Tomato Basil Bruschetta (vegan, gluten-free option)

Tomato Basil Bruschetta is a refreshing Italian appetizer and packed with so much flavor. Serve on toasted Italian or French loaf. A crowd-pleaser.

La Lanterna di Vittorio in New York City makes delicous bruschetta. My husband proposed (you can read our proposal story here) to me at this restaurant and every time we have dinner here, we order the bruschetta. The bruschetta arrives on toasty, crunchy bread flavored with red onions, and packed with so much flavor. 

I attempted to replicate La Lanterna’s version of bruschetta and I believe it turned out really good. Of course, my version has more spice. Enjoy!

Can I make Tomato Basil Bruschetta gluten-free?

Yes. Simply use a gluten-free loaf that is slightly hard, not super soft.

What is the best bread for bruschetta?

Make sure to use a long loaf of bread, I prefer French or Italian. Also, the bread loaf should not be super soft, it should be crusty. 

Tips on making Homemade Bruschetta:

• Make sure you drain the tomatoes so your bread doesn’t get soggy. This is the key to making a really good bruschetta.
• Add balsamic vinegar, this adds a hint of sweetness.
• Be sure to use an Italian or French loaf. The loaf should be slightly hard, not too soft. Bruschetta should be crunchy.
• Lastly, use a garlic clove to brush olive oil on each piece of bread before toasting. This adds a hint of garlic flavor to the bread.

Different Ideas on how to enjoy Bruschetta:

• Top the bruschetta and fresh chopped spinach over Rosemary Olive Oil Sourdough bread and cheese. Bake & toast in the oven. It’s so good.
• Add bruschetta to pasta along with cubed mozzarella for some Bruschetta Pasta Salad.
• You can enjoy bruschetta as an Italian salsa. Enjoy it with chips, pita chips, or parmesan crackers.
• Lastly, you can top the bruschetta over Ritz Crackers along with a touch of mozzarella or parmesan cheese. This makes a cute appetizer for parties.

Tomato Basil Bruschetta is:

Refreshing
Delicious
Healthyish
Party Favorite Appetizer
Vegan
Gluten-free option (see notes)

How to make Tomato Basil Bruschetta recipe step by step?

Prep

1. Chop the tomatoes.
2. Drain the tomatoes for at least 15 minutes.
3. Chop the green chilies, garlic, red onions, and julienned basil.

Make the Bruschetta

1. In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, garlic, red onion, green chilies, and basil.
2. Add olive oil.
3. Add salt, black pepper, and balsamic vinegar.
4. Mix well. Set aside for 15 minutes allowing the flavors can marry together.

Make the bread

1. In a small bowl, add a tablespoon of olive oil and a clove of garlic.
2. Drench the garlic in olive oil and spread it all over the bread.
3. Place the bread into a toaster oven and toast for 3-5 minutes until nice and toasty.
4. Top spoonfuls of bruschetta over toasted bread and serve immediately. 

 

Enjoy!

 

 

More Appetizer Recipes!

• Burrata Caprese Crostini
• Sun-dried Tomato Ricotta Crostini
• Lavash Bread Pizza
• Jalapeno Popper Garlic Bread
• Tea Party Sandwiches (desi-inspired)