Tomato Bruschetta Toast is a perfect breakfast, lunch or appetizer. Make with every tomato variety you can find. This is amazing!
This is an updated post form September, 2015.
This warm September morning I had this tomato bruschetta toast for breakfast. Yesterday I had this for dinner. And I also had it for lunch.
To say I am obsessed with this tomato salad would be true. It is good Manservant is away, because he would not be obsessed with this. He prefers his tomatoes in salsa form.
As a child I hated tomatoes. I did like them in ketchup form and of course, that was way back before I'd even heard of salsa.
So other than eating tomatoes as spaghetti sauce or chili, I really never ate tomatoes. Even tomato soup wasn't on my radar screen.
My mom did buy tomatoes. I think back then they were the cold, refrigerated kind. Except when it was summer.
Summer found us at the little farm stand on Court Street with the sand floors. It was always cool inside even though it was an open air stand.
The front door always had bunches of gladiolas in every color of the rainbow to greet you. They came in bunches of a dozen for 99 cents. It was always hard to choose my favorite color.
We also bought fresh corn there. My guess is that they were 99 cents a dozen also, but I don't remember.
I think the hardest thing and that which took the longest, was when mom chose tomatoes. She would pick up each one and check for bruises. Then she would smell them as if she was choosing her favorite perfume.
Then she would set them aside and get a brown paper bag and start placing them carefully inside. As we got into the car we were always told to, "Watch the tomatoes!"
Upon arriving home the tomatoes were gently placed stem down, on the window sill where upon they sat until she sliced them into giant rounds and sprinkled salt and pepper on them.
Sometimes she served them with cucumbers and sliced onions. Sometimes she just ate them straight up. And all this time I wouldn't eat them. A tomato did not cross my lips.
Even when she started growing them herself, I never ate a tomato. I didn't even eat fried green tomatoes, which my mom made once a year. I mean really! I didn't eat something fried?
I am sure that my mother never wanted us to like tomatoes because some things you just want all too yourself.
It really wasn't until a few years ago that I ate tomatoes. They were probably in the form of a caprese salad.
It is hard to resist cheese, even when they are served with tomatoes. I guess it was all over for me then, as I quickly discovered what I'd been missing for some 50 years.
What's the difference between tomato bruschetta and tomato toast?
Bruschetta is usually eaten as part of an antipasto (appetizer) platter in Italy. There are a million ways to eat bruschetta, which is usually defined as grilled bread rubbed with garlic and olive oil. The toppings are numerous but tomatoes are very popular on bruschetta.
Toast is just that. There is no reason not too toast. Unless you want to grill or broil! So yes, the difference between both is negligible in my opinion, unless you want the traditional Italian version.
Can I substitute something for the green peppers?
Now many of you may not like green peppers. I hated green peppers as a child and there was no such thing as red ones back then.
Really. I don't think I saw a red pepper until I was 23 and in Israel, where I don't believe they have green peppers!
I love the crunch and flavor that the green pepper gives to this simple recipe. However red peppers will work, as would celery.
Still to this day I don't like green peppers, unless it smells like a green pepper. It needs to smell just picked and pungent and then and only then, will I eat it.
I've had good luck this year finding really good green peppers. Just look for that smell. It just may change your mind! My guess is that they are the freshest and the others have probably been refrigerated.
Now is tomato season so make sure to get your fill. Heirlooms, red and yellow pear tomatoes, green zebras, early girls, romas, beefsteaks, brandywines celebritys, San Marzanos....the list could go on and on.
I even love the names of the tomatoes. They are all so pretty, I hate to eat them. Each has their own individual taste. So get them while you still can. Summer's bounty will be gone before you know it.
My salad toast is about as simple as it gets. Yes, you could eat this just as a salad, but there is nothing like a good hunk of bread to soak up all that tomato goodness.
Tips on Making Tomato Bruschetta:
Please make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. Even the cheese!
And please never refrigerate tomatoes. That is a no no!
Make sure you have good artisan bread. This is a salad of flavor and texture and is pleasing to the eye. And we all know we eat with our eyes, don't we?
A Few More with Tomatoes:
Peach, Green Chile and Sage Bites
Farro Salad with Grilled Vegetables
Calabacitas Tomato Sandwich
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Recipe
Tomato Bruschetta Toast
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Total Time: 15 Minutes
- Yield: 4 Toasts 1x
- Category: Breakfast/Lunch/Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Description
This tomato bruschetta toast is a perfect summer time breakfast, lunch or appetizer. Use ever variety of tomato you can find.
Ingredients
½ c chopped onion
½ c chopped green pepper
1 ½ c rough chopped or sliced assorted tomatoes
½ c sliced pimento olives
3 grinds of black pepper
¼ to ½ t salt
1 T rough chopped fresh parsley and basil
1 T balsamic vinegar
Olive oil to drizzle
4 slices of artisan bread toast (I use Udi's Italian wheat.)
2 balls of burrata sliced in half
Pinch of chile flakes, if desired
Instructions
In a bowl combine onions, green pepper, tomatoes and olives.
Add pepper, salt, parsley and basil. Toss gently with vinegar.
Let sit while toasting or grilling bread.
By now some of the juices of the tomatoes have collected in the bottom of the bowl. Take a spoonful and drizzle over toast.
Place a large spoonful of tomatoes on top of that. Then half of the burrata ball.
Drizzle with a little olive oil and a bit more pepper. Serve with a knife and fork.
David @ Spiced says
We've been making a similar appetizer recently, but eating it as a meal. We top bread fresh mozzarella pieces and olive oil and then grill it. The tomatoes go on afterwards, and it never lasts long! However, I'm intrigued by this version. Burrata instead of mozzarella! (Genius) And the addition of olives, too. (Even more genius) I'm totally going to have to up our appetizer game with this version, Abbe!
Jeff the Chef says
Wow, that is almost a salad! Looks so delicious!
Healthy World Cuisine says
Delicious carefree easy recipe for the summer. With a glass of wine and eating alfresco, this would be sublime. Thinking the Farmers market might be calling us this weekend. Missing some good heirloom tomatoes.
John / Kitchen Riffs says
Such a pretty dish! Bruschetta/Toast -- same thing in my book. And in my book, good stuff. 🙂 Neat recipe, and we're getting great local tomatoes, so this is timely. Thanks!
2 sisters recipes says
There’s nothing better than heirloom tomatoes this time of year, and your bruschetta looks amazingly delicious! Hope you are having a good and safe summer!!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
As some are ending the tomato season, we're just beginning. This toast screams summer to me.
Holly @ abakershouse.com says
How perfect to end summer enjoying beautiful tomatoes. Their brightness and flavor makes summer last just a bit longer!
Cheri Savory Spoon says
Hi Abbe, I already subscribe to your blog.
Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
Wow! This is the most delicious, scrumptious and gorgeous toasts I have ever seen. Super YUM!
Biz says
I used to never like tomatoes, yet I loved tomatoey things - while I can't do sliced tomatoes, I love a chunky tomato sauce on top of deep dish pizza!
kankana says
I can eat that everyday because it's got burrata! Love it 🙂
Linda says
I already follow on Pinterest as cbythesea5
Linda says
I like tomatoes on tuna melt sandwiches.
cbythesea5 at gmail dot com
The-foodtrotter says
It looks as simple as easy to make! I love it 🙂
beyondkimchee says
This is very colorful dish. Not to mention how tasty it looks.
Amy (Savory Moments) says
This is the fanciest and most delicious looking toast I've ever seen!
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
I have got to increase my lunch game now with this tomato toast! Would love to include all our garden veggies on this!
Unknown says
I love tomatoes on top of polenta!
- Judith
Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) says
That toast looks incredible, and Whole Foods in Highlands Ranch has a sea of those lovely little colorful tomatoes. Coincidence, I had a very similar burrata bruschetta at Pinos Restaurant. I must try to make some very soon.
Elle says
I follow on Pinterest.
Elle says
I love freshly sliced tomatoes on sandwiches like tuna or egg salad or chicken salad.
prettyinhotpink6 at gmail dot com
Anonymous says
I am an email subscriber! bjn1957{at}gmail{dot}com
Anonymous says
I love caprese salad made with fresh tomatoes from the garden! bjn1957{at}gmail{dot}com
Kristen says
I follow on Twitter
@rubylorikeet
Kristen says
My favorite way to use tomatoes is on a hearty BLT.
Calli W says
Looks so good. I love using tomatoes in salad!
Chris Scheuer says
This sounds wonderful, I would eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner too!
latanya t says
pinterest follower
latanya t says
email subscriber
latanya t says
email subscriber
latanya t says
I like using tomatoes in a tomato and cucumber salad
Liz Berg says
I had a tomato, peach, burrata salad out for dinner on Saturday! I love those pear tomatoes, too. A Caprese salad has to be my favorite way to eat tomatoes---and if the mozzarella happens to be replaced with burrata, I'd still be thrilled. So glad you are now a tomato fan 🙂
All That I'm Eating says
This looks delicious; shame I can't enter the giveaway! I remember all the tempting stuff in Wholefoods when I was in NYC earlier this year.
Angie Schneider says
I love tomato for my breakfast sandwich too. This looks scrumptious, Abbe.
Carol at Wild Goose Mama says
My favorite way to use fresh tomato is a toss between salad or a sandwich
Carol at Wild Goose Mama says
My favorite way to use tomato makes a difference if you are asking me if it's cooked or uncooked.
Probably if fresh---in a sandwich.
jacquie astemborski says
in a salad or sautéed up w/ some other fresh summer produce. yummmmmmmmmmmm
DeniseL says
And I follow you on pinterest as deniseleb.
DeniseL says
I'm a subscriber!
Tricia Buice says
I am a follower of your blog and Facebook 🙂
Tricia Buice says
I eat like that when my husband is traveling. I adore tomatoes and we are still getting them from the garden. If we lived near one another - I would share with you! I love a good tomato sandwich and will probably have one for breakfast myself. Thanks!
DeniseL says
I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who smells their produce:) I refuse to buy food that doesn't smell like food. It can't possible taste good. It's really hard to pick one favorite way to serve tomatoes. This summer it was cucumbers, tomatoes, and onion in a little vinegar and salt.
La Table De Nana says
I would love this..
the only tomatoes I remember us having came in a small rectangular cardboard box w/ cello on top..I am going back 45 yrs..
imagine..hard as rocks and no taste.
God Bless today's produce;)
I just pulled up and out my potager to ready for garlic etc..I saved all the unripe tomatoes and I hope they WILL ripen.
SavoringTime in the Kitchen says
I just bought some heirlooms at the farmers' market this week and they were wonderful! We had guests for dinner Saturday night and I was afraid I would have enough of my own ripe tomatoes to serve. I simply sliced them and arranged them on a plate with basil and offered balsamic and olive oil to dress. What a delicious way to use tomatoes with the burrata on toast. I'm sold!
HS says
I subscribed to your blog.
HS says
I like to use tomatoes in sandwiches.
Adam J. Holland says
This is beautiful, Abbe!
Cheri Savory Spoon says
Hi Abbe, oh I love heirloom tomatoes, they are the best, well summer tomatoes are the best. I love my tomatoes freshly sliced with avocado on whole wheat toast. Beautiful salad you created!
Karen Harris says
This is mouthwatering. Usually I'd go for an avocado toast, but this just might start a new trend in my kitchen.
traveler says
I am an e-mail subscriber. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
traveler says
I enjoyed this post and the wonderful photos which depict a delectable snack which i could eat all day everyday especially during the summer and Fall. I love tomatoes and buy them at the market. We bought Brandywine which are so tasty. I slice them, salt them, and then with multi-grain bread from the market as well eat this repast. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
Abbe Odenwalder says
Oh Traveler, we are definitely friends!