Easy Italian Bruschetta with Mozzarella
A delightful appetizer featuring crunchy toasted bread topped with vibrant tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil, drizzled with olive oil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups diced ripe tomatoes (about 300g / 10.5 oz)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella (225g), torn into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves (about 10g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (45ml)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (15ml), optional
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 loaf baguette or ciabatta bread (about 12 ounces / 340g), sliced into 1/2-inch pieces and toasted
Instructions
- Prepare the tomatoes: Start by dicing your tomatoes and lay them on paper towels for a few minutes to absorb excess moisture.
- Mix the tomato topping: In a mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar (if using). Season with salt and pepper and let sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Toast the bread: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), slice the bread, brush with olive oil, and bake for 5-7 minutes until golden.
- Assemble the bruschetta: Top each slice of toast generously with the tomato mixture.
- Add the mozzarella: Sprinkle pieces of fresh mozzarella over the top and optionally warm slightly in the oven.
- Final touch: Drizzle with more olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Notes
For best flavor, let the tomato topping marinate before assembling. Serve immediately after assembly to avoid sogginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: bruschetta, Italian appetizer, mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, easy recipe