Easy Pesto Bruschetta Appetizer Recipe | YellowBlissRoad.com (2024)

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Pesto Bruschetta combines three of my favorite things – juicy tomatoes, rich, creamy pesto and toasty bread. It’s a tasty and unique appetizer that everyone will love!

Easy Pesto Bruschetta Appetizer Recipe | YellowBlissRoad.com (1)
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Table of Contents

  1. About This Recipe
  2. How to Make Pesto Bruschetta
  3. What is Bruschetta? What is Pesto?
  4. Recipe Notes and Tips
  5. More Italian Inspired recipes to Love
  6. Pesto Bruschetta Recipe

About This Recipe

There was some nut free pesto in my fridge leftover from my creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta, one of my family’s favorite meals. I also happened to have some juicy heirloom tomatoes and I was really craving bruschetta.

I whipped up some crostini and got ready make myself a nice little lunch with the tomatoes and it hit me that I had some pesto to use up. It was like a brilliant lightbulb moment as I spread some of the pesto on a small slice of bread and topped it with the tomatoes and a little Parmesan.

It was so tasty – so much was going on at once! The juiciness of the tomatoes, the creaminess of the pesto, the crispiness of the bread and the sharpness of the Parmesan all together in perfect harmony. It was by far the best lunch I’ve ever made.

How to Make Pesto Bruschetta

Easy Pesto Bruschetta Appetizer Recipe | YellowBlissRoad.com (2)

There are three main components to this recipe that are each made separately.

  1. Tomato topping – combine tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Traditional bruschetta may have onions included but I felt it was too overpowering for the pesto. Balsamic vinegar is a nice touch but also optional. I suggest making this first so the tomatoes can sit and marinate for a bit.
  2. Pesto – Homemade is preferred but you could also buy a jar from the deli or your favorite brand. I usually make this while the crostini is toasting. Fresh pesto has lots of fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic and lemon juice. I add sunflower seeds to make it nut free, but you could also use pine nuts or walnuts.
  3. Crostini – This is the bread base. Slice a french baguette into thin pieces and toast in the oven with a little olive oil and salt.

Assembly

To assemble the pesto bruschetta, spread a small amount of the pesto on the bread, then top with the tomato mixture. Add some Parmesan cheese to top it off.

What is Bruschetta? What is Pesto?

Bruschetta is basically toasted bread with a topping, usually a tomato, basil and olive oil mixture. Pesto is a basil and olive oil based sauce, often served as a dip or with pasta. Layering the two together on top of toasted bread is a match made in heaven!

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • Serve assembled pesto bruschetta toasts immediately. The pesto will be begin to brown after sitting out for a while.
  • If preparing ahead of time, store separately in airtight containers. Pesto will need to be refrigerated unless it’s an unopened jar, the tomatoes and the crostini can be stored at room temperature for 24 hours.
  • Garnish with Parmesan cheese shaving or fresh basil.
  • Olive tapenade is a delicious alternative to pesto in this recipe.
Easy Pesto Bruschetta Appetizer Recipe | YellowBlissRoad.com (3)

More Italian Inspired recipes to Love

  • Creamy Homemade Alfredo Sauce
  • Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
  • Creamy Three Cheese Bruschetta
  • Best Italian Spaghetti Salad

Recipe

Easy Pesto Bruschetta Appetizer Recipe | YellowBlissRoad.com (4)

Pesto Bruschetta

4.67 from 6 votes

Kristin Maxwell

Pesto Bruschetta combines three of my favorite things – juicy tomatoes, rich, creamy pesto and toasty bread for a tasty and unique appetizer.

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 minutes mins

Total Time 22 minutes mins

Print RecipeReview Recipe

Ingredients

Pesto (if not using store bought)

  • 2 cups packed basil leaves
  • ¼ cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup sunflower seeds pine nuts or walnuts
  • 2 garlic cloves roughly chopped
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • ½ cup olive oil more as needed for texture
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Tomato Topping

  • 1 pound Roma tomatoes about 6-8 seeded and diced
  • 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Crostini

  • 1 French baguette cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
  • Olive oil
  • Salt

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

  • Combine ingredients for the bruschetta in a medium size and set it aside while you make the pesto and the crostini. Bruschetta can sit out for up to 1 hour without needed refrigeration.

  • Arrange the bread side by side on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Brush each side with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt.

  • Bake for 7-10 minutes, flipping it over halfway through. You want the crostini to be crispy but not so hard you can’t easily bite into it.

  • While the crostini is cooling, make the pesto. To a food processor or blender add fresh basil, parmesan cheese, sunflower seeds, garlic and lemon juice. Turn to low and drizzle in olive oil to emulsify. Once all the olive oil is added, continue to blend for about a minute or until pesto is smooth. Scrape the sides of the bowl at least once to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed in. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as desired.

  • Assembly: Top each piece of crostini with a smear of pesto and a spoonful of the bruschetta. Sprinkle grated parmesan or fresh basil on top if desired.

Notes

  • Serve assembled pesto bruschetta toasts immediately. The pesto will be begin to brown after sitting out for a while.
  • If preparing ahead of time, store separately in airtight containers. Pesto will need to be refrigerated unless it’s an unopened jar, the tomatoes and the crostini can be stored at room temperature for 24 hours.
  • Garnish with Parmesan cheese shaving or fresh basil.

Nutrition

Calories: 288kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 6gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 244mgPotassium: 218mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 816IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 82mgIron: 2mg

Keyword pesto bruschetto

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Easy Pesto Bruschetta Appetizer Recipe | YellowBlissRoad.com (2024)

FAQs

How to make bruschetta Martha Stewart? ›

Combine tomatoes, oil, 1 tablespoon salt, and pepper to taste in a large bowl. Toast cut side of baguette halves on grill or under broiler 1 to 2 minutes. While still hot, lightly rub cut surface with garlic. Spoon tomato mixture over bread with a slotted spoon, then add onion.

What type of tomato is most commonly used for bruschetta? ›

Tomatoes – I like to use cherry or grape tomatoes for the bruschetta because they're easier to cut and aren't as watery and fleshy, but feel free to use Roma tomatoes or whatever is ripe in your garden!

What is bruschetta topping made of? ›

Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer that is easy to make at home. Toasted bread is topped with tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and fresh basil. Use a high-quality balsamic vinegar for best results.

What is bruschetta usually served with? ›

Most commonly it is served with toppings of tomato, vegetables, beans, cured meat, and/or cheese.

Why is my bruschetta soggy? ›

Tomato skins and seeds can be bitter, and removing them improves the flavor and texture of your bruschetta topping. Seeds and skin also contain extra water, which can make your bruschetta runny and your toast points soggy.

What's the difference between crostini and bruschetta? ›

The main difference between these two toasts is that crostini is often thinly sliced, while bruschetta is usually served in thicker slices and drizzled with olive oil before it's toasted. The standard topping is diced tomato mixed with olive oil, garlic and Italian herbs—delicious, but a little boring.

How do you make Jamie Oliver bruschetta? ›

Directions. Put your bread slices onto a hot griddle and toast on both sides. Add the fennel to a bowl with the chopped basil leaves and most of the chile. Squeeze in the lemon juice, add a good drizzle extra-virgin olive oil, a pinch of salt and pepper and a few shavings of Parmesan, then toss everything together.

Why does my bruschetta taste bitter? ›

Fresh herbs like basil can turn bitter if they are chopped too finely or bruised too much. Gently tear or chop them just before adding them to the bruschetta. Another factor could be overripe or low-quality tomatoes, which can taste bitter. Try using fresh, ripe tomatoes for a sweeter flavor.

What to use in bruschetta instead of basil? ›

What Can I Use Instead of Basil in Bruschetta? Fresh basil is considered a key ingredient in bruschetta, so it is worth seeking out fresh basil to make this classic recipe. If you must use a basil substitute, try some oregano, thyme, or marjoram in your bruschetta recipe.

How long will bruschetta keep in the fridge? ›

Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Serve at room temperature for the best flavor. Bruschetta will keep in the fridge for about three days and actually tastes better the day after you make it since the flavors have melded together.

How to enhance bruschetta? ›

Try mixing your favourite ingredients to create your perfect appetiser, such as Parmesan or Mozarella for a cheesy taste. Tomatoes go really well with other herbs such as coriander and parsley. You could also add a little heat to your Bruschetta by drizzling chilli oil, or scatter some chilli flakes on top.

Does bruschetta contain onions? ›

Bruschetta is simple to make. A mix of fresh tomatoes, basil, and onions, flavored with balsamic vinegar and piled on little garlicky toasts.

Is bruschetta a main meal? ›

Italian Meals Many traditional Italian meals are served with bruschetta as an appetizer or side dish. Try serving bruschetta before a meal of lasagna, ravioli or spaghetti. Bruschetta would also make a good addition to a vegetarian meal such as eggplant parmigiana.

What to eat with Trader Joes bruschetta? ›

Serve it on toasted baguette slices, toss it with hot or cold pasta, or spoon it on grilled or roasted chicken or fish. However you choose to enjoy it, we guarantee enjoyment, every time.

Why do Italians eat bruschetta? ›

Bruschetta traces its roots back to ancient Rome, where peasants created a simple dish by grilling leftover bread over an open fire. This practice allowed them to make use of stale bread and add flavor to their meals. The word “bruschetta” comes from the Italian verb “bruscare,” which means “to roast over coals.”

Is bruschetta good or bad for you? ›

The primary ingredient in Bruschetta is tomatoes and as you already know tomatoes are extremely good for health. They are packed with Vitamin C, Vitamin K1, folate and potassium. Moreover, they are also a rich source of antioxidants such as Chlorogenic Acid that is known to help lower blood pressure.

References

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