a tray of bruschetta

The warm weather is officially here and bruschetta is one of the best things I can think to make in the summer! Not only is this appetizer delicious, but it’s a breeze to whip up for summer entertaining! (Isn’t it glorious to be making plans for entertaining again?) So take advantage of the gorgeous, fresh summer tomatoes from the farmer’s market and the basil from your herb garden! Whether it’s a graduation party, holiday barbecue, bridal shower, or just a casual gathering–this easy bruschetta recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.

bruschetta appetizer recipe ingredients mixed together in a clear glass bowl

And, if you feel out of practice, this easy bruschetta recipe is the perfect one to start with–it’s simple, not fussy at all, and always a winner with anyone you share it with. You can also easily scale this recipe up or down to adjust the serving size as needed. It makes a great appetizer, a filling snack, or even a simple light meal to have on a hot summer evening. Pro tip: Pair it with a small meat and cheese board to make it even more of a meal!

a tray of finished classic bruschetta

Think this bruschetta recipe sounds delish? Next time you’re at the farmer’s market, make sure to grab some fresh tomatoes and basil, and maybe a loaf of bread too, so you can toss together this summer delight. Enjoy–and happy summer!

Did you try this easy summer appetizer? Show us your bruschetta on Instagram @lulus using #lovelulus and shop sunny season styles to wear to your next gathering in our Summer Fashion shop!

This recipe comes from our food contributor, Stephanie Simmons, of Blue Bowl. Her goal with her kitchen-tested recipes is to get you excited about cooking, show you how good food can taste, and prove that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to make a good meal. 

  • PREP TIME: 23 MINS
  • SERVES: 16
  • Bruschetta recipe
  • Easy Summer Appetizers
  • Cookout appetizers
  • bbq appetizers

Ingredients

  • Olive oil
  • 16 slices French bread
  • 2 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 medium Roma tomatoes, diced
  • 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • Salt + pepper, to taste
  • 2-3 Tbsp parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil, chopped

Directions

Prep the bread:

  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
  • Brush one side of each slice of bread with olive oil, and place oil side down on a baking sheet.
  • Bake for 4-6 minutes, or until the bread is your desired level of toasted-ness. Set aside.

Make the bruschetta:

  • Add a splash of olive oil to a small skillet over medium heat, and add the garlic. Cook, stirring, for 30 seconds to one minute just to cook it a bit–don’t let it get very brown.
  • Add this to a bowl with the diced tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper to taste, parmesan cheese, and a few handfuls of fresh basil. Stir everything together and adjust anything to taste.
  • Spoon over the toasted bread slices and enjoy!

Serve and store:

  • This is best while it’s fresh–otherwise, the bread will get soggy–so do eat it all the day you make it. You could leave the tomato mixture in the fridge and toast some of the bread one day, and some the next, if you don’t want to eat it all at once.