Bruschetta Pizza Recipe – Tomato, Basil & Garam Masala Fusion

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Bruschetta Pizza Recipe – Tomato, Basil & Garam Masala Fusion

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you love a good pizza night. But sometimes, you crave something a little…different. I stumbled upon this Bruschetta Pizza a few years ago, and it’s been a family favorite ever since. It’s a fun fusion of Italian and Indian flavors that’s surprisingly easy to make. Trust me, your tastebuds will thank you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average pizza. We’re taking the fresh, vibrant flavors of bruschetta – ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a hint of garlic – and giving it a little Indian twist with garam masala. The balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness that ties everything together beautifully. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s seriously delicious. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress your friends and family!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing Bruschetta Pizza:

• 2 cups tomatoes, chopped (about 300g)
• ½ cup onion, finely chopped (about 75g)
• ½ cup bell pepper, finely chopped (about 75g)
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (about 15g)
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (about 15g)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 green chili, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference!)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (about 15ml)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (about 15ml)
• ½ tsp red chili powder (about 2.5g)
• ½ tsp cumin powder (about 2.5g)
• ¼ tsp garam masala (about 1.25g)
• 1 Pillsbury pizza crust (or your favorite pre-made crust)
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (about 50g)
• ¼ cup balsamic glaze (about 60ml)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! Using really ripe tomatoes is key here – they’ll give you the best flavor. Don’t skimp on the fresh herbs either; basil and cilantro are essential. And that garam masala? It’s the secret weapon! It adds a warm, aromatic spice that you won’t find in a traditional bruschetta. Balsamic glaze is also a game changer – it adds a lovely sweetness and tang. If you can’t find it, a balsamic reduction works great too.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, let’s make the bruschetta topping. In a bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, cilantro, basil, garlic, green chili, lemon juice, olive oil, red chili powder, cumin powder, and garam masala. Give it a good mix and then pop it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes. This lets all those flavors meld together beautifully.
2. While the topping is chilling, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Unroll your pizza crust onto a lightly greased baking tray. Pre-bake the crust for about 6 minutes. This helps it get nice and crispy.
3. Now, spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the pre-baked crust. Don’t go overboard – we want the bruschetta flavors to shine!
4. Next, sprinkle on the bocconcini cheese (if using) and then generously spoon the chilled bruschetta mixture over the sauce.
5. Top it all off with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake for another 6-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Finally, drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving. Seriously, don’t skip this step!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pizza with toppings. Less is often more!
• For a crispier crust, brush the edges with a little olive oil before baking.
• If you’re using fresh mozzarella, pat it dry with paper towels before adding it to the pizza. This will prevent it from making the pizza soggy.

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the mozzarella for a vegan mozzarella alternative. There are some really good ones out there now!
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Simply use a gluten-free pizza crust. Easy peasy!
• Spice Level Adjustment: If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the amount of green chili and red chili powder. Or, if you like things hot, add a pinch of cayenne pepper!
• Festival Adaptation: This pizza is perfect for festive gatherings! It’s a unique and flavorful dish that’s sure to be a hit with your guests. I’ve made it for Diwali parties and it’s always gone in minutes.

Serving Suggestions

This Bruschetta Pizza is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with a side salad. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is perfect. You could also serve it with some roasted vegetables or a bowl of creamy tomato soup.

Storage Instructions

Leftover pizza? Yes, please! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

FAQs

What type of pizza crust works best for this recipe?

I usually use a pre-made Pillsbury crust, but any good quality pizza crust will work. Thin crust is my preference, as it lets the bruschetta flavors really shine.

Can I make the bruschetta topping ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the topping up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This actually helps the flavors develop even more.

Is it possible to use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to pat it dry with paper towels before adding it to the pizza.

What is Garam Masala and where can I find it?

Garam masala is a blend of ground spices common in Indian cuisine. You can find it in most supermarkets in the spice aisle, or at Indian grocery stores.

Can I grill this pizza instead of baking it?

Yes, you can! Grill the crust for a few minutes per side, then add the toppings and continue grilling until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!