Do Share Recipe

The Best Tomato and Mozzarella Bruschetta Recipe

I just finished making a batch of this Tomato and Mozzarella Bruschetta, and my kitchen smells absolutely divine—like a summer garden in Italy! It’s so simple yet bursting with flavor from the fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and a hint of garlic.

It’s the perfect quick appetizer or light lunch. If you enjoy this, you should also explore our guide for our Spinach and Feta Breakfast Wraps Recipe for another delicious meal idea.

What You’ll Need for This Bruschetta

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Using fresh, high-quality components will make all the difference in the final taste.

4 slices of Bread – A sturdy, crusty bread like sourdough or a baguette works best. Slice it about ½ to ¾ of an inch thick to hold the toppings without getting soggy.
1 Heirloom Tomato – These tomatoes are flavorful and meaty, making them ideal. If you can’t find them, any ripe, flavorful tomato will do.
1 large Mozzarella ball – Look for fresh, soft mozzarella that is moist inside. The kind that drips a little milk when you slice it is perfect.
1 clove of Garlic – This is for rubbing on the toasted bread, infusing it with a subtle, aromatic flavor.
Fresh Basil leaves – These add a sweet, peppery note that is essential to the Caprese flavor profile.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – A good quality, cold-pressed olive oil is best for drizzling raw. It adds a fruity, peppery finish.
Salt – To taste, this enhances all the other flavors.
Pepper – Freshly ground black pepper adds a little spice.
Dried Oregano – A pinch of this adds a classic Italian herbal touch.
Balsamic Vinegar (optional) – A drizzle of quality balsamic adds a touch of sweet tanginess that complements the tomatoes perfectly.

Note: This recipe makes enough for 2 servings, with two bruschetta slices per person.

Cooking Time

This appetizer is incredibly quick to assemble, making it perfect for last-minute guests or a speedy snack.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Equipment You Need

You don’t need much to make this simple dish, but a few key tools will make the process easier.

Cutting Board: For slicing your tomatoes, mozzarella, and bread safely.
Serrated Knife: Ideal for slicing bread without squishing it and for getting clean tomato slices.
Grill Pan or Baking Sheet: For toasting the bread slices to golden perfection.
Small Bowl: To season your tomato slices before assembling.

How to Make Tomato Mozzarella Bruschetta

Making this classic Italian appetizer is as easy as a few simple steps. Just toast, top, and serve for a delicious and refreshing bite.

Toast the Bread

First, prepare your bread. Toast the slices in a hot oven or on a grill pan until they are golden brown and crisp on both sides. Once toasted, let them cool down slightly so they are easy to handle.

Infuse with Garlic

Take a peeled garlic clove and gently rub it over the surface of each warm toast slice. The heat from the bread will help release the garlic’s natural oils and aroma, giving the bruschetta a wonderful savory base.

Prepare the Toppings

Next, slice your heirloom tomato and fresh mozzarella. Place the tomato slices in a small bowl and season them with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt, a crack of black pepper, and a sprinkle of dried oregano.

Assemble Your Bruschetta

Now for the fun part! Arrange the seasoned tomato and mozzarella slices on top of the garlic-rubbed toast, alternating them for a beautiful pattern. You can place fresh basil leaves between the slices or sprinkle them over the top.

Garnish and Serve

To finish, drizzle a little more extra-virgin olive oil over the assembled bruschetta. If you like, add a light drizzle of balsamic vinegar for an extra layer of flavor. Serve them immediately to enjoy the contrast between the crisp toast and fresh toppings.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Having made this dozens of times, I’ve picked up a few tricks to elevate it from good to great.

Use Room Temperature Tomatoes: I always let my tomatoes sit out on the counter for a bit before using them. Cold tomatoes from the fridge have a muted flavor. Room temperature brings out their natural sweetness.
Don’t Skip the Garlic Rub: It might seem like a small step, but rubbing the warm toast with a raw garlic clove makes a huge difference. It adds a layer of flavor that you’ll miss if it’s not there.
Let the Tomatoes Marinate: After seasoning the tomatoes, I let them sit for about 5-10 minutes. This gives the salt time to draw out the juices, creating a more flavorful topping that soaks slightly into the bread.
Toast Bread Just Before Serving: To avoid a soggy bruschetta, I toast the bread right before I plan to assemble and serve it. This ensures it stays perfectly crisp.

Delicious Variations to Try

While the classic version is fantastic, you can easily customize it. Here are a few ideas to get you started on creating new dinner recipes.

Add Pesto: Spread a thin layer of basil pesto on the toast before adding the tomatoes and mozzarella for an extra burst of basil flavor.
Include Avocado: Add thin slices of ripe avocado between the tomato and mozzarella for a creamy texture and extra nutrients.
Try Different Cheeses: Swap the standard mozzarella for rich buffalo mozzarella or incredibly creamy burrata.
Make it Dairy-Free: Use a high-quality plant-based mozzarella alternative to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
Add Some Greens: Place a layer of fresh arugula on the toast before the toppings for a peppery kick.

How to Serve Tomato Mozzarella Bruschetta

Presentation can make this simple dish feel extra special.

Serve on a rustic wooden board or a large platter for a family-style presentation.
Garnish with whole basil leaves and a final drizzle of high-quality olive oil and balsamic glaze.
For a sweet finish to your meal, consider serving our Mango and Coconut Overnight Oats Recipe.

Calories Count

Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown for this recipe.

Calories: 168kcal
Carbohydrates: 29g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Sugar: 5g

How to Store

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but here are some guidelines if you have leftovers.

It’s best to store the components separately. Keep the seasoned tomatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. The toasted bread can be stored at room temperature, though it may lose some crispness. Assemble just before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons this simple appetizer will become a favorite in your home.

Incredibly Fast: You can have this delicious appetizer ready in just 10 minutes from start to finish.
Full of Fresh Flavor: It highlights the best of summer produce, with ripe tomatoes and fresh basil taking center stage.
Super Versatile: Serve it as an appetizer, a light lunch, or a side dish for a larger Italian meal.
Crowd-Pleaser: The classic combination of tomato, mozzarella, and basil is universally loved.
Easily Customizable: It’s simple to add other ingredients or make substitutions based on what you have on hand.

Ben Carraoli