Trader Joe’s Bruschetta Sauce

Trader Joe’s bruschetta sauce combines the tangy and fresh Italian flavors bruschetta is known for.

Topped on crunchy garlic bread, this recipe is always a hit simply because it is delicious every time!

The rich history of bruschetta dates back to 15th-century Italy. It started as toasted bread with olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes.

But bruschetta sauce has other uses than just a topping for bread such as bread dipping and pasta sauce.

It’s the perfect appetizer, served before classic Italian dishes like spaghetti, lasagna, and even pizza.

If you want to make the ultimate bruschetta that’s store-bought versions, then a copycat Trader Joe’s bruschetta sauce is the way to go.

You will never go back to regular, store-bought bruschetta sauce again.

All About the Bruschetta Sauce’s Ingredients

Diced Tomatoes

Tomatoes are the main ingredient of any bruschetta sauce recipe.

A common tomato choice for bruschetta is fresh, ripe Roma tomatoes. They are aromatic, easy to use since they have fewer seeds, and are the best choice for cooking.

Roma tomatoes have a high sugar content and are less acidic than many other tomatoes, so that the bruschetta will be slightly sweeter.

Another fine choice is the San Marzano tomato. They have a meatier texture which makes them great for tomato sauces. This tomato also has fewer seeds than most tomato varieties.

Tomatoes on the vine or a combination of heirloom tomatoes will suffice if you can’t find or don’t want to use the two previous options.

On-the-vine tomatoes last longer than off-the-vine tomatoes while mixing and matching heirloom tomatoes gives you different flavor options.

Canola Oil

Canola oil has no trans fat, low in saturated fat, and is highly affordable. It is also one of the healthiest, most common cooking oils available.

What makes it perfect for this bruschetta sauce recipe is that it doesn’t overpower the food you’re cooking, thanks to its neutral taste.

If you don’t want to use canola oil, you can substitute it with extra virgin olive oil.

Garlic

Bruschetta wouldn’t be complete without garlic. The recipe calls for three cloves, which, when roasted in the skillet, gives it that nice, buttery flavor.

Onion

Onions help give bruschetta its chunky texture. Yellow onions are recommended for most sauces, including bruschetta.

Yellow onions are acidic and almost spicy. But it becomes sweet when cooked down into the bruschetta sauce and caramelized.

Salt

Salt is a crucial ingredient that can either make or break a dish. Adding too much salt can ruin the bruschetta, so when adding it to the recipe. Be sure to taste it every so often until you find the perfect blend.

Kosher salt and sea salt work best, but other types of salt are acceptable.

Kosher salt is coarse in texture, characterized by its large and flat shape. Sea salt can be coarse or fine and come in different colors. The color of the salt doesn’t affect the flavor.

Basil

Any dish is better with fresh ingredients, and this homemade version of Trader Joe’s bruschetta sauce is no different.

Bruschetta and fresh basil go hand in hand since basil gives bruschetta its staple freshness. Fresh basil adds extra flavor and complements the tomato base perfectly.

Spices

Black pepper is the only main seasoning ingredient this dish requires. But feel free to add whatever you think it needs.

Oregano, parsley, and paprika are all excellent choices to add to this Trader Joe’s bruschetta sauce.

Method

1. Boil the Water
   

   Fill a large saucepan with water and bring to a boil on the stovetop.
   

2. Prepare the Tomatoes
   

   While waiting for the water to boil, wash the tomatoes.

   Remove the tomato stems and score an X on the bottom of each tomato with a knife, about a ¼ of an inch deep (to make it easier to remove the skin once the tomatoes are blanched).
   

3. Blanch and Peel the Tomatoes
   

   When the water is boiled, put the chopped tomatoes in the saucepan for 1 to 2 minutes or until the skin begins peeling off. Drain them and place them in ice water.
   

4. Cook the Onions
   

   In a medium saucepan, heat the canola oil or olive oil on medium-low heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until tender (about 5 minutes).
   

5. Add the Tomatoes
   

   While the onion and garlic are cooking, dice the tomatoes.

   Add them to the saucepan along with the salt and pepper. Add more salt if necessary.

   Allow the mixture to boil, then simmer on low heat for 15 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes.
   

6. Add Basil and Get Ready to Serve
   

   After the sauce is done simmering, add in the fresh basil leaves. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

   Cook the Trader Joe’s bruschetta sauce on low heat for 5 more minutes and prepare to serve.

   It can either be served warm or cooled in the refrigerator.
   

Recipe Variations

If you want to change it up, there are ingredient variations to make Trader Joe’s bruschetta sauce unique. However, ensure any added ingredients will complement the bruschetta sauce and not overpower the flavor.

• For example, supplement capers, red peppers, olives, and anchovies for a thicker bruschetta. Or add sliced mozzarella or parmesan cheese, gorgonzola, bacon, and prosciutto for a heartier bruschetta.


• Include more spices like oregano and parsley for an aromatic flavor, or add chili flakes to make them spicy.


• If you don’t have canola oil lying around, olive oil is an excellent substitute for canola oil.

Ways to Enjoy Trader Joe’s Bruschetta Sauce

• Trader Joe’s homemade bruschetta sauce can be enjoyed in numerous ways. The traditional way to enjoy bruschetta is by spreading it on toasted french bread baguette slices, grilled bread, or garlic bread.


• But you can also put it on sandwiches, use it as a pizza sauce, or put it on vegetables.


• Another way to use trader joe’s bruschetta sauce is by dipping bread or crackers in it. You can also use it as a pasta sauce, or spreading it over chicken dishes or scrambled eggs.


• You can serve bruschetta with feta cheese and balsamic vinegar drizzled on top for a more flavorful option.

Storage Instructions

Homemade bruschetta sauce has a shorter refrigerator shelf-life than store-bought bruschetta sauce because it doesn’t have preservatives. However, this bruschetta sauce recipe lasts three to four days in the fridge.

Seal it in an airtight glass container, preferably a mason jar, and keep it refrigerated until ready to use.

You can also store it in a Tupperware container in the freezer for up to three months if the recipe doesn’t include cheese or other dairy products.

As the USDA recommends, store any leftover Trader Joe’s bruschetta sauce quickly to avoid bacteria growth. Discard leftovers that have been sitting out for more than two hours.