You’re familiar with bruschetta – the classic Italian appetizer that consists of toasted bread with some sort of topping. At its most simple, bruschetta is rubbed with garlic cloves and drizzled with high-quality olive oil.
But there are so many ways to take it to the next level, and having a bruschetta bar at your next group gathering would be an amazing way for your guests to customize it to their liking.
Plus, it will look GORGEOUS.
Here are the components you need for a perfect bruschetta bar, and including Isernio’s will make it extra delicious!
THE BREAD
Traditionally, bruschetta is made with rustic, crusty white or sourdough bread. Its cousin crostini is made with smaller, more petite loaves. So choose a larger loaf of tasty bread that your guests can pile high with the toppings of their choice.
Slice and toast it in advance and, if you choose, rub the tops with garlic. Refrain from drizzling olive oil ahead of time as that can cause them to get soggy if they’re not eaten immediately.
THE TOPPINGS
Here’s where you can get creative. You can either set out a whole bunch of ingredients, or have just a few options for your guests to choose from. Include both spreads and toppings, and make sure that the toppings you offer go well together flavor-wise.
Remember, sometimes less is more. Some ideas include:
- Garlic paste
- Pesto
- Soft cheeses like goat cheese, feta, brie, or burrata
- Caramelized onions
- Tapenade
- Hummus or white bean spread
- Jam or preserves
- Halved grape tomatoes, chopped or sliced tomatoes
- Roasted peppers
- Marinated artichoke hearts
- Chopped basil
- Cooked crumbled sausage
- Prosciutto
- Pepperoni or salami
- Sliced, cooked sausage
- Chopped or thinly sliced fruit including figs, pears, or apples
- Olive oil or balsamic vinegar for drizzling
The possibilities are endless!
THE PRESENTATION
Choosing your menu is important, but the presentation is what pulls it all together. You can go any number of ways on this:
- Display the ingredients in stark white bowls on your table or counter
- Use colorful, mismatched bowls and plates for an eclectic look
- Create an appetizer board; throw everything on a large cutting board (be sure to keep the spreads in their own bowls or containers)
- If you don’t have a large cutting board, use a large piece of tile or cover a piece of plywood with aluminum foil to make your own board
If your board looks too plain, throw in some color with food! Slice some red, orange, and green peppers, layer in a bunch of grapes, add some apple slices, or tuck in stems of fresh, green herbs.
A fantastic bruschetta bar is an easy way to impress your guests, and though it looks complex putting one together is a whole lot easier than you think. Plus, you won’t have to be stuck in the kitchen while everyone mingles since it will all be done in advance.
What’s your favorite bruschetta topping?
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