Baked Balsamic Bruschetta

This Baked Balsamic Bruschetta is the perfect party appetizer! Lightly-oiled gluten-free bread is topped with a balsamic-marinated mixture of tomatoes, garlic and onion and sprinkled with Parmesan, then baked in the oven and finished with a touch of fresh basil. 

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The flavor combination of the balsamic-marinated tomato mixture, Parmesan and fresh basil in this bruschetta is like a party in your mouth.

But, if you're having a party in your house (or somewhere else), that works too! 😉

Even if you're not having a party, you can still serve this appetizer for pasta night or just because. 🙂

Ingredients you'll need

First and foremost, you need a gluten-free, vegan bread.

I chose to use a Schar baguette because it worked so well in my gluten-free garlic bread.

Of course, you can use any gluten-free, vegan baguette or Italian bread that you're able to find at the store or bakery, or you can make your own if you have a recipe you love to use.

And if you're not avoiding gluten, feel free to use a traditional baguette.

Other than the bread, you'll also need the following:

• Ripe tomatoes (I used "on the vine" tomatoes)
• Sweet onion
• Garlic
• Salt
• Balsamic Vinegar 
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Shredded Parmesan cheese (traditional or vegan; I used the Follow Your Heart brand vegan Parm)
• Fresh basil

How to make balsamic bruschetta

First, you’ll need four medium-sized ripe tomatoes.

Next, dice the tomatoes and add them to a container with a tight-fitting lid.

You can discard any loose clumps of watery seeds that might fall out during the dicing process.

Chop the onion and garlic and add to the the tomatoes.

Add salt to taste and balsamic vinegar. Stir to combine.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. You can marinate up to 24 hours in advance.

When you are ready to make the bruschetta, preheat your oven to 425° F.

Then, heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.

Add the tomato mixture to the pan.

Sauté until the balsamic vinegar has reduced, approximately 7-10 minutes, stirring frequently.

Set aside until ready to use.

Slice the bread into ½-inch thick pieces.

If you're using the Schar bread, you'll have approximately 24 slices.

Arrange the bread slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Using a silicone pastry brush, lightly brush olive oil onto each slice.

Traditionally, garlic is also rubbed onto the bread, but as you may know, rubbing things onto soft gluten-free bread is a disaster waiting to happen. 😉

So, instead the garlic is in with the tomato mixture.

Bake the bread slices for 5 minutes until lightly toasted.

Top each slice with the tomato mixture until you've used it up.

Add shredded cheese to each slice.

Bake for 5 more minutes.

Then, switch to your oven's broil setting and broil for 1-2 minutes until edges of the bread slices turn golden brown.

It is very important to keep an eye on them so they don't burn.

Top with fresh, chopped basil and serve.

Can I leave off the Parmesan?

Yes, if you prefer, you can leave off the cheese and the bruschetta will still be delicious without it.

Can I omit the oil?

Yes, you can omit the oil; however, the flavor does complement the balsamic tomato mixture nicely.

It also helps crisp up the bread. But, you can definitely make this without it.

Just skip that step and bake the bread slices dry until lightly toasted before adding the tomato mixture.

What about the leftovers?

The bruschetta is best eaten right away; however, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and are best reheated in a 400° F oven until warmed.

More appetizer recipes

• Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip
• Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls
• Salt & Pepper Air Fryer Tofu
• Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip
• Buffalo Chickpea Meatballs

This post originally appeared on Watch Learn Eat on March 31, 2015. It has been republished to reflect both recipe and photo revisions. Changes to the story were also made.

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