Bruschetta is the original garlic bread and an easy first course for a memorable Italian meal. One of the reasons to love Italian cuisine is the simplicity of many of its recipes. Traditional Italian cooking concentrates on fresh seasonal ingredients prepared simply to bring out the true flavors. For bruschetta that means good quality Italian bread, extra-virgin olive oil, fresh and juicy garlic cloves and appetizing toppings.
In Tuscany, the home of bruschetta, the bread and the olive oil are paramount. So look for an Italian loaf that has a crunchy, dark-brown crust and a good texture that will hold up on the grill. And find a good extra-virgin olive oil that has a pleasant flavor, color and aroma. Many gourmet supermarkets will let you sample their olive oils. This is the best way to find one you like.
How to Make Bruschetta
Over a hot charcoal fire, grill thick slices of Italian bread. When toasted on both sides, rub the bruschetta with a cut clove of fresh garlic, drizzle on extra-virgin olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt or Kosher salt and serve. When tomatoes are in season, you can finely chop them with fresh, torn basil leaves, olive oil, salt and pepper and use them to top the grilled garlic bread. You can also grill the bread on a gas grill or toast it in the oven or under the broiler, but the flavor over charcoal is the best.
Although bruschetta is best as a first course served simply with Italian olives and wine, you can definitely make a meal out of it as they often do in Tuscany. Try it as a light lunch or supper with a glass of red wine and a simple salad.
Classic Tuscan Bruschetta
Serves 4 as a first course or 2 as an entrée.
Favorite Bruschetta Toppings
Grill the bread lightly over a hot charcoal grill, making sure both sides are equally toasted. Remove the bread from the grill and quickly rub a large garlic clove over the bread. The garlic will melt into the hot bread. Plate the bread and drizzle the olive oil over the bread. Sprinkle lightly with salt. At this point it's ready to serve or top with one or several bruschetta toppings.
 | This recipe for bruschetta uses eggplant to add texture and flavor. Be sure that, when you're cooking the eggplant, it is fully cooled before combining it with the remaining ingredients. |
 | Make bruschetta with cheese for a creamy twist on the tomato-based version. This easy cheddar bruschetta recipe includes mayonnaise for a thicker consistency. |
Each of my articles are written with the sole purpose of making the cooking process easier for you. One thing that I fail to understand is that many of us do not have the luxury of having tons of cooking equipment around our kitchen area. |
Bruschetta is the ultimate appetizer. It's easy to pick up and eat, you can generally use ingredients that you already have on hand, and who doesn't like bread and cheese? Here are a few ideas for some quick toppings and some creative variations. |
Balsamic vinegar can dress up a traditional and easy bruschetta recipe to serve at your next party. Because the balsamic gives it a little kick, you'll want to refrigerate the tomato mixture for two hours or so before serving to allow all of the flavors to blend together. |
