Easy Bruschetta Recipe: Bell Pepper Crostini Vegan in the Freezer (2024)

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Here's an Easy Bruschetta Recipe like you've never had before. Colorful sauteed bell peppers are the star and they are finished with so many flavors. Bruschetta Crostini is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that works perfectly for elegant dinners, holidays and game day.

Bell Pepper Bruschetta Crostini is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that would work for elegant dinners, holidays and game day.

Easy to look at and delicious to eat this bruschetta can also be used as a dip with pita or tortilla chips.

We have 'dipped' before and I'm sure we will again 'cause - it's good! I never use less than 4 bell peppers for this recipe because the recipe freezes really well.

True, it's always gone if company comes over but I even make it for just ourselves.

You don't have to buy expensive imported balsamic vinegar either. Every bottle I've ever tried has been delicious so just use one that you would use for your own salad dressing.

Not a balsamic vinegar dressing but straight balsamic vinegar.

Table of Contents

FUN FACTS ABOUT BRUSCHETTA

  • Did you know that this straightforward Italian appetizer is typically served before a meal, known as an antipasto?
  • Bruschetta crostini is known to have more humbling beginnings. Especially in many rural parts of Italy. Farmers or field workers used to prepare it from bread that went stale.
  • They would sprinkle some water over thickly cut slices, then roast it over hot coals, rub a clove of garlic on the crusty bread, and the juicy inside of a tomato.
  • There might have also been a tad of salt and a drizzle of olive oil. I mean, that's what this Italian would do. And voila, a simple meal was served with a glass of homemade wine on the side.
  • Although olive oil, tomatoes, garlic, and bread are basic ingredients for a traditional bruschetta crostini, there are endless variations for a great recipe.
  • And every region in Italy has its own way of serving it.
Easy Bruschetta Recipe: Bell Pepper Crostini Vegan in the Freezer (1)
Easy Bruschetta Recipe: Bell Pepper Crostini Vegan in the Freezer (2)

It is so worth making and something to share with friends!

Crostini translates to "little crusts" in Italian - singular crostino. It's an Italian appetizer consisting of small slices of grilled or toasted bread and toppings.

The toppings may include a variety of different vegetables but they can be presented more simply with a brush of olive oil and herbs or a sauce.

I love the new silicone brushes that you can brush on the bread before toasting.

Just line up the slices on a baking sheet, brush lightly with extra virgin olive oil and broil for a minute or two. Don't walk away!

Easy Bruschetta Recipe: Bell Pepper Crostini Vegan in the Freezer (3)

EASY BRUSCHETTA RECIPE INGREDIENTS

  • Extra virgin olive oil - is used to saute the veggies and brown the bread.
  • Bell peppers - are beautiful and nutritious. Red, orange and gold peppers are sweeter and are mixed in with the green bell peppers.
  • Onion - releases a delicious sweetness when sauteed and it works well with bell peppers and as a base for this easy bruschetta recipe.
  • Garlic - adds a beautiful aromatic flavor.
  • Roma Tomato - is a bright red, firm, and plump tomato that will make your bruschetta stand out.
  • Balsamic vinegar - adds a nice kick and a pleasant acidity to the veggies.
  • Dried basil - has a peppery taste and enhances the sweetness of tomatoes.
  • Salt and pepper - are great for seasoning.
  • A loaf of Italian bread - is to make the crostini.

Remember how I mentioned using this bruschetta as a dip? It's delicious and I've served it just like this at a game day party.

It got scooped up and devoured using tortilla chips. Below is a photo of another time I served it but I had a little bit of fresh cauliflower in the fridge.

I cut it up really small and sauteed it along with the bell peppers. Delicious and beautiful. Here's a photo.

And just in case you want to serve it with other easy-to-make dips for your grazing table, then you might also like:

Here's a classic Tomato Bruschetta that is so dang good.

Olive Tapenade Crostini is another dream come true for crostini toasts.

HOW TO MAKE BELL PEPPER BRUSCHETTA CROSTINI

  • Heat the oil in a large skillet. Add onion and bell peppers, all at once.
  • Cook over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Next is the garlic, tomato, balsamic vinegar, and basil and cook 5 more minutes.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve now, or refrigerate for later or freeze now.
  • IF SERVING NOW:
  • Prepare the crostini toasts:
  • Lay the Italian bread slices on a cookie sheet. Lightly brush each bread slice with olive oil. The new silicone brushes are great. They wash up easy.
  • Put the cookie sheet under broil. Don't do anything else. Just stand there and keep checking the bread, and don't let it burn.
  • It only takes a couple of minutes.
  • After the toasts are lightly browned, remove from the oven. They are ready to use anytime.
  • Pile high with bruschetta and serve!
  • You can keep the toasts in the refrigerator for later use too. Like, if the party is tomorrow or in a few days.

📋 Recipe

Easy Bruschetta Recipe: Bell Pepper Crostini Vegan in the Freezer (5)

Easy Bruschetta Recipe for Bell Pepper Bruschetta Crostini

Ginny McMeans

Bell Pepper Bruschetta Crostini is a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

4.75 from 4 votes

Print Pin Recipe Save

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 Cups

Calories 389 kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 bell peppers - red, orange, green and yellow bell peppers, finely chopped
  • 1 onion, small red, or half of a large one, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 tomato, Roma, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper

For the toasts:

  • 1 long narrow loaf of Italian bread, sliced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a large skillet. add onion and bell peppers, all at once. Cook over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Easy Bruschetta Recipe: Bell Pepper Crostini Vegan in the Freezer (6)

  • Add garlic, tomato, balsamic vinegar and basil and cook 5 more minutes.

    Easy Bruschetta Recipe: Bell Pepper Crostini Vegan in the Freezer (7)

  • Add salt and pepper to taste.

    Easy Bruschetta Recipe: Bell Pepper Crostini Vegan in the Freezer (8)

  • Serve now, or refrigerate for later or freeze now.

IF SERVING NOW - Prepare the crostini toasts:

  • Lay out the Italian bread slices on a cookie sheet. Lightly brush each bread with olive oil. The new silicone brushes are great. They wash up really easy.

    Easy Bruschetta Recipe: Bell Pepper Crostini Vegan in the Freezer (9)

  • Put the cookie sheet under broil. Don't do anything else. Just stand there and keep checking the bread and don't let burn. It only takes a couple of minutes.

  • After the toasts are lightly browned, remove from the oven. They are ready to use anytime.

    Easy Bruschetta Recipe: Bell Pepper Crostini Vegan in the Freezer (10)

  • Pile high with bruschetta and serve!

    Easy Bruschetta Recipe: Bell Pepper Crostini Vegan in the Freezer (11)

  • You can make ahead and keep the toasts in the refrigerator for later use too. Like, if the party is tomorrow or in a few days.

Video

Notes

When serving - if you have any extra fresh basil you can sprinkle some over the tops for garnish.

TO FREEZE:

Cool completely to room temperature. Put in a freezer container and freeze up to 3 months.

TO PREPARE AFTER FREEZING:

Remove from the freezer and put in the refrigerator for 6-8 hours. Zap in the microwave for a few seconds to take the chill off. Prepare the crostini toasts as described above. Put some bruschetta on each toast and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 4OuncesCalories: 389kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 7gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 974mgPotassium: 453mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 3980IUVitamin C: 159.1mgCalcium: 78mgIron: 2.9mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

More Appetizer Recipes

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  • Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply

  1. Karen Conant

    Easy Bruschetta Recipe: Bell Pepper Crostini Vegan in the Freezer (16)
    Oh my goodness, I love bell pepper and I especially love the bell pepper bruschetta crostini. This is a easy to follow recipe and a crowd pleaser. I hosted a party and had this as the appetizer and everyone raved about it. Thank you, vegan in the freezer!

  2. Ginny McMeans

    You have made my day. Thank you so much and glad to hear it was served at a party!

« Older Comments

Easy Bruschetta Recipe: Bell Pepper Crostini Vegan in the Freezer (2024)

FAQs

Can bruschetta be frozen? ›

Yes! You can freeze this bruschetta recipe for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the desired amount of bruschetta in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat if desired.

Why does my bruschetta taste bitter? ›

Fresh herbs like basil can turn bitter if they are chopped too finely or bruised too much. Gently tear or chop them just before adding them to the bruschetta. Another factor could be overripe or low-quality tomatoes, which can taste bitter. Try using fresh, ripe tomatoes for a sweeter flavor.

How long does homemade bruschetta last in the fridge? ›

Keep this bruschetta covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Going a little longer isn't going to hurt anyone, it'll just loose a lot of it's fresh consistency and texture.

Can you put Italian bread in the freezer? ›

Freezing: If you don't plan to consume the bread within a day or two, freezing is an excellent option. Slice the bread before freezing, as it makes it easier to thaw and use. Wrap the individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer bag.

How long does a jar of bruschetta last in the fridge? ›

Q: How longdoes bruschetta last in refrigerator? Personally, I treat it like pasta sauce and use an open jar in the fridge within 4-5 days.

How do you keep crostini from getting hard? ›

To avoid hard crostini, don't overcook the bread slices. They should be crisp on the outside edges but still just slightly tender in the middle. If your crostini seem a bit too hard, put the toppings on a bit in advance. The topping will soften the crostini.

Why are my crostini tough? ›

If your crostini is so hard it feels like you might chip a tooth eating it, chances are good you baked it for too long! All ovens bake slightly differently so it's very important to keep a close eye on your crostini because they can go from perfectly crispy to hard as a rock in minutes.

What is the topping on bruschetta called? ›

food blogger Author has 2.8K answers and 47.2M. · 10mo. Though the whole thing is usually called bruschetta, the topping is called the condiment.

How do you enhance bruschetta? ›

Add 1 tablespoon of lime zest, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried chili peppers (to taste) for an extra kick. Smear the toasted baguette points with goat cheese, or crumble some queso fresco into the topping. Make it vegan by using an avocado in place of goat cheese on the bread.

What is the best tomato for bruschetta? ›

Something sweet and juicy, like heirloom tomatoes, tomatoes, vine tomatoes or Roma tomatoes. If making bruschetta when tomatoes are not in season, I recommend using grape or cherry tomatoes instead. Garlic – We will use just a clove to rub on the bread! Oil – The best extra-virgin olive oil you can afford!

What neutralizes bitter taste? ›

Sweetness: From sugar, honey, fruits or otherwise, sweetness will counteract bitter and sour flavours. It can also be used to cut down the heat of a particularly spicy meal. Saltiness: Salt plays two very important roles in flavouring a dish. Firstly, it balances against bitterness.

What can I use instead of basil for bruschetta? ›

If you must use a basil substitute, try some oregano, thyme, or marjoram in your bruschetta recipe.

Is bruschetta good or bad for you? ›

The primary ingredient in Bruschetta is tomatoes and as you already know tomatoes are extremely good for health. They are packed with Vitamin C, Vitamin K1, folate and potassium. Moreover, they are also a rich source of antioxidants such as Chlorogenic Acid that is known to help lower blood pressure.

What to eat after bruschetta? ›

  • Pair your bruschetta with these delightful sides! ...
  • **Caprese Salad**: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze.
  • **Mixed Greens Salad**: Light and refreshing with a lemon vinaigrette.
  • **Grilled Vegetables**: Zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant seasoned to perfection.
Mar 3, 2017

Does bruschetta go bad in the fridge? ›

This is sort of a trick question. The actual bruschetta, (the bread) will last as long as bread lasts without the toppings on it. But as soon as you add the topping, you'll want to eat it immediately. As for the tomato mixture, that will last for about 3 days in the fridge.

Is bruschetta good leftover? ›

Leftover bruschetta is delicious served over pasta or in a chicken parmesan dish.

How do you freeze leftover Italian bread? ›

Both store-bought and homemade bread should freeze well, says Lisa Brooks, the chef and owner of Heart & Soul, a personal chef service. Her go-to method involves wrapping the bread in two layers of plastic wrap and then storing the loaf in a resealable plastic freezer bag before freezing.

How long does bruschetta last out of fridge? ›

To ensure food safety, it's advisable to refrigerate bruschetta if it has been left out for an extended period. If it's been longer than 2 hours, it may be safer to discard it to avoid the risk of foodborne bacteria multiplying to unsafe levels.

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