Five Fast Bruschetta Toppings

Bruschetta is similar to an open-face sandwich. Its bread is typically a baguette sliced on the bias. The thick-crusted bread is then toasted and topped with tasty fresh ingredients. Olive oil, garlic and some form of tomato are the basic toppings, but bruschetta is an open canvas just waiting for a cook's creativity.

The bread

Slice the baguette on a bias, creating slices that are about one-half an inch thick. Traditional bruschetta bread is grilled so it has a slightly smoky flavor. When grilling the bread, watch it closely as it can burn quickly. Grill both sides of the bread evenly, about 2 to 3 minutes until it is golden brown. Remove from the heat, rub one side with garlic and then drizzle with olive oil. To do a garlic rub, simply remove one clove of garlic from the bulb. Peel and cut the clove in half. Rub the cut edge of the garlic across the top of the bread. The bread also can be toasted in the oven. Bake the sliced bread at 400 degrees F., about 8 to 10 minutes on each side.

The toppings

Multiple flavor profiles are possible with this versatile dish, from savory to sweet to spicy. Five fast bruschetta toppings combine flavorful ingredients any home cook can assemble.

1. Simple and slightly sweet

Drizzle the toasted baguette slices with extra virgin olive oil, and top with diced roma tomatoes and chopped fresh basil. Omit the garlic on this one and the aroma and sweetness of the fresh basil is the star.

2. Roasted red peppers

Sure, you could spend the time roasting your own garden fresh red peppers. However, in most grocery stores there are jars of delicious roasted red peppers that make this bruschetta super speedy to prepare. Slice the prepared roasted red pepper slightly thicker than julienne. Arrange the peppers atop the toasted bread coated with olive oil and a fresh garlic rub. Top with chopped black olives and freshly shredded Romano cheese. Romano cheese has a tangier flavor than Parmesan that pairs well with the peppers and black olives. You can add diced tomato to this combination, but its flavors stand strong on their own.

3. Cheese choice

This combination is perfect for anyone who enjoys traditional Italian flavors. Drizzle the toasted baguettes with extra virgin olive oil and rub the garlic on the top of each. Top with fresh mozzarella cheese. The fresh mozzarella is softer and creamier than packaged shredded cheese, offering a bit of heaven to your taste buds. To melt the cheese, place the topped toasts into the oven and broil for about one minute. Watch carefully so nothing burns. Remove from oven and top with fresh chopped basil and diced tomatoes.

4. The savory

Combine two tablespoons of olive oil, two diced roma tomatoes, one half of a medium red onion diced, several fresh basil leaves, two anchovy fillets diced, one teaspoon minced garlic plus salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate topping mixture while your baguette slices are toasting. Drizzle each bread slice with olive oil and top with the chilled topping. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over each before serving. If you do not care for the taste of anchovy, try this combination with one half cup cooked and crumbled bacon.

5. Fresh and fruity

For a twist from the traditional flavors, combine one cup diced mango, one quarter cup diced red onion, one half cup fresh cilantro, one jalapeno pepper chopped and seeded, and one cup diced roma tomatoes. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl with the juice from one medium lime. Chill in the refrigerator while the baguette slices are toasting. Top with the chilled ingredients and serve immediately.