Easy Strawberry Bruschetta Recipe

This Strawberry Bruschetta recipe will become your g0-t0 summer appetizer!

There’s something that I want you to know.  Sometimes, I can be an absolute disaster in the kitchen. The first time I tried this recipe, it went off without a hitch. It’s a pretty darn easy recipe, so it should go off without a hitch. Every time. But sometimes there’s no explaining me in the kitchen.

When it was my turn to bring a snack to my monthly book club, I thought this summery strawberry bruschetta would be a perfect choice. It was quick and easy and I could whip it up after dinner in time for the 7 o’clock book club.

It was about 6:35 when I started making the bruschetta. It’s a neighborhood book club, so I only had to travel down the street. Plenty of time. Then, I burned my first batch of toast. Luckily, I had more bread. No sweat. Maybe I’ll be five minutes late, I thought. Keep going. Next, I burned my balsamic reduction and had to start over.

It didn’t help that Meghan and Luke were chasing each other in circles around my legs (this was 2014 and Meghan was 5 and Luke was 2 1/2), but still. I was more than five minutes late.

I tell you this so you know when I call myself “an everyday mom”–it’s very true.  I want everyone who reads here to know that I’m just a regular mom trying to feed my family well and you can definitely do the same.  Probably with a little more grace than me.

While it took a little longer than it should have, I did make the bruschetta that night and everyone at the book club loved it. When I bring a dish to an event, I judge its success if anyone asks for the recipe. Three different ladies asked me for the recipe, so I called this one a winner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you need a quick, easy, and delicious appetizer for all your summer get-togethers, this Strawberry Bruschetta is your recipe. My kitchen disaster aside, this really is an easy dish. And even better, it’s oh-so-delicious.

The flavors of the tangy goat cheese next to the strawberries covered in a balsamic reduction with fresh basil just work. Everything compliments each other and there’s a perfect balance. This recipe puts together two of my favorite things: bread and strawberries. It’s a flavorful combination of sweet strawberries, tart balsamic vinegar, and crispy bread. And the tangy goat cheese adds the perfect creamy layer to this easy appetizer.

This will be my go-to appetizer anytime I need a dish to bring to gatherings in the spring or summer. Make these for a special occasion or take them to picnics, they’ll be gone before you know it! It’s perfect when the occasion calls for finger foods.

I live for strawberries! These refreshing, low-caloric, antioxidant powerhouse fruits are regulars in my kitchen during the strawberry season. From filling smoothies (see: Strawberry Peanut Butter Smoothie)to light salads (see: Strawberry Spinach Salad), I add them to everything!

Ingredients for Strawberry Basil Bruschetta

Balsamic Vinegar: We’ll need this to make homemade balsamic reduction. Find a good-quality balsamic vinegar at your local grocery store. A balsamic glaze drizzle would work here, too, but most store-bought varieties have added sugar, so be aware of that if you decide to switch it up.

French Baguette Loaf: We want bread with mild flavor so the strawberries can shine, hence French baguette. And guys, the crisp is to die for! Italian bread is a great option, as well.

Olive Oil: We’ll brush some on each slice of bread for a nice crunch and that perfect golden brown shade.

Fresh Strawberries: Pick sweet and juicy strawberries with a beautiful red hue, delicious fruit aroma, and firm skin. I love to get mine from a local farm when I can. Dice your in-season strawberries for maximum flavor.

Fresh Basil Leaves: Dried basil won’t work here, so stick to fresh basil leaves! All types work, but my personal favorite is the sweet Italian basil.

Spreadable Goat Cheese: This soft cheese is gold! It’s creamy with just the right amount of tanginess – pairs well with the sweetness of strawberries. Plus, you’ll love how easily it spreads on the bread slices. You’ll want the spreadable or whipped kind if you can find it. The crumbled goat cheese won’t work as well for this recipe.

Salt and Black Pepper: The only taste enhancers for this recipe!

 Make sure you see the recipe card at the bottom of this post with all the details and ingredient amounts.

How to Make Strawberry Bruschetta

Although it looks fancy, this sweet strawberry bruschetta is incredibly easy to make. If you’re looking for a last-minute appetizer, this is it! Here’s your step-by-step guide!

1. In a small sauce pan, bring the balsamic vinegar to a simmer over medium high heat. Reduce the heat immediately and allow to low simmer for about 10 minutes, until it is reduced by about 1/3 and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
2. In a small mixing bowl, combine the diced strawberries, vinegar reduction, and basil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
3. Meanwhile, brush your bread on both sides with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Using your oven’s broiler, lightly toast the bread, a minute or two per side. (Be careful not to burn it!)
5. Spread each slice of bread with some goat cheese. Top with a portion of the strawberry mixture. Enjoy!

Variations and Substitutes

Try Other Fruits: This delicious recipe will work with other in-season fruits like peaches, cherries, and blueberries, too! Fresh tomatoes are another great option!

Explore Your Cheese Options: Cream cheese and ricotta cheese are my favorite subs for the creamy goat cheese. You can also try blue cheese if you are a fan of funky and strong cheese flavors. Whipped cottage cheese would add a good amount of protein to this Strawberry Bruschetta recipe! Want to keep things vegan? How about cashew cream cheese?

Mix up the Bread: Instead of a French baguette, try using sourdough or ciabatta for a different flavor and texture.

Try Fresh Mint and Lemon: Use mint instead of basil and fresh lemon juice in place of the balsamic vinegar for a different twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Store the Leftovers?

Honestly, I doubt you’d ever have any. But if you do, they’ll keep in an airtight container in the fridge. Expect three days of shelf life, but the bread will likely become soggy.

Can I Make Strawberry Basil Bruschetta in Advance?

It’s best not to make the entire recipe ahead of time, but a little prep can be done to make it even quicker to make this. You can make the basil reduction and dice your strawberries and basil ahead of time and store them in separate airtight containers. Mix them together and toast your bread just before you’re ready to serve the appetizer.

I hope this strawberry bruschetta recipe becomes a regular in your kitchen, just like it has in mine! If you make it, or any Happy Healthy Mama recipe, I would LOVE to see it! Please take a pic and share it on Instagram or the Happy Healthy Mama Facebook page and tag me @happyhealthymama. 

Also, if you try them, would you mind rating the recipe with stars when you leave a comment? It’s VERY helpful for me and other readers if the recipes have ratings and reviews. I appreciate you!

Strawberry Bruschetta

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 1 review

• Author: Maryea Flaherty of Healthy Happy Mama
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 30 slices 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This light and summery appetizer is a fun twist on the classic bruschetta! It’s quick and easy to make and always a crowd pleaser.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 baguette loaf, sliced (mine yielded about 30 slices)
• 2–3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound strawberries, diced
• 1/2 cup basil leaves, cut into a chiffonade (stack the leaves, then roll the leaves, then slice the leaves)
• 4–5 ounces goat cheese, room temperature (spreadable goat cheese, not the crumbled kind)
• salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. In a small sauce pan, bring the balsamic vinegar to a simmer over medium high heat. Reduce the heat immediately and allow to low simmer for about 10 minutes, until it is reduced by about 1/3 and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the diced strawberries, vinegar reduction, and basil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
3. Meanwhile, brush your bread on both sides with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet. Using your oven’s broiler, lightly toast the bread, a minute or two per side. (Be careful not to burn it!)
4. Spread each slice of bread with some goat cheese. Top with a portion of the strawberry mixture. Enjoy!

Notes

Recipe adapted from here

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Appetizer recipe
• Method: stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 57
• Sugar: 1.1g
• Sodium: 13.9mg
• Fat: 2.7g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Protein: 2.7g

This recipe was first published in 2014. Photo updates were made in 2024.