Bruschetta originates from Italy; the word roughly translates as “to toast.” The original bruschetta is made by toasting bread, then rubbing the warm slices with a clove of garlic and topping it with a slight drizzle of olive oil.
As the garlic melts into the warm toast, it creates a simple delight. From there, the possibilities are endless. You can top bruschetta with just about anything, making it a fun and easy dinner idea — perfect for using up ingredients and leftovers you have on hand and easily making a variety of flavors to please everyone at the table.
It's a simple idea, but the results are impressive. The garlic adds a fabulous layer of flavor and, depending on your toppings, you can skip the drizzle of olive oil. Often, all we need to get a great meal on the table is a good idea. Here are some ideas to inspire your own creations.
Slices of bread, about a 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick
Fresh cloves of garlic
Olive oil
Toppings of your choice — see the ideas after the recipe
Toast bread slices in the oven at 350° F for about 6-7 minutes until they are slightly browned.
While the toasts are still warm, rub them with a clove of garlic (peeled). The garlic will melt into the toast.
Optional:
Top with your choice of ingredients.
Rubbing garlic on warm toast.
It's handy to have a loaf of bread sliced at the store and freeze it. Then, when you want to make bruschetta, you can pull out the slices that you need and pop them in the oven to toast.
Sliced baguette from the freezer with whipped avocado and dill, served with savory bread for an apéritif
You can also slice leftover bread and pop it in the freezer. You'll be glad you did!
Bruschetta with leftover cherry tomato sauce topped with dried sausage and olives on the side for a first course
Bruschetta with leftover tomato sauce, topped with fresh mozzarella, rosemary, and spicy salami
Bruschetta with whipped avocado, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil
Bruschettas are perfect for using up little bits of this and that.
Salmon, fried egg, and parsley on bruschetta with green salad and vinaigrette, and cherries for dessert
Bruschettas are also excellent for entertaining.
Sauteed Brussels sprouts with Parmesan cheese on bruschettas.
The Italians love their bruschettas!
Apéritif at Caffetteria Ottaviani in Florence
You might enjoy this classic Italian recipe, tomato bruschetta. It's simple enough for everyday dinners and delightful for entertaining too.
Enjoy making your bruschetta! It's fun to involve the kids — they can look for toppings, use their creativity, give you a hand in the kitchen, and sample new tastes.
