Wolfgang Puck’s bruschetta is everything you want in a simple appetizer—fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor!
The base of any good bruschetta is the bread. I like to use a rustic baguette, slicing it thick enough to hold the toppings but thin enough to get that excellent crisp.
Toasting the bread until golden brown is essential, and rubbing it with a clove of garlic right after toasting makes a huuuge difference in flavor!
What sets this recipe apart is the topping. The diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and high-quality olive oil work wonderfully together.
I also sprinkle just a touch of flaky sea salt to make the flavors pop.
Ready, let’s go!
How to Make Wolfgang Puck Bruschetta Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 slices Country-Style Italian Bread (1-inch thick)
- 3 tbsp Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Roasted Garlic
- 5 medium Sun-Ripened Tomatoes
- 1/3 cup Fresh Basil (chopped)
- 1/2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
- 1/2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your broiler or grill to medium-high heat.
Brush each slice of bread with extra-virgin olive oil.
Step 2:
Toast the bread on the grill or in the broiler for about 2-3 minutes.
You want each side to be golden and crisp.
Step 3:
Prepare the tomato topping by coarsely chopping the sun-ripened tomatoes.
Place them in a bowl.
Add the chopped basil, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Mix everything gently.
Step 4:
While hot, rub each slice of toast with a roasted garlic clove.
The garlic will lightly flavor the bread.
Step 5:
Top each toasted bread slice with the tomato mixture.
Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh tomatoes and basil make all the difference.
Don’t skimp on quality here, especially since these are the stars of the dish.
Serve Immediately
Bruschetta is at its best when served right after assembling, maintaining its crispy texture.
Make sure your guests are ready to enjoy right away!
Customize the Toppings
Feel free to add mozzarella or a drizzle of reduced balsamic for a personalized touch.
It’s an easy way to experiment with flavors.
Keeping these tips in mind can really enhance your bruschetta-making experience!
What to Serve with Wolfgang Puck Bruschetta Recipe
Classic Focaccia
Focaccia is a traditional bread choice to pair with bruschetta.
This Italian bread boasts a fluffy interior with a slightly crisp crust, making it a great complement.
You might enjoy its savory flavor, often enhanced with rosemary or olives.
Antipasto Salad
An antipasto salad brings variety with ingredients like cured meats, cheese, and marinated vegetables.
Serving it with bruschetta can offer a contrast of flavors and textures.
You can customize it with your favorite Italian deli items, creating a harmonious meal experience.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms can be a unique and tasty accompaniment.
The richness of the filling, such as cheese or herbs, balances the freshness of bruschetta.
Consider experimenting with different stuffing options for variety.
Caprese Skewers
Caprese skewers are a fun and visually appealing side dish option.
They consist of cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, presented on a skewer.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a modern twist that pairs superbly with bruschetta.
Sweet Corn Grilled
Sweet corn grilled to just right can be a fun option.
The natural sweetness of the corn complements the savory and tangy notes of bruschetta.
Try brushing with olive oil and a hint of garlic for extra flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
Bread Choices
You can use any rustic bread that can hold up to the toppings.
Good choices include a baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough.
I’ve tried using gluten-free bread, which worked well.
Tomato Varieties
Cherry tomatoes offer a sweeter taste and are great if you want smaller chunks.
You could also try heirloom tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
Using canned tomatoes in the off-season is an alternative.
Cheese Options
Consider adding a layer of fresh mozzarella or ricotta for a creamy texture.
Parmesan shavings can add a salty kick if you’re into that.
A vegan cheese substitute works well if you’re avoiding dairy.
Herb and Spice Alternatives
Try oregano or thyme if you’re out of basil, as these offer different aromas.
If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne.
Don’t forget you can adjust the garlic level to your taste, or use shallots.
Oil and Vinegar Twists
Experiment with flavored olive oils like garlic or lemon for extra zing.
Instead of balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar offers a subtler tang.
You might enjoy trying infused vinegars to add complexity.
How to Store Leftover Bruschetta
Bruschetta leftovers are best when stored properly to enjoy them later!
One option is to separate the tomato mixture from the bread.
Keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature so it doesn’t get soggy.
Storing the Tomato Mixture
You can store the tomato topping in the fridge.
Use an airtight container to lock in all those flavors.
It can last up to three days this way, remaining as fresh as possible.
Using the Freezer
If you want to keep your toppings for longer, consider freezing them.
Freezing can help preserve the taste for a longer period.
Ensure you use freezer-safe bags or containers to avoid freezer burn.
Other Tips
Consider eating or using your leftovers within a few days for the best flavor experience.
You might want to try using the topping on grilled chicken or baked fish!
Remember to label your containers with the date to keep track of freshness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using the Wrong Type of Bread
You might want to grab any available bread in your pantry, but choosing the wrong type can impact the texture and taste of your bruschetta.
Opt for a crusty, country-style Italian bread with enough firmness to hold the toppings well.
Skimping on Exposing Garlic Flavor
Failing to properly roast the garlic may leave your bruschetta lacking in flavor.
Don’t rush this step; roasting enhances the garlic’s sweetness, adding a rich taste to the dish that can’t be missed.
Ignoring Basil’s Role
Fresh basil is key to bringing an aromatic freshness to your bruschetta.
Using dried basil or leaving it out can compromise the intended flavor profile, so ensure you have fresh leaves on hand.

Wolfgang Puck Bruschetta Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 slices Country-Style Italian Bread 1-inch thick
- 3 tbsp Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Roasted Garlic
- 5 medium Sun-Ripened Tomatoes
- 1/3 cup Fresh Basil chopped
- 1/2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
- 1/2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your broiler or grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush each slice of bread with extra-virgin olive oil.
- Toast the bread on the grill or in the broiler for about 2-3 minutes.
- You want each side to be golden and crisp.
- Prepare the tomato topping by coarsely chopping the sun-ripened tomatoes.
- Place them in a bowl.
- Add the chopped basil, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything gently.
- While hot, rub each slice of toast with a roasted garlic clove.
- The garlic will lightly flavor the bread.
- Top each toasted bread slice with the tomato mixture.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.