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Fresh Garden Tomato Bruschetta Recipe with Creamy Burrata and Balsamic for Easy Summer Appetizers

fresh garden tomato bruschetta - featured image

A simple and fresh summer appetizer featuring ripe garden tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, and a tangy balsamic glaze served on toasted crusty bread.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh garden tomatoes, diced (preferably heirlooms or vine-ripened)
  • A small handful fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced or finely grated
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 ball fresh burrata cheese (about 8 ounces)
  • 1 loaf French baguette or ciabatta, sliced about 1/2-inch thick
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze or reduction
  • Optional: red pepper flakes, for a little heat

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tomato Mixture (10 minutes): Dice about 2 cups of fresh garden tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a mixing bowl and add 2 minced garlic cloves and a handful of roughly chopped fresh basil leaves. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the top, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine. Let this sit while you prepare the bread, so the flavors meld nicely.
  2. Toast the Bread (5-7 minutes): Slice your baguette or ciabatta into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Arrange them on a baking sheet and toast under the broiler for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden and crisp. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. The goal is a crunchy exterior with a little chew inside.
  3. Prepare the Balsamic Glaze (Optional, 5 minutes): If you don’t have a store-bought glaze, pour 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and simmer over medium-low heat until reduced by half and syrupy, about 5 minutes. Let it cool slightly.
  4. Assemble the Bruschetta (5 minutes): Spread a generous amount of creamy burrata cheese on each slice of toasted bread. Then spoon the tomato mixture evenly on top. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
  5. Serve Immediately: Enjoy fresh while the bread is still crisp and the burrata cool and creamy. If you have leftovers, store tomato mixture and burrata separately for best texture.

Notes

Let the tomato mixture rest for at least 10 minutes to meld flavors. Toast bread until crisp but not burnt. Make your own balsamic glaze by reducing balsamic vinegar if desired. Store tomato mixture and burrata separately if saving leftovers. For gluten-free, use gluten-free bread. Burrata can be substituted with fresh mozzarella but will be less creamy.

Nutrition

Keywords: bruschetta, tomato bruschetta, burrata, balsamic glaze, summer appetizer, easy appetizer, fresh tomatoes, garden tomatoes, Italian appetizer