A simple and fresh appetizer,Summer Tomato Bruschettabrings lively flavors of tomato and basil to crunchy, well-buttered slices of toasted baguette.

small slices of bread on a white sheet pan with red tomatoes and a white bowl of chopped tomatoes with green basil for summer tomato bruschetta and a silver spoon.

Tomatoes are one of those veggies that are splendid in so many forms. Baked into plump and burstable bites, roasted and pureed into adecadent pasta sauce,restaurant-style salsa, or part of afresh summer salad, tomatoes add a bit of freshness and low-key tang to everything they mingle with, and thisSummer Tomato Bruschettais no different.

Bruschetta is an appetizer that always seemed so fancy—until I made it and realized justhow easy it is! The toughest part is toasting bread, and we all know a 5-year-old can do that. Bruschetta is kind of like your favorite shoes in that way; you can dress it up or down, and it’s lovely in either scenario.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This comes togetherso fastand is a total crowd-pleaser, whether that crowd is your family on a crazy Tuesday night or a group coming together to celebrate something major.
Just afew ingredientsare all that’s needed for this simple but tasty appetizer.
A perfect summer lunch, party food, or side dish when summer tomatoes and basil are plentiful!

Recipe Ingredients

Tomatoes –yes,vine-ripened summer tomatoeswill definitely give you the most amazing flavor!
Fresh basil leaves
Olive oil
Balsamic vinegar –use your favorite balsamic vinegar
Baguette –grab a pre-made loaf or make your ownhomemade classic French baguette
Butter –for brushing the bread, though you can use olive oil as well

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How to Make Summer Tomato Bruschetta

Chop tomatoes and basil and add to a bowl.
Add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and salt and pepper, stirring to combine.
Slice the bread, butter on one side, and toast in the oven for a few minutes.
Top bread slices with tomato mixture.

Recipe FAQs

Is bruschetta the bread or the topping?

Many people don’t realize it’s actually the bread! Bruschetta (pronounced “broo-sketta”) comes from the Italian word bruscare, which means to char or toast. That’s why getting a perfect, crunchy toast on the baguette slices is so key. It turns them into ideal carriers for the tomato topping!

Should bruschetta be served warm or cold?

Summer Tomato Bruschetta is best when you toast the bread and then let it cool for several minutes before topping it with the tomato mix. The baguette slices should be a little warm and crisp, but not steaming hot. Keep the tomato mixture cool or at room temperature for serving!

How do you keep bruschetta crisp?

After toasting the baguette slices, let them cool for several minutes on a wire rack. If you don’t serve them immediately, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container separately from the tomato topping.

bowl of bruschetta garnished with fresh basil and a whole loaf then some of the crisped bread pieces.

Expert Tips

Thebest way to serve bruschettais to let the bread cool a bit on a wire rack after removing it from the oven and then topping with the tomato mixture and eating right way. So dreamy!
Bruschetta is aquick and simple appetizerthat’s made even easier with buying a good baguette loaf and using olive oil on the bread before toasting. Save the steps of making your own bread and waiting for butter to come to room temp.
For the Best Bruschetta Ever,rub a peeled clove of fresh garlic on the crusty side of each toast before serving.

small slices of bread with a few having a pile of cut tomatoes with green pieces of basil.

What to Serve With Summer Tomato Bruschetta

This is such a tasty appetizer to go with any meal that has fresh, summery flavors or Italian dishes. MyItalian-style Chicken and Mushroom SouporMeaty Margherita Pizzawould be excellent options to follow this bruschetta.