The Best Bruschetta Flatbread Pizza

Bruschetta flatbread is made with crisp naan flatbread topped with tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and mozzarella. It's baked to perfection then drizzled with a sweet balsamic glaze. It's a classic combination of fresh ingredients that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or as the main meal with family and friends. 

Bruschetta is one of my favorite things to order when I go out. It's refreshing, not heavy, and packs so much flavor. It's the perfect starter for No Boil Spaghetti and Meatballs. There's something about the simplicity of a bruschetta that's surprisingly good.

Traditionally, bruschetta is served on crispy bread baked to perfection with olive oil. That version is undeniably delicious but I wanted to do something different. I wanted to try using flat bread instead because it can be found at any grocery store and it's big enough for sharing.

Why You'll Love Bruschetta Flatbread 

Quick and Convenient: Flatbread pizza is a speedy alternative to traditional pizza or traditional bruschetta. Instead of baking the crispy bread like you would before making traditional bruschetta, all the toppings are placed on the flatbread and then baked until the cheese is melted. This step only takes 10 minutes. It's the perfect last minute appetizer for a gathering or a quick vegetarian dinner.

Versatile Toppings: You can easily make this flatbread your own by playing around with different types of toppings you may have on hand. Experiment with different cheeses, tomatoes, herbs, or even add some prosciutto for extra protein and saltiness. 

Lighter Option: Trying to eat less calories before spring and summer come? You can easily accomplish that with this recipe. Flatbread is similar to pizza except it's much thinner and lighter. Bruschetta is made with only fresh vegetarian ingredients that are low calorie. This is a great way to keep dinners light while still enjoying pizza and bruschetta all in one. 

Easy to Share: Share the love! Flatbread pizzas are easy to cut into portions using a kitchen knife or a pizza knife. Everyone can have as many slices as they want. The slices are small enough that nobody has to overcommit and ruin their appetite if there's more food to be had. 

Easy Clean Up: You'll need a cutting board and a mixing bowl and that's all you need to worry about when it comes to dishes. You can prepare a baking sheet with foil or parchment so the baking sheet stays clean. This ensures your kitchen stays clean so you're not bogged down with doing dishes. 

Great for Leftovers: Enjoy the next day! Flatbread pizza leftovers reheat well or can be enjoyed cold. It maintains flavor and texture very nicely. 

Adaptable to Dietary Preferences: This recipe easily accommodate various dietary preferences. You can choose a flatbread that is gluten-free, whole wheat, or has alternative grain crusts. You can also substitute the cheese for a dairy free alternative or leave off completely. 

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions 

Artesian flatbread - You can use any store-bought flatbread you can find. I like the artesian flatbread because I love that it's a long rectangle shape that's pretty uniform making it easy to cut into equal sized pieces. You can even use pizza dough if you prefer. Interested in making your own flatbread? Try this delicious recipe for Turkish Flatbread. 

Pesto - I used a jar of pesto. This is going to be the base for the bruschetta pizza. 

Fresh mozzarella - I recommend using fresh over shredded. Fresh is soft and moist allowing it to melt easily in this flatbread bruschetta recipe. You can substitute shredded mozzarella if you have some on hand. Try using marinated fresh mozzarella for even more flavor. 

Bruschetta: 

Roma tomatoes - Fresh tomatoes are a must in this recipe. Roma tomatoes are my favorite to use because they're not overly juicy and won't make the flatbread soggy. 

Basil leaves - Fresh basil is a must. I suggest using Genovese because of its strong flavor and large leaves. Sweet basil can be substituted. 

Garlic - Fresh garlic is also a must. Substituting with garlic powder isn't going to cut it for this. 

Parmesan cheese - Be sure to use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the sharpest flavor. 

Balsamic vinegar - Choose a high quality balsamic as it will impact the flavor of the overall meal. 

Olive oil - I used extra virgin olive oil because it has a strong delicious flavor. 

Salt - To enhance the other ingredients in the mixture. 

Garnish: 

Balsamic glaze - You can make your own by using the instructions below or buy from your grocery store.

Basil - Again, fresh is best. Stick with Genovese or sweet. 

Parmesan cheese - More freshly grated parmesan is going to take it over the top. 

How to Make Bruschetta Flatbread 

Step 1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Cover a baking sheet with a sheet of foil. 

Step 2. Make the bruschetta. Add tomatoes, basil, garlic, parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and salt to a medium mixing bowl. Stir until well combined. Set aside as you prepare the flatbread. 

Step 3. Place a flatbread on the baking sheet with foil. Spread each flatbread with 2.5 tablespoons of pesto or enough to cover the entire surface. Place mozzarella on the flatbread evenly spacing the slices apart. 

Step 4. Bake the flatbread for 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted. 

Step 5. Once the flatbread is done baking, place on a cooling rack and let sit for a few minutes. 

Step 6. Top each flatbread with bruschetta then garnish with balsamic glaze, basil, and parmesan cheese. Serve immediately. 

Make Your Own Balsamic Glaze 

Save money and maximize flavor by making your own balsamic glaze. If you have balsamic and sugar on hand, you can make this in no time. Start by combining one cup of balsamic vinegar and a quarter cup of honey or brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow it to simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the glaze thickens to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. The glaze is ready when it coats the back of a spoon. Let it cool before using, as it will continue to thicken as it cools. 

What's The Difference Between Caprese and Bruschetta? 

Caprese and bruschetta are distinct Italian dishes, each celebrated for its unique combination of flavors and presentation. Caprese is a vibrant salad featuring fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, and olive oil.

The ingredients are typically arranged in a layered fashion, showcasing the visual appeal of the dish. Bruschetta, on the other hand, is an appetizer that involves grilled or toasted bread rubbed with garlic and topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and often mozzarella.

The focus of bruschetta is on the interplay of textures, with crisp bread providing a contrast to the fresh toppings. While both incorporate tomatoes and basil, Caprese is served as a composed salad, while bruschetta is presented as individual slices of flavorful, topped bread. 

Must Try Variations 

Looking for more ways to make flatbread? Try some of these: 

Mushroom and Goat Cheese Bliss: Sauté a mix of mushrooms and spread them over the bruschetta flatbread with crumbled goat cheese instead of mozzarella. Bake until golden, then finish with a balsamic glaze drizzle for earthy richness.

Strawberry and Arugula Delight: Have a sweet tooth? Omit garlic, parmesan cheese, and salt. Combine sliced strawberries with fresh tomatoes, basil, balsamic, and olive oil and place on the flatbread. Add crumbled feta or goat cheese instead of mozzarella and bake. Top with fresh arugula then finish with a balsamic reduction for a sweet, peppery, and tangy blend.

Mediterranean Feast: Top the flatbread with hummus instead of pesto, then add tomatoes, cucumber slices, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese instead of mozzarella. After baking, finish with a balsamic reduction for a Mediterranean-inspired treat.

Veggie Delight: Load your bruschetta flatbread with a variety of roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion. Finish with basil, balsamic glaze, and parmesan cheese.

Chicken Pesto Marvel: Spread pesto on the flatbread, add cooked chicken, mozzarella, and bruschetta. After baking, drizzle with balsamic glaze and parmesan cheese. 

Serve Bruschetta Flatbread With...

Mixed Green Salad: Serve a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette on the side to add freshness and a contrast of textures to the meal.

Soup: Pair bruschetta flatbread with a soup such as tomato basil soup, minestrone, or a light vegetable soup for a comforting and complete dining experience.

Antipasto Platter: Create an antipasto platter featuring cured meats, olives, marinated artichokes, cheeses, and roasted vegetables. This complements the Mediterranean flavors of bruschetta flatbread.

Pasta Dish: Serve alongside a pasta dish, such as spaghetti aglio e olio, pesto pasta, or a simple penne with marinara sauce for a more substantial meal.

Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers make for a flavorful and healthy side dish that complements the bruschetta flatbread.

Charcuterie Board: Create a charcuterie board with an assortment of cheeses, cured meats, nuts, and dried fruits for a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Risotto: Serve with a creamy and flavorful risotto, such as a lemon and herb risotto or a mushroom risotto, for a more elegant and filling meal.

Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: Add protein to the meal by serving bruschetta flatbread alongside grilled chicken or shrimp. The grilled flavors will complement the dish well.

Storing Tips 

To store bruschetta flatbread, wrap the flatbread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Or place the flatbread in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4-5 days for optimum freshness. You can enjoy cold or warm in an air fryer or microwave before serving. I don't recommend freezing because the texture of the flatbread and tomatoes will change as it thaws. 

More Must Try Recipes