This Pesto Bruschetta is a great appetizer for your next dinner party or game time. Quick and easy to make with a baguette, jarred basil pesto, fresh tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese. Full of bright fresh flavors and melty cheese, it's sure to be your new favorite.
Table of Contents
Best Recipes to Get the Party Started
Serving tasty bites is a sure way to kick off a party in a delicious way. There's no reason to spend all day in the kitchen making appetizers when you can quickly and easily put some together with a few simple ingredients.
I like to serve a variety of options. some of my favorites are air fryer toasted ravioli, chicken wontons, tuna dip, and this bruschetta with pesto and cheese.
Why You'll Love This Pesto Appetizer Recipe
Simple Ingredients - store-bought ingredients make this a quick & easy to put together appetizer
Quick & Easy - 15 minutes is all you need. Perfect for whipping up for unexpected guests.
Layers of Flavors - juicy tomatoes, rich pesto, melted mozzarella, and crispy bread create a savory, flavorful bite
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make this bruschetta with pesto recipe. The exact measurements are in the printable recipe card below.
- French Bread - fresh bread like a French baguette, Italian bread, or sourdough can be used
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil - for toasting the bread
- Classic Basil Pesto - Store-bought or homemade fresh pesto
- Bruschetta Tomato Mixture - A homemade bruschetta mixture is best but store-bought can be used to make this a 15-minute easy appetizer. (I prefer homemade made with roma tomatoes and fresh basil leaves as the flavors are much more fresh and vibrant)
- Fresh Mozzarella Cheese - crumble the cheese or place a slice of mozzarella on top. Grated Parmesan cheese can be subbed for the mozzarella.
- Fresh Basil - for garnish
- Balsamic Vinegar - is optional but is one of the best bruschetta toppings.
How to Make Bruschetta with Pesto
Here are the simple steps for making this delicious pesto appetizer:
- Slice the baguette on the diagonal into ½-inch thick slices. You will use the entire baguette.
- Brush with olive oil on both sides and bake at 400°F for 5 minutes, turn for 4-7 minutes more or until golden brown.
- Layer creamy pesto on top of each slice of toasted bread.
- Top the layer of basil pesto with bruschetta tomato mix.
- Sprinkle on the mozzarella cheese.
- Preheat the oven and place the baking sheet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Garnish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and some chopped fresh basil for the perfect appetizer.
Layers of flavors abound in this pesto bruschetta recipe from the toasty bread to the fresh ingredients like ripe, beautiful tomatoes and fresh basil, to the melted mozzarella on top. A drizzle of balsamic glaze and some fresh basil make this easy appetizer one of my favorite things. Great to serve for parties, casual get-togethers, and game time. Enjoy!
Recipe Variations
It's easy to customize this pesto bread appetizer by substituting and adding ingredients. Here are some ideas:
- Bread - French, Italian, or sourdough baguette.
- Crostini - Slice the bread thinner, toast it until crunchy, then add the toppings.
- Cheese - Burratta, Parmesan, Goat Cheese, Ricotta, or Smoked Gouda.
- Tomato - A tomato topping of thinly sliced or chopped tomatoes can be subbed for the bruschetta tomato mixture and placed on top of the pesto.
- Meat - Cook and shred a chicken breast and place it on top of the pesto for a delicious pesto bruschetta chicken appetizer.
- Drizzles - Drizzle balsamic vinegar or olive oil on top.
Beer and Wine Pairings
For all the beer lovers out there, pair this pesto appetizer with a Pale Ale, Brown Ale, Lager, or Stout.
For wine lovers try a Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinto Grigio, or Champagne. Red wine lovers aren't left out either - try a Beaujolais, Dolcetto, or Pinot Noir.
Storage
Assembled bruschetta does not store well because the bread will get soggy. To avoid soggy bruschetta, you can store the components separately and have them ready to assemble.
Make Ahead
You can slice and lightly toast the baguette slices a day or two in advance. Store the toasted slices at room temperature in an airtight container or plastic storage bag.
You can make homemade pesto up to 1 week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Pouring a layer of olive oil on top can help it from oxidizing and turning brown.
For the homemade tomato bruschetta mixture, it can made up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container until ready to use.
More Appetizers to Enjoy
Find lots of easy recipes for appetizers right here on 2CM!
LOVE QUICK & EASY RECIPES? FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK, & PINTEREST FOR ALL THE LATEST RECIPE INSPIRATION! PLUS JOIN MY EMAIL LIST AND RECEIVE A FREE E-BOOK.
Pesto Bruschetta
Ingredients
- 1 sourdough baguette sliced ½-inch thick diagonally
- 3-4 Tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
- 6-8 ounces basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 14 ounces chunky tomato bruschetta mixture (homemade or store-bought)
- ⅓ pound fresh mozzarella broken up (use more or less to your taste) - thin slices can also be used
- Garnish: drizzle of balsamic vinegar & chopped basil (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with a nonstick cooking spray.
- Cut baguette into ½" thick diagonal slices.
- Place bread slices on prepared baking sheet and brush both sides with oil.
- Bake for 5 minutes, flip, then 4-7 minutes or until golden brown and toasty. Let cool.
- Preheat broiler.
- Spread one side of toasted bread with pesto, top with tomato bruschetta mixture, then sprinkle with crumbled mozzarella cheese.
- Place under broiler for 2-4 minutes. Watch carefully so that it doesn't burn.
- Garnish with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and some chopped basil.
Notes
Nutrition
This post has been updated with a new and improved recipe, step-by-step instructions, and more helpful information. It was first published on September 30, 2013.
Leave a Reply