Bruschetta is a typical Italian delicacy that you can season as you like and serve as an appetizer. Over time, the chefs' imagination has given rise to an infinite variety of different recipes. This article will show you how to make a classic bruschetta with toasted bread and garlic, plus it will give you plenty of ideas to experiment with new flavor combinations.
Ingrediants
Classic Bruschetta
- 1 loaf of bread, French baguette type
- 60 ml of extra virgin olive oil
- 1-4 garlic cloves, halved (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground pepper (optional)
Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 5 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1 kg of cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
- 6 basil leaves, cut into strips
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Making and Grilling the Bread
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 230 ° C
Step 2. Cut the loaf of bread into slices about 1.5 cm thick
Slice it diagonally to maximize the amount of crumb to be seasoned.
Step 3. Brush the slices of bread on one side with extra virgin olive oil
Do not grease them on both sides. The oil will act as a barrier between the bruschetta ingredients and the bread, preventing it from becoming soggy.
Step 4. Place the slices of bread in the baking tray with the seasoned side facing down
Depending on the size of the pan and the amount of bread, you may need to toast it a little at a time.
Step 5. Toast the bread in the oven for 5-6 minutes
Place the pan at the top of the oven, about 10-13cm away from the top coil. When the bread is crisp and golden on the edges, remove the pan from the oven.
- If you prefer, you can toast the bread for 3 minutes using the grill. Remember to turn it halfway through cooking.
- If you want to make the bruschetta even more delicious, melt a small amount of butter in a large pan and toast the slices of bread on both sides until crisp and golden.
Step 6. Arrange the slices of toast on a plate with the seasoned side facing up
At this point you can start preparing the classic tomato and basil bruschetta or experiment with one of the proposed variations.
Part 2 of 3: Tomato and Basil Bruschetta
Step 1. Toast the garlic in a small skillet over medium-high heat
Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a small pan, then add 5 finely chopped garlic cloves. Stir and let it fry for a minute. When it is golden brown, take the pan away from the heat. Don't let it fry too long to avoid burning it.
Step 2. Transfer the oil and garlic to a bowl and let them cool
Choose a suitable container to hold all the ingredients you will use to season the bruschetta.
Step 3. Cut 1 kg of cherry tomatoes in half
If you want to be sure to amaze your diners, you can use 500 g of red tomatoes and 500 g of yellow tomatoes.
Step 4. Cut the fresh basil into strips
Take some basil leaves, put them on top of each other and roll them up like a burrito. At this point, cut them into strips using a sharp knife. Repeat with the other basil leaves.
Step 5. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, basil, salt and pepper
If you want, you can also add 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan, to make the bruschetta even more tasty
Step 6. Wait 1-2 hours
In this way the cherry tomatoes will have time to absorb all the aromas.
Step 7. Spread the cherry tomatoes on the bread just before serving the bruschetta
Arrange the chopped and seasoned cherry tomatoes on the side of the bread that you had previously greased with oil. The latter will act as a barrier preventing the bread from getting soaked.
If you prefer, you can serve the seasoned tomatoes separately and let each diner complete their own bruschetta
Part 3 of 3: Variants
Step 1. Prepare the slices of toast and then season them to taste
This section will give you several ideas for preparing a wide variety of bruschetta. You will find sweet, savory and some recipes that combine both flavors.
Step 2. Make a simple garlic bruschetta
Cut a clove of garlic in half and rub it on the greased side of the bread. Complete the bruschetta with a drizzle of oil, salt and pepper.
Step 3. Combine gorgonzola and honey if you love mixing sweet and savory flavors
Spread the gorgonzola on the greasy side of the bread. Place the bread in the oven and heat it in the traditional way or with the grill until the cheese has melted. Transfer the bruschetta to the plate and decorate it with honey. Serve it immediately.
- You will need about 225g of gorgonzola and 3 tablespoons of honey.
- If you wish, you can garnish the bruschetta with chopped walnuts.
Step 4. Pair cottage cheese with jam for another option that combines sweet and savory flavors
Spread 2 tablespoons of ricotta on the slices of bread, add a tablespoon of jam for each and serve the bruschetta immediately.
Step 5. Combine salmon with cream cheese for guaranteed success
Spread the cheese on the bread, then add a wedge of salmon in a decorative way. Complete the bruschetta with a sprinkle of fresh dill.
Step 6. Make a gourmet bruschetta with ham, peaches and goat cheese
Spread the goat cheese on the toast. Add a slice of ham and a couple of thin slices of peach. Complete the bruschetta with a drizzle of oil and a few grains of salt. Serve it immediately.
Step 7. In summer, combine ricotta with lemon zest
Pour 225 g of ricotta into a bowl, add the chopped zest of a lemon and season with salt and pepper. Spread the ricotta on the slices of bread after toasting them. Complete the bruschetta with a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of thyme and serve it hot.
Step 8. Make bruschetta with sugar and strawberries if you have a fondness for sweet flavors
Cut the strawberries into thin slices, the amount needed depends on the size of the bread slices. Season the strawberries with sugar and arrange them on toast. Turn on the grill and put the bruschetta in the oven for 2 minutes or until the sugar has caramelized.
Advice
- It is worth investing in fresh, good quality ingredients to prepare an excellent bruschetta.
- If you have the time, it is best to let the cherry tomatoes drain in a colander, so that the bread is less wet.
