Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta Recipe

Bruschetta is an incredibly easy appetizer to make for gatherings. The mix of tomatoes, garlic and basil pair so nicely with toasted bread or as a topping to a weeknight meal. Level up this traditional Italian recipe by using peak-freshness heirloom tomatoes and you'll be sure to keep making it time and time again!

What is Bruschetta?

Bruschetta is typically a tomato-based Italian chunky sauce. It's usually served on top of toasted bread, or crostini, but it can also be a dip or appetizer. However, bruschetta can also be served on top or alongside of chicken breasts or flatbreads for a burst of flavor.

This recipe uses heirloom tomatoes which offer the dish a special sweetness that compliments the rest of the ingredients. Any tomatoes will do in this recipe but heirlooms are highly recommended!

Aside from tomatoes, bruschetta also calls for fresh basil, garlic, extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The mix of these ingredients blend together into a sort of marinade for the tomatoes which then create the signature taste of bruschetta.

Why You'll Love This Bruschetta Recipe

• It's more than an appetizer. Bruschetta can be served on top of flatbreads or even chicken breasts - it'll make for a different take on a weeknight staple!
• Heirloom tomatoes shine bright in this! While any ripe tomatoes work in this recipe, heirlooms are bright and sweet, which make them a perfect match with the rest of the punchy ingredients in this recipe.
• It comes together so easily and quickly. Bruschetta is one of those dishes you probably already have all the ingredients for so it's perfect for whipping together when you have last-minute guests or don't know what to make for dinner.
• It's great for making ahead. Since the tomatoes marinate in the olive oil and balsamic vinegar, bruschetta is great to make ahead of time - about 24 hours ahead of time, to be exact.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Heirloom tomatoes. This tomato variety is the best for extra sweet tomatoes. While you can really use any kind of tomato you have on hand for bruschetta, heirlooms really take this recipe over the edge in terms of taste.
• Garlic. Make sure to dice it finely so it blends in!
• Basil. The herby flavors marry so well with the sweetness in the tomatoes. Also remember - the fresher the basil, the better.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Splurge on the good stuff and thank me later.
• Balsamic Vinegar. This helps round out the sweetness and intensifies the juices - which is a good thing!

Do I Have to Use Heirloom Tomatoes for This Recipe?

No, you don't have to use heirloom tomatoes for this bruschetta recipe - you can use any tomato you have on hand. However, heirlooms have a special type of taste - a sweet, almost fruity taste, that make this bruschetta recipe extra flavorful.

Step-By-Step Instructions for this Bruschetta Recipe

1. Mix in your ingredients. In a large bowl, pour in your tomatoes, garlic, basil, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar and salt. Mix it together well.
2. Let it rest and marinate. You want the tomatoes to release a bit of their juices and, at the same time, marinate with the rest of the ingredients. If you're serving this soon, let it rest for at least five minutes in the fridge or at room temperature, depending on your preference. If you're making this bruschetta ahead of time, let it rest for at most 24 hours in the fridge.
3. Serve. This bruschetta recipe is versatile so there are many ways to serve it. One of the most common is on top of toasted bread slices, or crostini. However, this bruschetta is perfect for serving on top of flatbreads, grilled chicken breasts or even as a dip alongside your favorite chip.

Can I Make this Bruschetta Recipe in Advance?

Yes! You can make bruschetta about one day in advance from when you're planning on serving it. The tomatoes will marinate during this time and release their natural juices so you can always drain it a bit if you don't want all those juices.

How do I Store Bruschetta?

Store bruschetta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The longer it sits, the more marinade there will be because the tomatoes will continue to release their juices. If you want your bruschetta a bit drier, you can just drain some of the marinade when it comes time to serve it.

If you decide to drain the bruschetta, don't toss the liquid. It makes for a great salad dressing or you can use it as a marinade for chicken. We love a two-in-one recipe over here!

Tips and Tricks

• Fresh is best. Since these ingredients will marinade together, make sure each ingredient is as fresh as possible to really bring out the natural flavors instead of making the whole dish taste bland and muted.
• Use extra crispy bread. If you're serving bruschetta with bread, make sure it's super crispy and toasty! The marinade in this recipe will soften the bread a bit so by starting off with very toasted piece of toast, you'll avoid getting a soggy bread before digging in!
• More time = more marinade. The longer you leave the bruschetta to marinate or the longer it's out/stored, the more marinade will come out. This is because the tomatoes will continue to release their juices. You can easily drain the bruschetta if you want it a bit drier or you can use the marinade for something else, like a pasta sauce or salad dressing!

Did you try out this recipe? I'd love to know how it went! Leave me a comment and rating below or tag me on Instagram at @AFabulousBite!