How to Make Bruschetta

Sat, 24 Aug 2019 19:14:54 +0000

Have you ever wondered how to make Bruschetta that tastes just like you had at your favorite Italian restaurant?

The best bruschetta recipe always involves the amazing grilled bread!

Traditional bruschetta is an Italian appetizer of grilled bread rubbed with olive oil and garlic. It’s super simple but so delicious, and we will share a few tips and tricks with you to make this the hit of your next gathering.

FYI: Bruschetta is the bread, not the topping, and is pronounced “brew-sketta”, not “brew-shetta”.

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Essential Ingredients for Bruschetta:

One of my favorite party shortcuts is to assemble a “Build your Own Bruschetta Bar” because it’s super easy, and even those with certain food allergies or eating preferences can find an appetizer that works for them by choosing their own toppings.

Whether you build a platter ahead of time or create a bar, here are the 4 essentials that you will start with and build upon:

Large baguette – Italian, French, or Sourdough
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Garlic
Sea Salt

How to make authentic Bruschetta:

Cut the bread about 1/4″ thick on the bias
Brush generously with extra virgin olive oil
Grill the bread over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or lay in a single layer on a sheet pan and toast in a 400°F oven for about 10 minutes
Remove from heat (or oven) and rub each piece with a clove of raw garlic – this step is important so don’t skip it
Sprinkle lightly with sea salt. Reserve until you are ready to add any toppings

A big basket of grilled bread pieces should always be at the beginning of a serve-yourself Bruschetta Bar

How to make a Classic Tomato Topping:

Choose the best fresh tomatoes. It’s fun to use a variety of colors, which you can find during tomato season
Cut into small dice and place in a medium-sized bowl
Add finely chopped fresh garlic, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, chopped basil, sea salt, and pepper
Mix gently to combine
Top toasted bread pieces with tomato mixture

Easy Bruschetta topping ideas:

The great thing about bruschetta is almost any topping combination will work and the more choices the better! Try setting up toppings that work together in groups if you are making a bruschetta bar.

Arugula, Prosciutto and Goat Cheese toppings

A variety of ingredient ideas:

Tomatoes, basil, garlic mixture
Tomatoes and buratta or mozzarella
Proscuitto and buratta
Black olive spread and capers
Roast beef and gorgonzola
Pesto and Parmesan chunks
Sundried tomatoes or lightly roasted tomatoes in olive oil
Arugula, goat cheese and prosciutto

How to make Prosciutto, Arugula, and Burrata Bruschetta

This is one of our absolute favorite toppings and it is so filling it can be a light meal:

Prepare and toast the bread
Rub with a garlic clove
Add a layer of arugula that has been lightly tossed with olive oil
Spread a layer of creamy burrata cheese
Add a toasted tomato slice
Top with a small piece of prosciutto
Toast at 350°F for 5 minutes and then broil for 1-2 minutes
Serve on a platter

Prosciutto, Arugula, Burrata Bruschetta

Easy Bruschetta Tips:

How do I keep my Bruschetta from getting soggy?

Be sure to cut bread into slices at least 1/4″ thick and then grill or bake. As a result, the topping should not make the bread soggy.
While you can make and toast the bread up to 2-days ahead of time (and store sealed) don’t add toppings until you are ready to serve
Scoop the tomato mixture out with a slotted spoon so you don’t add all the juices onto the bread

2. What is the best bread for Bruschetta?

You want to use a sturdy bread such as a Sourdough, French or Italian baguette
Bruschetta can sometimes be called crostini, but crostini is generally made with smaller, thinner loaves of baguette

3. What is the best way to serve bruschetta?

We love a do it yourself bar, with a few toppings, so everyone can serve themselves
If you are making a platter to serve, be sure to add a sprinkling of greens to give your party platter a finished look, for example, arugula or watercress.

What to serve with Bruschetta: