Easy Grilled Bruschetta Pesto Skewers: The Perfect Summer Appetizer & Side Dish
Get ready to elevate your summer entertaining with these incredibly simple yet irresistibly delicious grilled bruschetta pesto skewers! This recipe takes a classic Italian appetizer and transforms it into a fun, bite-sized skewer that’s perfect for any occasion. Requiring just 5 core ingredients and a mere 15 minutes of your time, these skewers are an absolute game-changer for those busy summer days when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Bruschetta, at its heart, is a timeless Italian delight – typically toasted bread rubbed with garlic, drizzled with olive oil, seasoned with salt, and topped with fresh, chopped tomatoes. It’s a testament to the power of simple, high-quality ingredients. These skewers capture all those wonderful, familiar flavors, but with a delightful twist: the addition of fresh pesto and an innovative grilled presentation that makes them ideal for summer gatherings. Imagine the smoky aroma of grilled bread and tomatoes mingling with the fragrant basil of pesto – it’s truly a sensory experience.
One of the best features of this recipe? There’s absolutely no need to turn on your oven, keeping your kitchen cool during the hottest months! All the culinary magic happens right on the grill. These grilled tomato bruschetta skewers can be cooked effortlessly alongside your main dishes, whether you’re grilling chicken, burgers, or other vegetables. They are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any backyard dinner, picnic, or summer potluck. Plus, the recipe is incredibly versatile and scales up or down with ease, meaning you can whip up a small batch for an intimate dinner or a large quantity for a big party without any fuss.
Beyond their ease and deliciousness, these skewers offer a beautiful and vibrant presentation that will impress your guests. The alternating colors of golden-brown bread and bright red tomatoes, finished with a luscious green pesto drizzle, make for an eye-catching appetizer. They’re a fantastic way to enjoy the fresh flavors of summer produce in a creative and convenient format.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients You’ll Need for These Easy Skewers
- How to Make Perfect Grilled Bruschetta Pesto Skewers
- Creative Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Pro Tips for Grilling Success
- Get the Full Recipe
- More Irresistible Summer Appetizers
Ingredients You’ll Need for These Easy Skewers
Crafting these delectable grilled bruschetta pesto skewers requires just a handful of quality ingredients. The beauty lies in their simplicity, allowing each flavor to shine through beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A Good Loaf of Bread: The foundation of any great bruschetta is excellent bread. Opt for a crusty, artisanal loaf like sourdough, a French baguette, ciabatta, or even a robust focaccia. The key is to choose a bread that can hold its shape when cubed and toasted on the grill, providing a satisfying crunch without becoming overly dry or falling apart. Stale bread works even better as it absorbs the olive oil and toasts up perfectly. Cut it into roughly 1-inch cubes for ideal skewer threading.
- Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: These small, sweet tomatoes are absolutely perfect for skewers due to their convenient, bite-sized nature. When grilled, they soften beautifully and develop a deeper, sweeter flavor, often bursting slightly to release their juicy goodness. Look for vibrant red, firm tomatoes for the best results.
- Good Pesto: This is where the “pesto” in our title comes in! Whether you prefer the homemade freshness of a basil-walnut pesto or the convenience and quality of a good store-bought variety, this ingredient adds a fantastic layer of fresh, herbaceous, and savory flavor. Pesto binds the flavors together and offers a creamy texture contrast to the toasted bread. Feel free to experiment with different types of pesto, such as sun-dried tomato pesto or even a spinach-artichoke pesto, for varying flavor profiles.
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil is essential. It helps the bread toast beautifully, prevents sticking, and adds a rich, fruity base flavor that is fundamental to bruschetta. Don’t skimp on this!
- Salt: Coarse salt, such as sea salt or kosher salt, is preferred for seasoning both the bread and tomatoes before grilling. Its larger crystals adhere well and provide a pleasant textural crunch, enhancing the overall taste.
- Mini Bamboo Skewers: These are ideal for serving individual portions and for easy handling on the grill. Six-inch mini bamboo skewers work perfectly. Remember to soak them in water beforehand to prevent them from burning during grilling.
How to Make Perfect Grilled Bruschetta Pesto Skewers
Making these skewers is incredibly straightforward, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your summer. Follow these simple steps for perfectly grilled bruschetta:
- Prepare Your Skewers (and Ingredients): First, if using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before you start assembling. This crucial step prevents them from charring or burning excessively on the grill. While they’re soaking, cube your chosen bread into roughly 1-inch pieces. Place the bread cubes and whole cherry or grape tomatoes into a large bowl. Drizzle generously with good quality olive oil, ensuring every piece of bread and every tomato is lightly coated. Then, season liberally with coarse salt. Toss everything gently to combine, making sure the oil and salt are evenly distributed. This pre-seasoning is key to great flavor.
- Assemble the Skewers: Once your bamboo skewers are prepped, begin threading the bread cubes and tomatoes onto them. Alternate between bread and tomatoes to create an attractive pattern and ensure even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave a little space between each piece to allow for proper heat circulation and charring on all sides. Aim for about 3-4 bread cubes and 3-4 tomatoes per 6-inch skewer.
- Grill to Perfection: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the assembled skewers directly on the grill grates. They will cook very quickly, so do not step away from the grill! Grill for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, turning them frequently to ensure the bread toasts evenly and develops a slight char. You’re looking for the bread to become golden brown and slightly crispy, while the tomatoes should soften, warm through, and just begin to blister and burst, releasing their sweet juices. The exact cooking time may vary based on your grill’s temperature, so use visual cues.
- Drizzle with Pesto & Serve Immediately: As soon as the skewers are beautifully grilled, transfer them to a serving platter. While still warm, generously drizzle fresh pesto over the top of all the skewers. The warmth of the grilled ingredients will slightly melt and mingle with the pesto, enhancing its aroma and flavor. These grilled bruschetta pesto skewers are at their absolute best when served immediately, allowing your guests to enjoy the delightful contrast of warm, toasted bread and juicy tomatoes with the fresh, aromatic pesto. The grilled bread tends to dry out quickly, so prompt serving is key to maintaining their optimal texture.
Pro Tips for Grilling Success
- Don’t Skimp on the Oil and Salt: These two ingredients are crucial for flavor and texture. Ensure the bread is well-coated with olive oil for optimal crisping and that both bread and tomatoes are seasoned generously.
- Pre-Soak Bamboo Skewers: This is non-negotiable to prevent them from burning on the grill. A 30-minute soak is usually sufficient. If you forget, metal skewers are a great alternative.
- Watch the Heat: Medium-high heat is ideal, but keep a close eye. Grills can have hot spots, and bread can go from perfectly toasted to burnt quickly.
- Turn Frequently: Even cooking is key. Turn the skewers every minute or so to get that desirable char on all sides of the bread and to soften the tomatoes uniformly.
- Serve Warm: The magic of bruschetta is often in its freshness and warmth. These skewers are best enjoyed right off the grill.
- Make Ahead (Partially): You can cube the bread and wash the tomatoes a few hours in advance. Keep them separate, then toss with oil and salt, assemble, and grill just before serving.
Creative Variations and Serving Suggestions
While delicious on its own, this grilled bruschetta pesto skewer recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some ideas to customize it and serving suggestions:
- Balsamic Glaze Instead of Pesto: For a sweet and tangy alternative, skip the pesto and drizzle the warm skewers with a rich balsamic glaze. You can buy pre-made glaze or easily reduce balsamic vinegar on the stovetop until thickened. It adds a sophisticated touch.
- Add Other Vegetables: Expand the veggie component by threading pieces of bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), zucchini slices, small red onion wedges, or even mushroom caps onto the skewers. These will grill beautifully alongside the bread and tomatoes, adding more flavor and nutrients.
- Incorporate Italian Cured Meats: For a heartier appetizer, add small, folded pieces of pancetta, prosciutto, or even salami between the bread and tomatoes. The salty, savory notes from the cured meat will create a delightful contrast with the fresh ingredients. Ensure the meat is suitable for grilling or pre-cooked if necessary.
- Finish with Fresh Mozzarella: For an extra layer of creaminess, finish each grilled skewer with a mini ball of fresh mozzarella (bocconcini or ciliegine). You can thread it on during assembly, allowing it to soften slightly on the grill, or add it immediately after grilling so it just starts to melt from the residual heat.
- Cheese Variations: Instead of mozzarella, consider grating some fresh Parmesan cheese over the warm skewers or crumbling a bit of feta cheese for a salty, tangy kick.
- Herb Boost: After drizzling with pesto, sprinkle some freshly chopped basil or oregano over the skewers for an extra burst of aromatic freshness.
These skewers are perfect as a light appetizer, a vibrant side dish for grilled meats or fish, or even as part of a larger antipasto platter. Pair them with a crisp white wine or a refreshing lemonade for the ultimate summer experience.
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Grilled Bruschetta Skewers with Pesto
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Ingredients
For the Skewers:
- 20 6-inch mini bamboo skewers
- 1 dry pint cherry or grape tomatoes
- 4 cups crusty sourdough or french bread , cubed (about 1 small loaf)
- Good quality Olive oil
- Coarse salt
- ½ cup Basil Pesto , store-bought or homemade
Instructions
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For bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent burning on the grill.
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Add the cherry or grape tomatoes and cubed bread to a large bowl. Drizzle generously with olive oil, ensuring the bread and tomatoes are lightly coated. Season heavily with coarse salt and toss gently to combine.
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Assemble the skewers by alternating bread cubes and tomatoes. Do not overcrowd, leaving a little space for even cooking.
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Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 2-3 minutes, turning them frequently to ensure the bread toasts evenly and develops a slight char. Skewers are ready when the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the tomatoes have softened and begun to burst.
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Transfer the grilled skewers to a platter and generously drizzle with pesto. Serve and enjoy immediately while still warm.
Notes
- If you can’t find 6-inch mini bamboo skewers, you can easily cut regular-sized skewers in half to create the desired length.
- This recipe is wonderfully adaptable and scales up or down really well. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities based on the number of guests you’re serving.
- For an extra garlicky kick, lightly rub the grilled bread with a cut garlic clove immediately after taking it off the grill, before drizzling with pesto.
This recipe was originally published in June 2018 and has been updated for clarity, expanded tips, and enhanced SEO to bring you the best possible guide to making these amazing grilled bruschetta pesto skewers.
More Irresistible Summer Appetizers
Looking for more easy and delicious bites to serve at your summer gatherings? Check out these fantastic recipes: