Bruschetta with Pesto

This easy Bruschetta Recipe is made with pesto, fresh tomatoes, olive oil, goat cheese, a sprinkle of arugula and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, making this the perfect anytime appetizer. 

I love making and eating Italian appetizers, from Italian Roasted Peppers to Italian Baked Shrimp or even one of our favourites Grilled Eggplant. These are simple, easy and everyone loves them.

Bruschetta with Pesto

There’s nothing like beginning the perfect Italian dinner with a slice or two of bruschetta. This is another Poor Man’s dish that originated in Naples, and then spread through Italy and of course the world.

For Italians it is very simple and easily made. And is always made when barbecuing. You can always hear someone shouting “don’t forget the Bruschetta”, and that someone is usually me!

After you have finished grilling your Meat, Fish and or Veggies the last to be grilled is the bread. You are going to want to eat it nice and warm with your meal.

Old bread never gets thrown out, just make Bruschetta. Even using a small pan grill.

Of course Italians will argue on the best possible bread for grilling. They tend to think a closed crust is better than a crust with a lot of holes. Personally I will take it with either bread.

In fact I used my pan grill today to make this delicious recipe. Which I do quite often when we have leftover bread hanging around. You can even make make it plain with a rub of garlic, a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt,

or even chop up some Fresh Tomatoes to add. But if you want something special then this is the recipe for you.

How to make Bruschetta with Pesto

• First thing to do is toast the slices of crusty Italian bread that you need (day old is even better).
• In a medium bowl mix together the chopped tomatoes, onions, oregano, basil, salt and olive oil.

• Spread a little Pesto on top of the bread, you can make your own or use a good store bought.
• Top with some tomato mixture, a few leaves of arugula, some flakes of goat cheese and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar if you wish.

I decided to go with the classic Basil Pesto but if you like something a little stronger than an Arugula Pesto would work too.

Of course you are going to want a cheese with a bit of a kick that is why I chose a goat cheese. It’s tangy and has a slightly sour taste. But so good.

How to store Bruschetta

It should not be stored it should be eaten immediately. Although the tomato and onion mixture can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, until ready to use.

One of the most important things to remember is the proper pronunciation, remember in Italian “SCH” is pronounced “SK” as in “ski or skip”. Therefore it’s Brusketta not Brushetta. 🙂

So if you are looking for a new way to eat one of the most delicious Italian appetizers I hope you give this Bruschetta with Pesto a try. Buon Appetito!

Updated from March 31, 2014.