Vegan Caprese Bruschetta Recipe
Introduction
If you’re not a fan of raw tomatoes but still crave a fresh, flavorful appetizer, this Vegan Caprese Bruschetta is for you. The secret? A splash of white wine vinegar that transforms the tomatoes into a delicious topping. Simple, vibrant, and perfect for snacking or entertaining.

Ingredients
- 12” French or sourdough baguette, cut into 1” slices
- 4 large fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup tightly packed diced Roma tomatoes
- 1/2 cup thinly diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (+ additional for grilling)
- 2 tablespoons white Modena (or white wine) vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Balsamic glaze for topping
- Vegan mozzarella of choice (vegan feta works well too)
Instructions
- Step 1: Dice the tomatoes and red onion into small bite-size pieces to fit nicely on the bread slices.
- Step 2: Roughly chop the basil leaves and combine them with the tomatoes and onion in a bowl.
- Step 3: Add the white wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon olive oil, black pepper, and salt to the bowl. Mix well and refrigerate if desired to chill.
- Step 4: Slice the baguette into 1-inch pieces.
- Step 5: Drizzle olive oil into a pan. Before heating, rub each bread slice on the oil in the pan on both sides, adding more oil if needed.
- Step 6: Heat the pan over medium-low heat. Toast the bread slices evenly, flipping once until crispy but not burnt. Watch closely as stove heat varies.
- Step 7: Arrange the toasted bread on a plate and spoon the tomato mixture generously on top of each slice.
- Step 8: Finish by topping with your vegan mozzarella and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Tips & Variations
- If you don’t have white Modena vinegar, red wine vinegar works just as well to add that vinaigrette flavor.
- Adjust the amount of basil to your taste for a milder or stronger herbal note.
- Try different vegan cheeses like treenut cheese for a cracked pepper mozzarella alternative.
- Cut the bread at an angle if you prefer longer pieces instead of bite-sized slices.
- Use cherry tomatoes finely diced if Roma tomatoes are unavailable, they add a juicy burst of flavor.
Storage
Store any leftover tomato topping in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The toasted bread is best served fresh but can be kept in an airtight container for a day and lightly toasted again before serving. Assemble bruschetta just before serving to keep the bread crisp.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of vinegar instead of white wine vinegar?
Yes, red wine vinegar or white Modena vinegar work well and provide the vinaigrette flavor that balances the tomatoes.
What vegan cheese works best for this bruschetta?
Vegan mozzarella is ideal, but crumbled vegan feta or treenut cheeses with a mild flavor also complement the dish beautifully.
Print
Vegan Caprese Bruschetta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 bruschetta slices 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Caprese Bruschetta is a refreshing, easy-to-make appetizer perfect for tomato lovers and haters alike. The combination of diced Roma tomatoes, red onion, and fresh basil is elevated with a splash of white wine vinegar and olive oil, balancing the flavors and mellowing the raw tomato taste. Crispy, olive oil-charred baguette slices are topped with this vibrant tomato mixture and finished with vegan mozzarella and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, making it a delightful vegan snack or appetizer with an Italian twist.
Ingredients
Bread
- 12-inch French or sourdough baguette, cut into 1-inch slices
Tomato Mixture
- 1 cup tightly packed diced Roma tomatoes
- 1/2 cup thinly diced red onion
- 4 large fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus additional for drizzling and grilling
- 2 tablespoons white Modena vinegar (or white wine vinegar; red wine vinegar can be substituted)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Toppings
- Vegan mozzarella of choice (Treeline cracked pepper treenut cheese recommended; vegan feta can be substituted)
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the tomato mixture: Dice the Roma tomatoes and red onion into small, bite-sized pieces to fit the baguette slices. Roughly chop the fresh basil leaves and combine them in a bowl with the diced tomatoes and onions.
- Add dressing and season: Pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of white Modena (or white wine) vinegar over the tomato mixture. Season with 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and salt to taste. Mix thoroughly and set aside or chill in the refrigerator to enhance the flavors while you prepare the bread.
- Slice the bread: Cut the baguette into 1-inch thick slices. For larger pieces, slice at an angle.
- Oil the pan and bread slices: Drizzle additional olive oil into a pan on the stove. Before heating, run each slice of bread on both sides against the oiled pan to lightly coat them with olive oil. Add a drizzle of olive oil on top if desired to enhance crispiness.
- Grill the bread: Turn the stove to medium-low heat. Carefully monitor and flip the bread slices until both sides achieve a golden, crispy texture without burning. Adjust olive oil quantity and heat as needed for desired crispiness.
- Assemble the bruschetta: Place the grilled bread slices on a serving plate. Spoon the prepared tomato mixture evenly over each slice.
- Add vegan cheese and glaze: Top each bruschetta slice with your chosen vegan mozzarella. Drizzle balsamic glaze generously over the assembled bruschetta for a sweet and tangy finish.
- Serve and enjoy: This easy, flavorful vegan appetizer is ready to serve immediately. Enjoy as a snack or starter for your guests!
Notes
- If you don’t have white Modena vinegar or white wine vinegar, red wine vinegar can be used as a substitute to achieve the vinaigrette flavor.
- Adjust the amount of fresh basil to your preference for taste intensity.
- Treeline cracked pepper treenut cheese is a great vegan mozzarella alternative available at Whole Foods, but feel free to use any vegan mozzarella or even vegan feta.
- For smaller bruschetta pieces, dice the tomatoes and onions finely; alternatively, slice the bread at an angle for larger, longer pieces.
- Roma tomatoes are ideal due to their tougher skin and less mushy texture, but cherry tomatoes or other varieties can be used if unavailable.
- Keep a close eye on the bread while grilling to prevent burning, as stovetop heat levels vary.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: vegan caprese bruschetta, vegan appetizer, vegan snack, Italian vegan recipes, vegan bruschetta, plant-based appetizer

