This easy Bruschetta with Mozzarella Recipe is a modern twist on the classic recipe. It makes for a great appetizer to any party, especially during tomato season! Not only is this crowd-pleaser a rich delight, but it also requires only six ingredients and about 20 minutes to make!
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- 💖Why we love bruschetta recipe with mozzarella?
- What is Italian bruschetta?
- 🛒 Ingredients for Bruschetta:
- Equipment you need to make Italian bruschetta recipe:
- 🍽️ How to make easy bruschetta with mozzarella recipe?
- What to serve with bruschetta with mozzarella?
- 🫙 Leftover and storing bruschetta with mozzarella minute recipe:
- 📃 Creative Twists on your Bruschetta:
- ☑️ Bruschetta Hacks Pro Tips:
- ❓ FAQ'S
- What cheese goes well with bruschetta?
- Some other tomato recipes you'll love:
- 📖 Recipe
- Classic Italian Bruschetta with Mozzarella Recipe
Bruschetta with mozzarella is a wonderful addition to any meal. The simplicity of this recipe is what makes it perfect for a side dish and it will become a rustic delight for your family. For the perfect bruschetta with mozzarella, I am using thick slices of sourdough bread, but go ahead and use an Italian loaf or a baguette.
They are just perfect for holding the delicious juicy tomato topping. Then, I toast the thick slices until they become golden. After the slices of bread are toasted, add the toppings. The tomato mixture is made out of the season's sweet tomatoes, fresh basil, salt and black pepper.
Fresh mozzarella chunks or pearls are the perfect topping for bruschetta with mozzarella. The mozzarella will melt just a little under the heat from the toasted bread. After the slices of bread are toasted, rub the slices with fresh garlic and spoon on the toppings.
Just a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze will add an additional depth of flavor to this delicious bruschetta with mozzarella.
This simple dish looks beautiful on the table and can be a perfect side dish or appetizer for a family dinner. It can also serve as an amazing dish for a more formal dinner party.
If you like this recipe you might like my classic bruschetta recipe or sheet pan eggplant and tomato bake.
💖Why we love bruschetta recipe with mozzarella?
- Simple and quick: This bruschetta is made with just a handful of igredients possible and it is ready in less than 15 minutes. Meaning, it is the perfect dinner-last-minute appetizer.
- Fresh and flavorful: Since it is made with fresh basil, ripe tomatoes and creamy mozzarella cheese, you are going to get amazing freshness in every single bite.
- Versatile: Serve this bruschetta as a starter at your next dinner party or even as a meal with a side of salad – there are endless ways for bruschetta to shine!
- Aesthetic appeal: The vibrant colors and the elegant balsamic drizzle this dish make it as beautiful as it is delicious.
What is Italian bruschetta?
Traditional bruschetta is an Italian antipasto of garlicky grilled bread topped with olive oil, salt and fresh tomatoes, sometimes also basil, mozzarella or balsamic vinegar.The dish marries fresh, simple ingredients together and its popularity is based on its crisp texture and bright flavors.
🛒 Ingredients for Bruschetta:
- Italian or Sourdough Bread, or Baguette: Serves as the crispy base for the toppings. I had a nice sourdough loaf, but even a baguette would work.
- Fresh Mozzarella: Adds creamy, rich texture and mild flavor. You could even use mozzarella pearls.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil : Used to brush on bread for toasting and mixed with tomatoes for flavor and moisture. The better the quality of olive oil, the better the flavor of the tomato mixture.
- Ripe Tomatoes: The main component of the topping, providing fresh, juicy, and slightly acidic flavor. You could Roma, plum, even cherry tomatoes.
- Garlic Cloves : Rubbed on toasted bread for a sharp, aromatic flavor. Depending on the clove size, you may need 1 large one or 3 smaller ones.
- Sea Salt: Enhances the flavors of the tomatoes and cheese.
- Basil Ribbons : Adds a fresh, herbal note to complement the tomatoes.
- Balsamic Vinegar Glaze: Drizzled on top for a sweet and tangy finish.
Equipment you need to make Italian bruschetta recipe:
- Cutting board: I like my bamboo cutting boards, but any kind of cutting board will work fine.
- Sharp knife: To slice the bread and to cut up the tomatoes, it's important to have a nice and sharp knife.
- Mixing bowl: I really like my Pyrex mixing bowls, but use whatever you have on hand.
- Baking sheet: You'll need a large baking sheet to spread out the bread slices and toast them up.
🍽️ How to make easy bruschetta with mozzarella recipe?
Gather up your ingredients. There aren't that many, so it's best to have them prepped and ready to go.
- Step 1: Toast the bread slices: Prep your bread slices and brush on some olive oil. Place the bread slices on a large baking sheet.
- Step 2: Toast until golden: Toast up the bread slices. You could make them darker and crispier, or more golden. Up to how you would like them to be.
- Step 3: Prep the tomato topping: Cut up the mozzarella and prep the tomato mixture.
- Step 4: Rub garlic: Rub garlic cloves all over toasted bread. You could use more or less.
- Step 5: Check the seasoning: Toss the mixture together and check the seasoning.
- Step 6: Serve the bruschetta: Arrange the toasted bread slices on a serving platter or plate. Spoon on the tomato mixture, mozzarella and drizzle on some more olive oil and some balsamic vinegar glaze. Buon appetito!
📃 NOTE: Recipe card with detailed instructions are below! Print it out for later!
What to serve with bruschetta with mozzarella?
Bruschetta is one of those appetizers – perfect for parties – that goes with everything. If you want to serve it with a meal, or as part of a snack spread, here are some suggestions:.
- Italian Meats: Serve with slices of prosciutto, salami, or capicola for a savory contrast to the freshness of bruschetta.
- Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of cheeses such as mozzarella, Parmegiano Reggiano, and goat cheese. Include some olives and nuts for added variety.
- Salads: Bruschetta goes really nicely with a fresh salad, like a Caesar salad, insalata mista, arugula with shaved Parmeggiano Reggiano, or a Caprese salad.
- Soups: Pair with a light soup such as tomato basil, minestrone, or a seafood stew.
- Pasta Dishes: Serve bruschetta as a starter or even alongside simple pasta dishes like spaghetti aglio e olio, penne arrabbiata, or a light seafood pasta, which won’t overpower the bruschetta.
- Grilled Vegetables: Offer a platter of grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant for an addition that is colorful and healthy.
- Wine: Choose a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red wine like Chianti to complement the flavors of the bruschetta.
- Dips and Spreads: To keep it simple, you could serve it with an olive tapenade, hummus, or a balsamic and olive oil dip.
🫙 Leftover and storing bruschetta with mozzarella minute recipe:
- To refrigerate: Place the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. If you have made the tomato topping ahead of time, you could keep the toasted bread slices separated and stored in a zipped lock bag, and the tomato mixture in an airtight container. Assemble when ready to enjoy and add on the mozzarella pieces at last minute.
- To freeze: This is not a recipe that freezes. It's super quick to put together, so you could make this last minute and enjoy whenever you crave it.
📃 Creative Twists on your Bruschetta:
From a tasty appetizer to a full-blown meal, bruschetta makes a wonderful canvas for kitchen creativity, and a great opportunity to jazz up the traditional tomato and basil version. Try these creative ideas to reinvent the classic appetizer:
- Peach and Prosciutto Bruschetta: Arrange sliced peach over grilled bread, then a thin layer of prosciutto and a drizzle of honey.
- Avocado and Shrimp Bruschetta: Mash ripe avocado onto grilled bread, arrange cooked shrimp over the top, a squeeze of lime and a pinch of chilli flakes.
- Fig and Ricotta Bruschetta: Spread ricotta over grilled bread, top with sliced fresh fig, a drizzle of balsamic and chopped walnuts.
- Balsamic Mushroom Bruschetta: Sauté mushrooms with garlic and thyme, and spoon over bread. Finish with a splash of balsamic vinegar, and a topping of grated Parmesan.
- Goat Cheese and Beet Bruschetta: Layer goat cheese with slices of roasted beets. Finish with a bit of arugula for some peppery crispness, and a drizzle of reduced balsamic.
- Blue Cheese and Pear Bruschetta: Spread blue cheese over grilled bread, and top with thin slices of pear. Finish with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of crushed pecans.
- Roasted Pepper and Anchovy Bruschetta: Lay strips of roasted bell pepper and anchovy fillet over grilled bread, topped with capers and parsley.
- Salmon and Cream Cheese Bruschetta: Spread cream cheese over grilled bread and top with smoked salmon and dill, and capers to complete.
☑️ Bruschetta Hacks Pro Tips:
- Quality Ingredients: Since bruschetta is so simple, each ingredient takes centre stage. Select ripe, juicy red tomatoes, good quality extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil and a good mozzarella – preferably fresh balls cut into pieces or mozzarella pearls.
- Quality Bread: Choose a sturdy bread, like a ciabatta or rustic sourdough, that can stand up to the toppings without getting soggy. You could even use a nice baguette. Toast your slices to golden-brown crispness.
- Season Well: Don’t skimp on seasoning your tomato mixture. Start with a little, and add more to your taste. You may want to enjoy the sweet flavor of the tomatoes and keep it less salty. It's totally up to your taste! Add freshly cracked black pepper and a touch of garlic rubbed on the toasted bread for an extra layer of flavor.
- Fresh Mozzarella: Use fresh mozzarella and cut into small pieces, or use mozzarella pearls. It adds a lovely texture to the fresh tomatoes and the basil, and its delicate flavor complements the acidity of the tomatoes and the basil beautifully.
- Drizzle with Quality Olive Oil and Balsamic Glaze: It's really important to use a a very good extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze. The balsamic brings a bit of sweetness that plays off these fresh ingredients, while the olive oil adds a richness with each bite.
- Assemble at the Last Minute: Since you don’t want to leave the bread sitting for too long to prevent it from getting soggy, make sure that you assemble your bruschetta just before serving.
❓ FAQ'S
What do you do with a ball of mozzarella?
There are many things you can do with a ball of mozzarella! You can marinate it in olive oil and herbs and spices for a quick easy dish – another simple way to serve it is with some crusty bread as part of a charcuterie board or as an afternoon snack. You could also add it to a salad, such as Caprese, or melt it over chicken parmesan or pizzas you are making at home.
What’s the difference between Bruschetta, Caprese, and Crostini?
Crostinis are similar to bruschetta but use smaller, toasted French baguette slices instead of large Italian bread. Caprese is an Italian tomato salad with similar ingredients to bruschetta but served as a salad with sliced, not diced, mozzarella and tomatoes. Bruschetta is what you'll find on menus all over Italy, and even for aperitivo.
What is Italian appetizer with bread and tomatoes?
Bruschetta is traditionally served as a starter, or part of an antipasto platter in Italy. It pairs well with other light dishes such as cured meats, cheeses and olives, as well as fresh salads. Bruschetta complements many Italian dishes without being too overpowering and is a favourite starter all around Italy.
What food goes well with mozzarella?
There is so much you can do with mozzarella: from the classic pizza, spaghetti, carbonara to more creative dishes such as stuffed chicken, or grilled vegetables. It tastes amazing in a salad, especially Caprese, with some tomatoes, basil and balsamic vinegar or olive oil, or as a sandwich with some salt and pepper.
Does bruschetta get soggy?
If you top it with wet ingredients, for example your tomatoes, it becomes soggy. If you want to avoid this, serve it fresh after you have made it, or keep your toppings separately.
Does bruschetta have mozzarella?
Traditional bruschetta doesn’t contain mozzarella, but adding cheese it is very popular and you will find many versions of it with mozzarella for those who like it cheesy and richer.
What cheese goes well with bruschetta?
Traditionally bruschetta doesn’t have cheese but adding mozzarella on what texture and flavor you prefer.
Is there a difference between crostini and bruschetta?
The difference between crostini and bruschetta is mainly the size and type of bread you use. Crostini are made using smaller, thinner pieces of bread, usually baguette, where bruschetta is made using larger slices of rustic Italian bread. For this recipe, I used a nice sourdough loaf.
Does bruschetta have cheese?
Bruschetta starts as a base without cheese, but now many variations are added with mozzarella for a cheesier, richer flavor. Adding cheese can turn it from an appetizer to a main, which makes for a fresh and light summer meal.
What goes well with bruschetta?
Bruschetta goes well with lots of dishes: you could serve it with other appetizers as part of a charcuterie board, with olives and cheeses, or as a starter before your main meal such as pasta, grilled meats or salad.
Some other tomato recipes you'll love:
📖 Recipe
Classic Italian Bruschetta with Mozzarella Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of Italian or sourdough bread or a baguette
- 2 cups fresh mozzarella
- 2 lbs ripe tomatoes about 7-8 plum or Roma tomatoes, diced
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1-3 garlic cloves depending on the size
- 1 teaspoon sea salt more or less to taste
- ¼ cup chopped basil ribbons 6-8 basil leaves chiffonade or chopped
Instructions
Toast the bread slices:
- Preheat oven to 400 F (200 degrees C). Slice the loaf into 1/2" slices and then in thirds on the diagonal to create smaller pieces of bread. If you're using a baguette, slice into 1/2-inch slices (should be about 12 slices), depending on baguette size. Use a pastry brush to brush olive oil on both slices (1 tablespoon or more, if needed) of the bread slices. Place the bread slices on a large baking sheet.
Toast until golden:
- Place the sheet in the oven and toast the bread until golden, 7-12 minutes, turning halfway through. Every oven is different. If you like your bread darker and crispier, toast it a little longer.
Make the tomato topping:
- Prepare your mozzarella cheese, cutting into small pieces, or use mozzarella pearls; set aside, Meanwhile, in a medium-sized bowl, add the chopped tomatoes, salt, olive oil, and basil.
Rub garlic:
- Rub garlic cloves all over toasted bread.
Check the seasoning:
- Toss tomato mixture together and check the seasoning. If it needs more salt, add a little bit more, to your taste.
Serve the bruschetta:
- When ready to serve, arrange the toasted bread slices on a serving plate. Spoon the tomato mixture and mozzarella on each warm slice, drizzling with the balsamic vinegar glaze and more olive oil. Enjoy!
Nutrition Disclaimer
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information presented below is an approximation and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
Notes
- Bread: I used a sourdough loaf, but it's fine to use an Italian loaf or even a baguette. The amount of servings will be depending on what type of bread you use.
- Tomatoes: Go ahead and use the season's best tomatoes. You could even use cherry tomatoes sliced in half.
- Basil: It has to be fresh basil only. Dried basil will not work for this recipe.
- Make ahead: The sourdough crostini could be toasted ahead of time. The tomato topping also could be prepped and stored in the fridge in an airtight container. Assemble just before serving.
- To prevent sogginess: If you make the tomato topping ahead of time, be sure to drain the excess tomato juice before topping your crostini slices, to avoid soggy bruschetta.
Jules says
Really easy to make! I made an Italian appetizer party yesterday and this was a big hit!
Lora says
Hi Jules-Very happy you enjoyed the bruschetta and that it was a hit! Enjoy!
Lana says
Such a great recipe! I made it with cherry mozzarella and it was fantastic!