Easy Grilled Bruschetta Pesto Skewers: The Ultimate Summer Appetizer Recipe

These incredibly delicious and grilled bruschetta pesto skewers are your new go-to for an effortless and flavorful summer appetizer or side dish. Imagine the classic Italian favorite, bruschetta, but reimagined in a fun, portable skewer form, infused with vibrant pesto and kissed by the smoky char of the grill. Requiring just a handful of simple ingredients and a mere 15 minutes of your time, these skewers are designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss, making them perfect for any gathering, big or small. They are an absolute game-changer for backyard BBQs, impromptu picnics, or a light, delightful starter before your main course. Get ready to impress your guests with this creative twist on a timeless classic!

Bruschetta, at its heart, is a cherished Italian tradition – simple, yet profound. It typically consists of toasted bread, drizzled with olive oil, rubbed with garlic, seasoned with salt, and topped with fresh, chopped tomatoes. This humble combination creates a symphony of flavors and textures that has captivated palates for generations. Our grilled bruschetta pesto skewers take these beloved flavors and elevate them with the fresh, aromatic addition of pesto, all while presenting them in an innovative and highly appealing way. This new format is not only visually stunning but also incredibly practical for summer entertaining, allowing guests to mingle and enjoy without the need for plates and forks.

The true magic of this recipe unfolds on the grill, completely eliminating the need to turn on your oven during those hot summer months. This means less heat in your kitchen and more time enjoying the beautiful weather! You can easily grill these delightful tomato bruschetta skewers right alongside your other barbecue staples – whether it’s succulent grilled chicken, juicy burgers, or an assortment of fresh veggies. They integrate seamlessly into any grilling plan, making meal prep a breeze. These pesto bruschetta skewers are destined to be the star attraction at any backyard dinner party, a beloved contribution to a summer potluck, or a fantastic light lunch option. Furthermore, the recipe is wonderfully adaptable, scaling up or down with ease to perfectly match the size of your party, ensuring everyone gets to savor these irresistible bites. Their quick preparation time and universal appeal make them an essential addition to your summer recipe repertoire.

Table of Contents

• Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Bruschetta Skewers
• How to Make Grilled Bruschetta Skewers: A Step-by-Step Guide
• Creative Variations and Serving Suggestions
• Get the Full Recipe Card
• More Irresistible Summer Appetizers

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Bruschetta Skewers

Crafting these grilled bruschetta pesto skewers requires just a few high-quality ingredients, emphasizing freshness and flavor. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, allowing each component to shine through. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to create this fantastic summer appetizer:

• A Good Loaf of Crusty Bread: The foundation of any great bruschetta is excellent bread. Opt for a sturdy loaf that can hold up to grilling and absorb flavors without becoming soggy. Sourdough offers a delightful tang, French bread provides a classic, airy texture, while ciabatta or focaccia can add unique dimensions. Look for a loaf with a good crust that can toast up beautifully. Day-old bread works exceptionally well as it tends to be firmer and less likely to fall apart on the skewers. Cut your chosen bread into roughly 1-inch cubes for easy threading and even grilling.
• Sweet Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: These small, sweet tomatoes are perfect for skewers. Their bite-sized nature means no extra chopping is needed, and their thin skins allow them to soften and slightly burst on the grill, releasing their sweet, juicy flavors. They offer a concentrated burst of tomato goodness that complements the savory bread and pesto beautifully. Ensure they are ripe and firm for the best results.
• Quality Pesto (Store-Bought or Homemade): Pesto is the star flavoring agent that truly elevates these skewers. Whether you opt for a high-quality store-bought variety for convenience or whip up a fresh batch of homemade basil-walnut pesto for an extra layer of freshness, ensure it has a vibrant, herbaceous flavor. The rich, savory notes of basil, pine nuts (or walnuts), Parmesan, garlic, and olive oil in the pesto perfectly tie all the elements together.
• Good Quality Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is crucial here, not just for preventing sticking, but for imparting its distinctive fruity and peppery notes. It helps the bread toast to a golden crisp and aids in seasoning the tomatoes. Choose a good quality oil as its flavor will be prominent in the finished dish.
• Coarse Salt: A generous seasoning of coarse salt, such as sea salt or Kosher salt, is essential. It enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and brings out the robust flavor of the bread. The larger crystals also provide a pleasant textural crunch.
• Mini Bamboo Skewers: These are indispensable for assembly and grilling. Six-inch mini bamboo skewers are ideal, but if you only have regular-sized skewers, you can easily cut them in half. Remember to soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before use to prevent them from burning on the grill. This simple step ensures your skewers come off the grill looking as good as they taste.

How to Make Grilled Bruschetta Skewers: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these delightful grilled bruschetta pesto skewers is incredibly straightforward, making them perfect even for novice grillers. Follow these simple steps to bring this vibrant appetizer to life:

1. Prepare the Skewers (and Ingredients): Before you begin assembling, it’s crucial to soak your bamboo skewers. Place your mini bamboo skewers in a shallow dish or tray filled with water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from charring or burning excessively on the hot grill, ensuring a smooth grilling process. While the skewers are soaking, prepare your main ingredients. Cube your chosen crusty bread into uniform 1-inch pieces; consistency is key for even cooking. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread and the cherry or grape tomatoes. Drizzle generously with good quality olive oil, ensuring every piece of bread and every tomato is lightly coated. Then, season liberally with coarse salt. Don’t be shy with the salt; it’s vital for enhancing the flavors and providing that classic bruschetta punch. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
2. Assemble the Skewers: Once your ingredients are prepped and seasoned, it’s time for assembly. Thread the bread cubes and tomatoes onto the soaked skewers, alternating between them. This alternating pattern not only looks attractive but also allows for even heat distribution, ensuring both the bread and tomatoes cook perfectly. Aim for about 3-4 pieces of bread and an equal number of tomatoes per skewer, depending on the length of your skewers. Make sure not to pack them too tightly, as this can hinder even grilling.
3. Grill to Perfection: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the assembled skewers directly on the grates. These skewers cook very quickly, typically needing just 2-3 minutes per side, or 5-7 minutes total. Stay close to the grill and turn the skewers frequently to ensure the bread toasts evenly on all sides, developing a beautiful golden-brown color with slight char marks. Keep an eye on the tomatoes; they should soften, and their skins will just begin to burst, releasing their sweet juices. The goal is perfectly toasted bread and tender, slightly caramelized tomatoes.
4. Drizzle with Pesto and Serve Immediately: Once the skewers are perfectly grilled, transfer them to a serving platter. Now comes the finishing touch: a generous drizzle of your chosen pesto over the warm skewers. The heat from the grilled ingredients will slightly warm the pesto, releasing its aromatic flavors. These grilled bruschetta pesto skewers are best enjoyed immediately while they are still warm, allowing the contrast between the crispy bread and the warm, juicy tomatoes to truly shine. The grilled bread tends to dry out quickly, so serve them fresh off the grill for the ultimate taste experience.

Get the Recipe

Ready to try this simple yet spectacular recipe? Below you’ll find the complete recipe card with detailed measurements and instructions to help you create these irresistible grilled bruschetta pesto skewers. It’s designed for ease and enjoyment, ensuring perfect results every time.

Grilled Bruschetta Skewers

Servings:

20
skewers

Prep Time:

10 minutes
mins

Cook Time:

3 minutes
mins

Total Time:

13 minutes
mins

These grilled bruschetta skewers with ricotta pesto are an easy summer appetizer!

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Ingredients

 

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)

• 
  ▢
  
  
  
  
  Olive oil

• 
  ▢
  
  
  
  
  Coarse salt

• 
  ▢
  
  
  
  ½
  cup
  
  
  pesto
  , store-bought or homemade

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Instructions

 

• Soak bamboo skewers for 30 minutes before using so they don’t burn on the grill.
• Add tomatoes and cubed bread to a large bowl. Drizzle with enough olive oil to lightly coat the bread and tomatoes and heavily season with salt.
• Assemble on skewers, alternating bread cubes and tomatoes.
• Grill over medium high heat for 2-3 minutes, turning often to make sure bread is toasting evenly. Skewers are done when bread is slightly charred and tomatoes have softened and start to burst.
• Drizzle with pesto and serve immediately.

Notes

• If you can’t find 6-inch skewers, you can cut regular skewers in half, ensuring they are still short enough for easy handling and grilling.
• This recipe is incredibly flexible and scales up and down effortlessly to fit your needs, whether you’re making a small batch for a family meal or a large quantity for a party.
• For best results, aim for uniform bread cubes and tomatoes to ensure even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
• These skewers are best enjoyed fresh off the grill. While leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days, the bread may lose its crispness. Reheating is not recommended as it may alter the texture.
• You can prep the bread and tomatoes by tossing them with olive oil and salt a few hours in advance, then assemble and grill just before serving to save time.

Calories:
64
kcal

,

Carbohydrates:
4
g

,

Protein:
1
g

,

Fat:
5
g

,

Saturated Fat:
1
g

,

Cholesterol:
2
mg

,

Sodium:
74
mg

,

Potassium:
13
mg

,

Fiber:
1
g

,

Sugar:
1
g

,

Vitamin A:
104
IU

,

Vitamin C:
1
mg

,

Calcium:
16
mg

,

Iron:
1
mg

Cuisine:
Italian

Course:
Appetizer

Author:
Annalise Sandberg

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This recipe was originally published in June 2018 and has been updated for clarity and expanded content to enhance your cooking experience.