Bruschetta (broo-SKEH-tah) is a traditional Italian appetizer that consists of grilled bread rubbed with garlic and topped with olive oil, salt, and various toppings. The most common topping is a mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella cheese. But in this recipe, I used Vienna bread because it’s bigger than a baguette or French bread. I also sliced it diagonally to make each slice larger. I skipped the mozzarella cheese and focused on basil and grape tomatoes to keep it healthy for dinner.

Bruschetta is often served as an appetizer, so enjoy it with friends or family before your main meal. It’s a great way to start any gathering or meal. I like my Toasted Basil and Tomato Bruschetta with light red wine! How about you?

How to Make Toasted Basil and Tomato Bruschetta
- Combine all the topping ingredients in a bowl and mix gently. Set the mixture aside.
- Next, preheat your oven to 350°F. This temperature is perfect for toasting the bread without burning it.
- Let’s now ready our bread! Brush olive oil on one side of the Vienna bread slices. This adds flavor and helps the bread crisp up. Arrange the bread on a baking tray, facing the brushed slices open.
- Bake the bread for 5 to 6 minutes. This will give it a nice, golden-brown color and a crunchy texture.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly. This makes it easier to handle and prevents the toppings from making it soggy.
- Generously top each olive-brushed slice with the tomato and basil mixture. Enjoy your Toasted Basil and Tomato Bruschetta! Bon Appetit!

Bruschetta as a Side Dish
This Toasted Basil and Tomato Bruschetta is best paired with pasta dishes, and luckily, I have lots of suggestions for you!
- Caprese Pasta Salad – Don’t shy away from another healthy plate. This Caprese Salad is perfect for adding another Mediterranean touch to your table.
- Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti – Because of the grape tomatoes, this Toasted Basil and Tomato Bruschetta can be a bit tomato-y. To balance it out, you need some cream, which this pasta will provide.
- Garlic Shrimp Pasta – There’s a reason why garlic pairs well with bread, and since our Toasted Basil and Tomato Bruschetta recipe only has 2 cloves of it, let this seafood pasta bring that garlicky goodness to the table.
- Pasta Puttanesca – If you want a similar taste but with a slightly salty addition, this other Italian pasta is a great main course to pair with your bruschetta side dish!
Toasted Basil and Tomato Bruschetta
Ingredients
- 3 to 5 slices Italian bread Vienna bread
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
Topping
- 3 cups grape tomato sliced in half
- 6 pieces fresh basil leaves sliced into thin strips
- 2 cloves garlic crushed and minced
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
- A pinch of ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the toping by combining all the topping ingredients in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.4 tablespoons olive oil, 3 cups grape tomato, 6 pieces fresh basil leaves, 2 cloves garlic, 1 ½ teaspoons balsamic vinegar, 1/8 teaspoon sea salt, A pinch of ground black pepper
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Brush olive oil on one side of the Vienna bread. Arrange the bread in a baking tray. Bake for 5 to 6 minutes.1 ½ tablespoons olive oil, 3 to 5 slices Italian bread
- Remove from the oven. Let cool.
- Generously top with the tomato and basil mixture. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition

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