Bruschetta with Fresh Tomato, Basil, and Melted Mozzarella Recipe
This Bruschetta with Mozzarella recipe features a fresh, vibrant tomato topping combined with fragrant basil and garlic, served on crispy, toasted French bread slices layered with melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a perfect appetizer or snack that balances juicy, tangy flavors with creamy cheese and crunchy toast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 bruschetta pieces 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Bruschetta Topping Ingredients
- 2.5 cups tomatoes – diced (about 24 ounces of tomatoes)
- ⅓ cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Bruschetta Toast Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread (24 inch), cut into ½ inch thick slices
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic, peeled
- 8 ounces whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Prepare Bruschetta Topping: Chop the tomatoes, thinly slice the basil, and finely mince the garlic. Combine these ingredients in a large bowl. Add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper to the bowl, then stir to mix everything well. Cover the tomato mixture and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld while you prepare the toast.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Bread: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with non-stick spray. Trim the ends off the French bread loaf and slice it into ½ inch thick pieces. Arrange the slices on the baking sheet.
- Season and Toast Bread (First Bake): In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil and Italian seasoning. Brush this mixture over the top side of each bread slice. Bake in the preheated oven for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the bread, then rub the peeled garlic clove over each toasted slice to infuse garlic flavor.
- Add Cheese and Toast Again (Second Bake): Flip each bread slice so the oiled side is down. Evenly distribute shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each slice. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread edges are nicely toasted.
- Assemble Bruschetta: Spoon the chilled tomato mixture generously over each piece of cheesy toasted bread. For an optional finishing touch, drizzle a little balsamic glaze on top of each bruschetta. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, savory flavors!
Notes
- You can use cherry tomatoes or vine-ripened tomatoes depending on availability and sweetness preference.
- If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar can be substituted, though the flavor will be less sweet.
- For a vegetarian option, ensure the mozzarella cheese is suitable, or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Leftover tomato topping can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but is best when fresh.
- To enhance crispness, you can toast the bread slices a little longer before adding the cheese.
Keywords: bruschetta, mozzarella, Italian appetizer, tomato basil toast, easy appetizer, baked bread, garlic bread, fresh tomato topping
