bread is the most popular choice for bruschetta due to its crunchy texture, light airy feel, and slightly sweet flavor.
  • Focaccia – This flatbread has a chewy texture and is ideal for soaking up the flavors of the tomato mixture, as well as adding an additional layer of depth with its slight olive oil taste.
  • Baguette – If you’re looking for something a bit more portable, then this long French loaf works great since it’s easy to cut into slices without crumbling apart. Its light and crispy crust goes perfectly with soft tomatoes and melted cheese topping!
  • Sourdough – The subtle tanginess from sourdough adds another layer of complexity to your bruschetta that can’t be found in any other type of bread! The chewiness also helps give each bite a nice textural contrast when combined with juicy tomatoes and melty parmesan cheese topping.
  • Garlic Toast – Adding garlic toast to your bruschetta recipe will add some extra zing thanks to its garlicky aroma and flavor! Plus, it pairs nicely with the other ingredients and has a crouton-like texture.

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Easy tomato bruschetta with fresh basil.

Classic Bruschetta

4.9 from 7 votes
Print Pin
Author: Kimberly
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings

Ingredients

  • 16 slices French baguette, or rustic sourdough loaf, toasted
  • 1 pound roma tomatoes, diced
  • ½ cup white onions, chopped
  • ½ cup fresh basil, chiffonade
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese, shredded off the block

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • Place the bread slices onto a baking sheet, and place it in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes. It should be lightly toasted. While the bread toasts, prepare the bruschetta.
    16 slices French baguette
  • In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, onions, basil, garlic, and olive oil. Taste, and add salt and pepper.
    1 pound roma tomatoes
    ½ cup white onions
    ½ cup fresh basil
    2 garlic cloves
    2 tablespoons olive oil
    Salt and pepper
  • Top each piece of bread with 1 to 2 tablespoons of the tomato mixture. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the tomato mixture.
    ¼ cup parmesan cheese
  • Return the bruschetta back to the oven for 2 to 3 minutes, and allow cheese to melt slightly.
  • Enjoy immediately! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days.

Suggested Equipment

Nutrition

Serving: 2slice | Calories: 225kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 449mg | Potassium: 239mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 576IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 116mg | Iron: 2mg

Notes

*The calories listed are an approximation based on the ingredients and a serving size of two slices of bread with tomato topping. Actual calories may vary.
*For more information, tips, and answers to frequently asked questions, please refer to the post.
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3 Comments

  1. I made this on the spur of the moment and it was excellent. Dinner was going to be late so I was looking for something to offer them while they waited. My family was impressed. I’ll do it again

    1. That’s great to hear, Betty. Thank you for coming back to comment on and rate the recipe, we appreciate it! Kim and I hope you have a wonderful day 🙂

  2. I made this on the spur of the moment and it was excellent. Dinner was going to be late so I was looking for something to offer them while they waited. My family was impressed. I’ll do it again

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