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bruschetta bar on large board with variety of cheeses, meats and crostini
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Bruschetta Bar

How to build the best Bruschetta Bar plus the best topping ideas for the ultimate summer party appetizer or light summer meal.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: bruschetta, bruschetta bar, bruschetta board, italian appetizers, best bruschetta
Servings: 6
Calories:

Equipment

  • large board
  • bread or baguette see below for bread options
  • olive oil
  • whole garlic cloves
  • your favorite toppings see below

Ingredients

Bread:

  • French, Italian or Sourdough baguette OR loaf
  • Ciabatta bread (cut larger slices in half or thirds)

Tomato Basil Topping:

  • 4-5 ripe roma tomatoes seeded and finely diced (can use cherry tomatoes)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves rough chopped
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
  • pinch fresh cracked black pepper

Cheeses: (choose 2-3 - not all)

  • burrata
  • fresh mozzarella
  • goat cheese
  • provolone
  • mascarpone
  • boursin
  • ricotta

Meats (choose 1-2 - not all)

  • prosciutto
  • salami
  • soppressta
  • mortadella

Toppings:

  • tomato basil (see ingredients above)
  • pesto
  • blackberry (or other) jam
  • honey
  • sun dried tomatoes
  • grilled vegetables
  • Fresh classic tomato bruschetta

Instructions

Tomato Basil Topping:

  • Seed and finely dice ripe tomatoes then transfer to a medium bowl. Add remaining ingredients then gently toss to combine. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes so the flavors come together.

Crostini:

  • For BAKED CROSTINI, preheat the oven to 400 degrees then line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Brush both sides of the sliced bread with olive oil then transfer to the baking sheet. Bake 5-7 minutes then turn and bake another 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven then gently rub the garlic cloves over the toasted bread.
  • For GRILLED CROSTINI follow instructions above grilling over medium high heat for 2-4 minutes per side or until golden with crispy grill marks. Remove and rub garlic over the toasted bread.

Set Up:

  • Fill a few small bowls with tomato basil and other toppings then place on a large board or tray. Add cheeses, meats and fruit around the bowls. Arrange grilled or toasted bread around the toppings. Dig in!

Topping Combination Suggestions:

  • 1 Fresh classic tomato bruschetta
    2. Burrata and basil pesto, basil leaf and prosciutto
    3. Goat cheese, blackberry jam, fresh blackberries, mint and honey
    4. Fresh tomato bruschetta, mozzarella cheeses, basil and balsami
    5. Pesto, sun-dried tomato and basil
    6. Apple, prosciutto and balsamic glaze
    7. Salami, basil leaf and provolone cheese
    8. Mascarpone cheese, fig jam and prosciutto
    9. Boursin cheese and salami or prosciutto
    10. Goat cheese, caramelized onion, mushrooms and parmesan
    11. Ricotta cheese and mixed grilled vegetables