Take your bruschetta to the next level with blistered tomatoes! This Blistered Tomato Bruschetta is rich, creamy, and infused with the flavors of olive oil, garlic and fresh basil. The perfect appetizer for wine nights, dinner parties and more!

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably had a lot of bruschetta in your life. It’s a classic appetizer that’s found on most Italian menus… and usually a pretty safe bet if you’re ordering for the table.

But. I can pretty much guarantee you’ve never had bruschetta like this before. Because THIS blistered tomato bruschetta is next level. Made with a delicious garlic herb cream cheese spread and perfectly seasoned blistered tomatoes, it basically puts all the other versions to shame.

I think what I love most about it is that it feels fancy, but it’s actually super simple and easy to make. And since so many of the ingredients overlap, you really only need a handful of items from the store.

And BEST of all? If you’re lucky enough to have a garden full of tomatoes? This is the perfect way to use them.

what you’ll need for this recipe

Garlic Herb Cream Cheese – A simple spread made with cream cheese, sour cream, fresh garlic, fresh basil, salt & pepper. Feel free to add or substitute any of your favorite fresh herbs (oregano, rosemary, or thyme would all be delicious!)

Blistered Tomatoes – Blistered tomatoes are quick and easy to make using grape or cherry tomatoes, sliced shallot, olive oil, garlic, salt & pepper. I added some fresh basil for garnish.

Crostini Toasts – These bite-sized crostini toasts are perfectly crunchy and keep this recipe super simple. Feel free to make your own crostini by slicing a baguette, brushing each slice with olive oil, and toasting it in the oven at 350° for 10-12 minutes.

how to make this tomato bruschetta

Make the cream cheese spread. Prepare the cream cheese spread by combining the ingredients in a small mixing bowl (be sure to use softened cream cheese!) Using a hand mixer, mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Make the blistered tomatoes. Prepare the blistered tomatoes by heating the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes. Add the sliced shallot, minced garlic, salt & pepper and cook 2-3 minutes more. Remove from heat; add fresh basil.

Assemble the crostini. Spread each crostini with cream cheese spread, then top with blistered tomatoes. Garnish as desired.

Recipe Variations

Use toasted baguette slices in place of crostini toasts
Use regular or flavored cream cheese instead of garlic herb cream cheese spread
Substitute whipped feta or whipped ricotta
Add a spoonful of olive tapenade
Substitute onion for the shallot in the blistered tomatoes
Add cooked, crumbled bacon
Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese
Garnish with any of your favorite fresh herbs or seasonings

More Grape Tomato Recipes

Just in case you’re on the lookout for more delicious ways to use tomatoes… these are some of our favorites!