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    Home » Appetizers & Drinks

    Updated: May 5, 2025 · Published: Sep 12, 2023 · by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · 32 Comments

    Roma Tomato Bruschetta

    Jump to Recipe

    Homemade Roma Tomato Bruschetta is an easy recipe with classic flavors. This is my favorite way to make it and it is super simple.  The traditional topping of ripe plum tomato and fresh basil on crusty slices of bread is an irresistible summer recipe.

    Easy Tomato Basil Bruschetta

    When summer tomatoes are in season, Italians make Bruschetta Italiana. It's the best appetizer, snack, or side dish. It is fresh, bright, & yummy. Like my recipe for Roasted Cherry Tomato Soup, tomatoes are the star.

    A quick recipe to whip up for a vegan/vegetarian option at any party. For another tasty Italian appetizer recipe, try Fig & Brie Bruschetta.

    Jump to:
    • Which Tomatoes are Best for Bruschetta
    • Ingredients for Roma Tomato Bruschetta
    • How to Make Tomato Basil Bruschetta
    • Crostini vs Bruschetta
    • Serve & Enjoy
    • Alternate & Substitute Ideas
    • Easy Tomato Basil Bruschetta
    • More Italian Appetizers

    Which Tomatoes are Best for Bruschetta

    If you grow your own tomatoes, then you know there is nothing like a freshly picked tomato that is still warm from the sun, so juicy and fragrant, and unlike anything from the store.  

    I am spoiled here in California and we grow tomatoes every year often 3+ different varieties. They aren't called the "love apple" for nothing. They really are a beloved fruit (yes fruit, not a vegetable).

    Of all the varieties, Roma tomatoes are my favorite for making bruschetta. Romas are also known as plum or Italian tomatoes. They are hearty and perfect for dicing small yet still hold their shape without getting mush or "watery" like other varieties.

    Plum tomatoes work best on this since they are easy to seed and dice. They are ideal also in my recipe for Caprese Sliders.

    Ingredients for Roma Tomato Bruschetta

    This classic recipe calls for just a few traditional ingredients. Using fresh ingredients will help make this simple recipe a 5-star appetizer. Freshly baked rustic bread, juicy vine-ripened tomatoes, & quality extra-virgin olive oil are what makes this the best bruschetta recipe.

    Small dice the roma tomatoes for the easy tomato basil bruschetta
    • Rustic Crusty Bread - Use one wider than a baguette but not as big as a flat ciabatta or focaccia.
    • Ripe Tomatoes - Medium-sized tomatoes such as Roma/Plum will work best; chopped into small dice.
    • Garlic - Fresh cloves for pungent flavor.
    • Olive Oil - Extra virgin is best.
    • Fresh Basil Leaves- The classic pairing adds a bright fresh flavor; sliced in thin ribbons.
    • Capers - Salty pungent flavors set this over the top amazing.
    • Salt & Pepper - season to taste.

    See the recipe card for amounts and full instructions.

    How to Make Tomato Basil Bruschetta

    As I mentioned this recipe for tomato bruschetta is super easy, simple, and does not require a bunch of ingredients.  Pictured below is a wide baguette I buy locally.   

    I like this because it yields toasts that are more substantial than a crostini and more like a true bruschetta but not as difficult to hold and eat.  Each one is about 2 bites.

    Crostini vs Bruschetta

    What?  Crostini?  Bruschetta?  There is a difference and they are not just synonyms for one another. As I understand it, the size of the toasted bread is different.  Crostini is typically small slices of round toasted bread. It is typically served bite-size and an appetizer portion for one would be maybe 4-5 small bites.  

    For bruschetta, the toast is larger and from a wide rustic loaf and the typical portion is 2 large slices topped with various ingredients. This recipe is between sizes but more of a bruschetta since they are bigger than bite-size.

    So what would mine be called if they are bigger than a crostini but smaller than a bruschetta -  a Croschetta?!    Should I trademark that now?

    1 - Make the Tomato Topping

    Prep the tomatoes into tiny diced pieces. Small dice ensures the topping stays on the bread pieces without falling off.

    In a medium-size serving bowl, combine all ingredients except the baguette.

    Refrigerate at least 1 hour to help infuse the flavors together- aka marinate. When ready to use, let the tomato mixture come to room temperature while you prep the bread toasts.

    Baguette on a cutting board next to roma tomatoes.

    2 - Slice and Toast the Bread

    Using a sharp bread knife, cut round slices.   Ensure the slices have the same thickness. This will help in evenly browning all the pieces and they will all be the same distance from the broiler.  This makes for the best Italian bruschetta-like toasts that are oven-baked.

    Baguette sliced & ready for toasting for Easy Tomato Basil Bruschetta

    Once sliced, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet.  You can brush them with a little bit of olive oil or leave them plain.  

    I have a refillable spray bottle filled with olive oil that I use. But I have done them plain before when I needed to make them the night before and they stay crisper that way and are just as good once the topping is added.

    Toasted slices of bread on a baking sheet.

    Toast a few minutes on each side under a low broiler. They are ready when both sides are golden brown and toasted evenly. They are ready immediately.

    Serve & Enjoy

    You can top each individual toast with a spoonful of the tomato basil mixture. This is great when wanting a passed appetizer that people grab from a tray.

    However, I like this best served separately. A bowl of tomato basil bruschetta topping placed next to the toasted bread is the way to go.

    This allows the bread to stay crispy. Plus each guest can serve themselves with as much or as little of the topping they desire.

    These are great for any snack or party buffet. I love these with my Dill Pickle Deviled Eggs, as seen below, on a lot of party tables.  

    Easy Tomato Basil Bruschetta and other party eats

    Alternate & Substitute Ideas

    Alternatives to add to this simple recipe can be done to create additional tasty recipes.  Add other ingredients or substitutes such as these:

    • Chopped anchovies
    • Diced fresh mozzarella (Caprese-style!)
    • Diced yellow, green, and red cherry tomatoes instead for a colorful twist

    Easy Tomato Basil Bruschetta served in a separate bowl next to toasted bread.

    Easy Tomato Basil Bruschetta The Short Order Cook

    Easy Tomato Basil Bruschetta

    Angela
    This traditional bruschetta combines the perfect flavors of fresh Roma tomatoes, sweet basil, salty capers, and pungent garlic.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share on Facebook
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 8
    Calories 148 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 Roma tomatoes seeded & diced small
    • 3 garlic cloves minced
    • 2 TB fresh basil leaves chopped
    • 1 TB capers
    • ¼ C olive oil
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 large wide baguette or ciabatta bread
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • In a medium-size serving bowl, combine all ingredients except the baguette.
    • Refrigerate at least 1 hour to help infuse the flavors together- aka marinate.
    • When ready to use, let the tomato mixture come to room temperature while you prep the bread toasts.
    • Slice the bread in equal thickness pieces, they should be thin enough to easily bite and eat but thick enough to hold the topping. I suggest about ¼-1/2″ thick depending on the sturdiness of your loaf.
    • Arrange slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast in the broiler on low. Each side should be light brown.
    • Once all the bread is ready, arrange it in a large serving bowl and serve it alongside the tomato-basil mixture.

    Notes

    Storing:
    • The tomato mixture will last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
    • Keep the toasted bread and the topping separate, combine then just before eating.
     
    Substitutions:
    • Cherry tomatoes are a great alternate to plum tomatoes.
    • Use gluten-free baguette or ciabatta if needed for allergy reasons or celiac. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 148kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 368mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 286IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword appetizer, easy, make ahead, no bake, snack, Spring, vegetarian, pasta, healthy, vegan
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More Italian Appetizers

    Here are some similar recipes also here on the blog that you will love too:

    • GARLIC BUTTER WINGS
    • ROASTED PROSCIUTTO-WRAPPED FIGS
    • BLACK PEPPER TARALLI
    « Coconut Milkshake
    Book Club Snack & Drink Recipes »

    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Jennifer L Markell says

      June 24, 2019 at 7:27 am

      Yum! This looks simple and delicious.

      Reply
    2. Jennifer says

      June 24, 2019 at 7:38 am

      Yum!!!! This would be fabulous with the tomatoes my kids have been growing in our garden!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        June 24, 2019 at 8:49 pm

        Bonus, I love home grown tomatoes. Plus getting the kids involved is a huge mom win.

        Reply
    3. Joanne says

      June 24, 2019 at 7:54 am

      Looks amazing! I will be trying this!

      Reply
    4. Cynthia Mackintosh says

      June 24, 2019 at 8:12 am

      This looks so simple to make and it looks so good! What a great recipe for a get together with friends!

      Reply
    5. Laura Lee says

      June 24, 2019 at 9:40 am

      I love bruschetta! I didn't know that there was a difference between it and crostini.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        June 24, 2019 at 8:51 pm

        Both are great if you ask me. I am glad to share a bit of information and have you learn something new.

        Reply
    6. Holly Bird says

      June 24, 2019 at 11:02 am

      sounds delicious!! Thanks for the quick and easy recipe!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        June 24, 2019 at 8:51 pm

        You are welcome.

        Reply
    7. Robin Frields says

      June 24, 2019 at 12:27 pm

      YUM! This looks amazing, thank you!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        June 24, 2019 at 8:52 pm

        You are welcome.

        Reply
    8. Stephanie Dee says

      June 24, 2019 at 12:35 pm

      I have a bumper crop of Roma's this year. I can't wait to try this out.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        June 24, 2019 at 8:53 pm

        Wonderful Stephanie - I have a feeling you will make this a few times this summer. When you make it, would love to hear what you think and always happy to see photos too. You can always post to my Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages and share any photos. My links are at the top & bottom of the recipe page.

        Reply
    9. Beth says

      June 24, 2019 at 2:35 pm

      That would be great (and easy) to bring to a potluck or party. Thanks!

      Reply
    10. Kymberly Irwin says

      June 24, 2019 at 2:58 pm

      Now we're talking! I love bruschetta!!! Yours looks so good!!!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        June 24, 2019 at 8:53 pm

        Thank you. I am sure you can make it look this good too.

        Reply
    11. Haley Kelley says

      June 24, 2019 at 3:01 pm

      Shared this with my friend for a baby shower that we are throwing next week! Thanks!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        June 24, 2019 at 8:54 pm

        Thank you so much Haley, I hope everyone loves it. Congrats to the mother-to-be and everyone.

        Reply
    12. Jelane says

      June 24, 2019 at 5:53 pm

      Your Easy Tomato Basil Bruschetta and Party Perfect Deviled Eggs will be perfect for my family's 4th of July party.Thanks for sharing these recipes!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        June 24, 2019 at 8:55 pm

        I am so happy to help you make your 4th of July easy and delicious! Any chance I get an invite - haha?!? Have a wonderful holiday and I hope you come back and let me know how the party was and if the recipes turned out for you.

        Reply
    13. Tricia Snow says

      June 24, 2019 at 8:30 pm

      I love how easy this looks! Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        June 24, 2019 at 8:57 pm

        You are welcome, enjoy.

        Reply
    14. jen says

      June 24, 2019 at 8:39 pm

      This looks simply delectable!

      Reply
    15. Paloma Cotton says

      June 24, 2019 at 9:22 pm

      I need to learn how to cook so I can make this because it looks delicious lol

      Reply
      • Angela says

        June 24, 2019 at 9:34 pm

        You can do it. This is an easy one to star with, you got this.

        Reply
    16. Karie says

      June 24, 2019 at 10:01 pm

      I’ve never had these but they look like a great snack.

      Reply
    17. Marisa says

      June 25, 2019 at 12:04 am

      sounds delicious! I'll try this over the weekend.

      Reply
    18. Suzan says

      June 25, 2019 at 3:38 am

      Love, love, love bruschetta. We make bruschetta especially in the summer months when the basil is in full bloom. We add a kalamata olive tapenade and a feta cheese spread that I make, add a leaf of basil and YUM! This tomato sauce would be a great addition when we make a meal of this 🙂

      Reply
      • Angela says

        June 25, 2019 at 7:59 am

        Yes, sounds like a good duo.

        Reply
    19. Angela Greven | Mean Green Chef says

      June 25, 2019 at 5:19 am

      I just love tomato season! This is one of my favorite dishes too love how you've made a dip out of it and added capers too, yummy! A great addition to any spread 😍

      Reply
    20. Meagan says

      June 25, 2019 at 7:36 am

      MMMMMM Bruschetta.... Yes, please!

      Reply
    21. Karla says

      June 25, 2019 at 6:02 pm

      We will have tomatoes in a few weeks. I'm saving the recepe. Thanks.

      Reply

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