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)

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? ›

If your tomatoes, bread and oil are not great, your bruschetta won't be either! Salting the tomatoes in advance and placing them in a colander means the salt will draw the excess liquid out and your tomato topping will be not only less watery but will also have a more intense tomato flavor.

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 is the best store bought bread for bruschetta? ›

What is the best bread for bruschetta? Any sort of bread sturdy and crusty enough to hold up to bruschetta toppings will work! Italian bread such a ciabatta or French bread like baguette are ideal. I like slicing up a whole baguette into diagonal slices so there's plenty of surface area to hold the tomatoes.

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

Ingredients You'll Need

Tomatoes – I like to use cherry or grape tomatoes for the bruschetta because they're easier to cut and aren't as watery and fleshy, but feel free to use Roma tomatoes or whatever is ripe in your garden!

What is Mediterranean olive bruschetta? ›

In a large bowl, combine olives, tomatoes, onion, 2 tablespoons of the parsley, 2 tablespoons of the cheese and capers. Add oil and balsamic vinegar; mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste if desired. Let stand 15 minutes. Cover; refrigerate and let stand at room temperature 15 minutes before serving.

Why does my bruschetta taste bitter? ›

If your bruschetta is bitter, it's likely because the tomatoes you used were not ripe enough. Be sure to use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best flavor.

How to enhance bruschetta? ›

Add 1 tablespoon of lime zest, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried chili peppers (to taste) for an extra kick. Smear the toasted baguette points with goat cheese, or crumble some queso fresco into the topping. Make it vegan by using an avocado in place of goat cheese on the bread.

What is the stuff on top of bruschetta called? ›

Ian De Pagie. food blogger Author has 2.9K answers and 47.4M. · 10mo. Though the whole thing is usually called bruschetta, the topping is called the condiment.

How do Italians eat bruschetta? ›

Most commonly it is served with toppings of tomato, vegetables, beans, cured meat, and/or cheese. In Italy, bruschetta is often prepared using a brustolina grill.

Why do Italians eat bruschetta? ›

Bruschetta traces its roots back to ancient Rome, where peasants created a simple dish by grilling leftover bread over an open fire. This practice allowed them to make use of stale bread and add flavor to their meals. The word “bruschetta” comes from the Italian verb “bruscare,” which means “to roast over coals.”

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 is the fancy name for bruschetta? ›

According to the International Culinary Center, the term bruschetta is sometimes used interchangeably with crostini and the Tuscan dish fettunta. In Tuscany, fettunta is usually served without toppings, especially in November, to taste the first oil of the season.

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 2.9K answers and 47.4M. · 10mo. Though the whole thing is usually called bruschetta, the topping is called the condiment.

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