Name: Bruschetta Crostinis
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 37 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: For the Tomato Bruschetta:; 6 Roma tomatoes (1 1/2 lbs), diced; 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped; 5 garlic cloves, minced and divided; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Balsamic glaze (optional, for serving); For the Crostini Toasts:; 1 baguette; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese

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A classic Italian appetizer, these Bruschetta Crostinis are made with juicy marinated Roma tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and a touch of balsamic—all served over crispy, golden parmesan toasts. Bursting with vibrant flavor and effortless charm, they’re the perfect bite-sized snack for any occasion, from elegant gatherings to casual dinners.

Bruschetta Crostinis

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A fresh and flavorful appetizer everyone loves
Easy to prepare with simple, wholesome ingredients
Crispy, cheesy toasts topped with juicy, herby tomatoes
A perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy
Great for entertaining or meal-prepping ahead
Marinated tomato mixture can be made in advance
Customizable with additional toppings if desired
Light and vegetarian-friendly
Elegant presentation with minimal effort
Ready in just over 30 minutes

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Tomato Bruschetta:

6 Roma tomatoes (1½ lbs), diced
⅓ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
5 garlic cloves, minced and divided
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Balsamic glaze (optional, for serving)

For the Crostini Toasts:

1 baguette
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese

Directions

Make the Bruschetta Topping:

Dice the Roma tomatoes and drain any excess juice.
Slice the basil leaves into thin ribbons and combine with the tomatoes.
Mix 1 teaspoon of the minced garlic with olive oil and set aside.
Add the remaining garlic to the tomato mixture.
Season with balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
Let marinate for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

Prepare the Crostinis:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Slice the baguette diagonally into ½-inch thick slices.
Place slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Brush both sides of each slice with the garlic-infused olive oil.
Sprinkle the tops with shredded parmesan cheese.
Bake for 5 minutes, then broil for 1–2 minutes until golden and crisp.

To Serve:

Arrange the crostinis on a serving platter.
Spoon the marinated tomato mixture on top of each toast just before serving.
Optionally, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil or a balsamic glaze for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Servings and timing

Servings: 24 bruschetta toasts
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 7 minutes
Marinating Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 37 minutes
Calories: Approximately 62 kcal per toast

Variations

Add Cheese: Top with small pieces of fresh mozzarella or burrata for a richer bite.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato mixture.
Pesto Drizzle: Add a light drizzle of pesto along with or instead of balsamic glaze.
Heirloom Tomatoes: Use a variety of colorful heirloom tomatoes for a more vibrant presentation.
Garlic-Rubbed Toasts: Rub fresh garlic on the crostinis after toasting for extra garlic flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free baguette or toast rounds.
Herbed Oil: Use basil- or rosemary-infused olive oil for brushing the bread.
Olive Addition: Add chopped kalamata or green olives for a briny touch.
Roasted Garlic: Use roasted garlic in place of raw garlic for a mellow, sweet flavor.
Vegan Version: Simply ensure your parmesan is plant-based or omit it entirely.

Storage/Reheating

Tomato Mixture: Can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Stir before using.
Crostinis: Store cooled crostinis in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Re-crisp crostinis in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes if needed.
Assembled: Best served immediately after topping to prevent sogginess.

FAQs

Can I make the bruschetta topping ahead of time?

Yes, the tomato mixture can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the fridge. Just stir before serving.

How do I keep the crostinis from getting soggy?

Wait to top the crostinis until just before serving. Toasting the bread well also helps keep them crisp.

What type of bread is best for crostinis?

A French or Italian baguette is ideal for its firmness and ability to toast without falling apart.

Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of Roma?

Yes, just make sure to dice them finely and drain excess juice to avoid a watery topping.

Is the balsamic glaze necessary?

Not at all—it’s optional but adds a nice tangy sweetness. You can skip it or replace it with a drizzle of pesto or olive oil.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

Fresh basil is best, but in a pinch, you can use 1–1½ teaspoons of dried basil.

What’s the best way to cut the basil?

Stack the leaves, roll them tightly, and slice into thin ribbons using a sharp knife (a technique called chiffonade).

Are bruschetta and crostini the same thing?

Not exactly. Crostini refers to the toasted bread, while bruschetta refers to the tomato topping. Together, they make bruschetta crostinis.

Can I add other toppings?

Yes! Diced avocado, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or even a dollop of whipped feta all make great additions.

How do I serve these at a party?

You can toast the crostinis and serve the tomato mixture on the side, allowing guests to assemble their own for maximum freshness.

Conclusion

Bruschetta Crostinis are a deliciously simple appetizer that packs a punch of flavor and freshness. With garlicky parmesan toast and a juicy tomato-basil topping, they’re an elegant crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just craving a flavorful snack, this timeless Italian bite never disappoints.