Bon Appetit! 20 Creative Bruschetta Recipes (2024)

There’s a reason bruschetta can be found in the appetizer section of just about every Italian-restaurant menu: It’s nearly impossible to pass up grilled bread and tomatoes smothered in olive oil. This Italian favorite features a classic combination of fresh ingredients, and we’ve rounded up 20 recipes that put a new twist on the traditional hors d’oeuvre. Bon appétit!

1. Warm Tomato and Mozzarella Bruschetta: This bruschetta recipe may be simple, but it definitely brings the flavor. Who can say no to melted mozzarella?! (via The Comfort of Cooking)

2. Bacon Bruschetta: Take that BLT and put it on open-faced grilled bread. Because bacon makes everything better. (via Your Homebased Mom)

3. Strawberry Bruschetta: Let’s make use of strawberry season while it’s around. Bring this sweet berry bruschetta to your picnic, and it’ll be gone in seconds. (via The Curvy Carrot)

4. Butternut Squash Bruschetta: This recipe has Thanksgiving written all over it. The lovely orange color will complement your award-winning pumpkin pie perfectly. (via Recipe Girl)

5. Avocado Bruschetta: Go ahead: get the big bag of avocados. You’re going to need a lot of ’em to make this avocado-based bruschetta. And don’t forget the lime juice to keep them nice and green. (via Fuss Free Cooking)

6. Ricotta, Lemon, Basil and Honey Bruschetta: Light and delicious, this ricotta bruschetta may be our new midnight snack fix. All you need is a toaster and a spoon. Oh, and maybe a flashlight. (via Martha Stewart)

7. Cherry and Plum Bruschetta: Sometimes, life really is just a big bowl of cherries. So go eat some! Make this picture-perfect bruschetta for your baby shower or ladies lunch. (via Bon Appetite)

8. Greek Bruschetta: How do you use up all those extra cucumbers and tomatoes from your garden? Add some olives and feta to make a Greek version of the Italian classic. (via Two Peas and Their Pod)

9. White Bean Bruschetta: Yeah, you could make bean dip to serve with chips. But why would you do that when you could serve it on toasted baguette slices? (via Keep Your Diet Real)

10. Cantaloupe Bruschetta: Cantaloupe? Yes. With mozzarella, prosciutto and a balsamic drizzle. You know you want to try it. (via Picture-Perfect Meals

11. Portobello Bruschetta: How could we forget the mushroom lovers? Even if you don’t do bread, you can still get in the action. It’s easy: just mix, grill and eat! Did we mention how much we love to grill? (via Jacqueline Copeland)

12. Beet Bruschetta with Goat Cheese and Basil: Here’s an appetizer for an upscale shindig. Oh that lovely rich purple color! (via Feasting At Home)

13. Zucchini, Mint and Ricotta Salata Bruschetta: Who knew zucchini could be so classy? Add some creamy ricotta and you’ll have an appetizer fit for your summer party. (via Aida Mollenkamp)

14. Roasted Fig Bruschetta: These roasted figs are perfect for summertime snacking— especially when they sit atop homemade ricotta and a crisp piece of bread. (via Alexandra Cooks)

15. Artichoke Bruschetta: Artichoke dip is a common sight at dinner parties. Spice yours up by serving it on crostini. (via Love Grows Wild)

16. Tropical Bruschetta: Have your dessert minus the guilt. This fruity bruschetta is a light sweet treat that even the dieter can enjoy. Don’t forget the cinnamon-y drizzle. (via Creme De La Crumb)

17. Roasted Grapes and Thyme Bruschetta with Ricotta: Sweet, crunchy and delicious are the words that come to mind when we think about this yummy recipe. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed. (via Sacramento Street)

18. Spicy Broccoli Rabe: This one’s got the spice and the bite to make a big impression on your taste buds. Are you brave enough? (via Williams-Sonoma)

19. Roasted Pumpkin, Cheese and Arugula Bruschetta: Fall tastes like pumpkin and pumpkin makes a great autumn appetizer. (via Kwestia Smaku)

20. Roasted Banana and Nutella S’mores Bruschetta: Wait, Nutella bruschetta? Yup! This recipe mixes the delicious hazelnut spread with marshmallows and bananas. What’s not to love? (via Picky Palette)

What is your go-to bruschetta recipe? Tell us below!

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Casey Watkins

Casey is a lover of coffee, interior decorating, sunshine, good food, lipstick and laughing. Just a little bit addicted to Pinterest, her kitchen frequently produces recipes she finds there. She loves the crackling sound of opening a brand new book and the smell of freshly cut grass.

Bon Appetit! 20 Creative Bruschetta Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What's the difference between crostini and bruschetta? ›

The main difference between these two toasts is that crostini is often thinly sliced, while bruschetta is usually served in thicker slices and drizzled with olive oil before it's toasted. The standard topping is diced tomato mixed with olive oil, garlic and Italian herbs—delicious, but a little boring.

Why is my bruschetta watery? ›

Peel and gut your tomatoes

Seeds and skin also contain extra water, which can make your bruschetta runny and your toast points soggy. No one wants that!

Why is my bruschetta bitter? ›

Gently tear or chop them just before adding them to the bruschetta. Another factor could be overripe or low-quality tomatoes, which can taste bitter. Try using fresh, ripe tomatoes for a sweeter flavor. Also, be sure you're using good quality, fresh olive oil for the best taste.

What to serve with bruschetta as a starter? ›

Caprese Salad: A classic Italian salad made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze. It pairs well with the tomato and basil elements in the bruschetta. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with a variety of fresh greens, cucumber, and a simple vinaigrette.

What type of tomato is most commonly used for bruschetta? ›

Something sweet and juicy, like heirloom tomatoes, tomatoes, vine tomatoes or Roma tomatoes. If making bruschetta when tomatoes are not in season, I recommend using grape or cherry tomatoes instead. Garlic – We will use just a clove to rub on the bread! Oil – The best extra-virgin olive oil you can afford!

What is the French version of bruschetta? ›

The French call them tartines, the Americans Toasts and the Italians Bruschetta. The Webster Dictionary defines them as: an open sandwich, one with a rich or elaborate topping. No matter what you call them, we all seem to love them! I love serving Tartines as a heavier passed appetizer at parties.

Do you have to refrigerate bruschetta after opening? ›

It is generally not recommended to leave perishable foods, especially those containing ingredients like tomatoes and garlic, at room temperature for more than 2 hours. To ensure food safety, it's advisable to refrigerate bruschetta if it has been left out for an extended period.

What is the stuff on top of bruschetta called? ›

Ian De Pagie. food blogger Author has 2.8K answers and 47M. · 10mo. Though the whole thing is usually called bruschetta, the topping is called the condiment.

How do you upgrade bruschetta? ›

40 ways to make your bruschetta even better
  1. Grilled haloumi and tomato bruschetta with za'atar caper salsa. ...
  2. Roasted capsicum bruschetta. ...
  3. Bruschetta with butter-braised zucchini and smoked salmon. ...
  4. Eggplant, fennel and burrata rye bruschetta. ...
  5. Tomato conserva bruschetta. ...
  6. Mushroom bruschetta with garlic and macadamia pesto.

Should you deseed tomatoes for bruschetta? ›

If you're using beefsteak or medium to large heirloom tomatoes, take the extra time to peel and seed tomatoes before dicing them. Not only can thick tomato skins and bitter seeds add a less-than-desirable flavor and texture to your topping, but seeds add extra water, which can make your toasts runny and even soggy.

How long does bruschetta last in fridge? ›

How Long Does This Classic Tomato Bruschetta Last In The Refrigerator? Keep this bruschetta covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Going a little longer isn't going to hurt anyone, it'll just loose a lot of it's fresh consistency and texture.

Can bruschetta be saved? ›

You need to eat bruschetta quickly. Once you toasted the bread and added the toppings (which often are wet or liquid, like tomatoes or olive oil), you serve it and eat it immediately. It's supposed to be a quick and easy starter dish so it's not meant to be preserved.

What do Italians eat with bruschetta? ›

Many parts of Tuscany serve bruschetta along with cuts of meat like prosciutto crudo, chicken livers, fresh sausage or lard, which melts delightfully into the warm toasted bread.

What alcohol goes with bruschetta? ›

A well structured white like Vermentino di Gallura pairs well with the taste of bread and olive oil. It also holds its own with the fragrance of garlic. The personality of Maìa wine comes through even better with bruschetta made with bottarga.

What bread is similar to bruschetta? ›

Unlike crostini, bruschetta is often made from rustic bread like sourdough or ciabatta. Of course, baguettes can work too, just slice them diagonally to fit those generous toppings.

Is bruschetta a type of crostini? ›

Cooking. Believe it or not, the differences between crostini and bruschetta come all the way down to how they are cooked! Crostini is usually toasted because the bread is much smaller and thinner than bruschetta. Therefore, not much is required to get the bread to a crispy level.

What is another name for crostini? ›

Toast By Any Other Name is Crostini or Bruschetta...

What does crostini mean in Italian? ›

Crostini: Meaning "little toasts" in Italian, crostini are small, thin slices of toasted bread, which are usually brushed with olive oil. The word also describes canapés consisting of small slices of toast with a savory topping such as cheese, shrimp, pâté or anchovies.

What is the topping on bruschetta called? ›

food blogger Author has 2.8K answers and 47M. · 10mo. Though the whole thing is usually called bruschetta, the topping is called the condiment.

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