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

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

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)
Pin this recipe for later!Pin This

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

Have you tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was by leaving a review or sharing on Instagram with the tag #yellowblissroad

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 appetizer goes with bruschetta? ›

Looking for a quick answer? The best side dishes to serve with bruschetta are Caprese salad, prosciutto wrapped melon, marinated olives, scrambled eggs, butternut squash, Italian sausage, pork tenderloin, zucchini noodles, grilled vegetables, antipasto platter, Caesar salad, stuffed cherry peppers, and pasta salad.

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 type of tomato is most commonly used for bruschetta? ›

Something sweet and juicy, like heirloom tomatoes, tomatoes, vine tomatoes or Roma tomatoes. If making bruschetta when tomatoes are not in season, I recommend using grape or cherry tomatoes instead. Garlic – We will use just a clove to rub on the bread! Oil – The best extra-virgin olive oil you can afford!

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.

What do Italians eat for appetizer? ›

Here are the 11 best Italian appetizers ever:
  • Carbonara Arancini. ...
  • Pan-fried Scamorza with Arugula Salad. ...
  • Bruschetta of Spring Vegetables. ...
  • Bruschetta with Pickled Okra. ...
  • White-bean and Prosciutto Bruschetta. ...
  • Autumn Fritto Misto. ...
  • Potato Focaccia Rolls. ...
  • Grilled Antipasto with Garlicky Bean Dip.
May 24, 2019

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.”

How do I choose appetizers for a party? ›

Keep visual appeal in mind as you envision arranging appetizers for the spread. The bright hues of fresh herbs, fruit, and meats pop near the creamy colors of cheeses, hot dips, and crackers or bread. Consider temperature and texture. Offer both hot and cold foods in your appetizer spread.

Can you add pesto straight from the jar? ›

Yes, pesto can be used straight from the jar and doesn't require cooking or heating. In fact, we actively discourage applying too much heat to pesto, as this will destroy many of the fresh flavours that producers work so hard to retain.

How do you make Bobby Flay pesto? ›

directions
  1. Combine the sage, parsley, garlic, coriander seeds, lemon juice, lemon zest, and pine nuts in a food processor or blender and process until coarsely chopped.
  2. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the oil and process until emulsified.
  3. Add the cheese, salt, and pepper and process 3 to 4 seconds longer.

How to make pesto Rachael Ray? ›

Add nuts, garlic, zest of 1 lemon and salt to a food processor and pulse into a fairly smooth paste. Add cheese to nut paste and add about 3 tablespoons EVOO; process until smooth. Pulse process basil into sauce until fairly smooth, adding juice of 1 lemon and remaining EVOO.

How to enhance bruschetta? ›

Add 1 tablespoon of lime zest, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried chili peppers (to taste) for an extra kick. Smear the toasted baguette points with goat cheese, or crumble some queso fresco into the topping. Make it vegan by using an avocado in place of goat cheese on the bread.

Why is my bruschetta soggy? ›

Why is my bruschetta soggy? 1. Bread Not Toasted Enough: The bread should be well-toasted to provide a sturdy base that can hold the topping without becoming too soft too quickly. If the bread is only lightly toasted, it might not be able to withstand the moisture from the tomato mixture.

What can I use instead of balsamic vinegar in bruschetta? ›

For every 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar, substitute 1 Tbsp. cider vinegar or red wine vinegar plus ½ tsp. sugar.

Why does my bruschetta taste bitter? ›

If your bruschetta is bitter, it's likely because the tomatoes you used were not ripe enough. Be sure to use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best flavor.

Should you remove tomato seeds for bruschetta? ›

Tomato skins and seeds can be bitter, and removing them improves the flavor and texture of your bruschetta topping.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Barbera Armstrong

Last Updated:

Views: 6149

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (59 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Barbera Armstrong

Birthday: 1992-09-12

Address: Suite 993 99852 Daugherty Causeway, Ritchiehaven, VT 49630

Phone: +5026838435397

Job: National Engineer

Hobby: Listening to music, Board games, Photography, Ice skating, LARPing, Kite flying, Rugby

Introduction: My name is Barbera Armstrong, I am a lovely, delightful, cooperative, funny, enchanting, vivacious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.