Go Back
–+ servings
Bruschetta (Various Toppings) pinterest

Bruschetta (Various Toppings)

An elegant, crowd-pleasing starter that offers endless creativity while maintaining simplicity. From traditional tomato-basil combinations to innovative Mediterranean-inspired variations, bruschetta represents the versatile foundation that every home entertainer needs in their repertoire.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean
Servings 12 servings
Calories 185 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Skillet

Ingredients
  

For the Bread Base

  • 1 fresh baguette or Italian bread sliced into ½-inch rounds
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves peeled and halved

Classic Tomato-Basil Topping

  • 4 ripe Roma tomatoes diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Avocado-Feta Topping

  • 2 ripe avocados mashed
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons red onion finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped
  • salt and red pepper flakes to taste

Mushroom-Thyme Topping

  • 2 cups mushrooms cremini or shiitake, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons white wine
  • 1 small shallot minced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the bread slices in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Brush each slice with olive oil on both sides.
  • Bake the bread for 5-7 minutes, then flip each slice and bake for another 5 minutes until golden and crisp around the edges but still slightly tender in the center.
  • While the toast is still warm, rub one side of each slice with the cut side of a garlic clove.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped basil, olive oil, minced garlic, and balsamic glaze. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let this mixture rest for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to marry.
  • In a separate bowl, mash the avocados until slightly chunky. Fold in the feta cheese, lemon juice, diced red onion, and chopped dill. Season with salt and red pepper flakes.
  • Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook until translucent, about 2 minutes. Add chopped mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, approximately 5-7 minutes. Add thyme and white wine, allowing the liquid to reduce by half. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese if using.
  • Spoon your desired topping onto each bread slice just before serving. For dinner parties, consider creating a bruschetta bar with all three toppings, allowing guests to customize their selections.

Notes

For the best flavor, use the freshest ingredients possible. The bread can be toasted up to 8 hours in advance and stored in an airtight container, while toppings can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated separately. Assemble just before serving to maintain the perfect texture contrast between crisp bread and flavorful toppings.

Nutrition

Calories: 185kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 4gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 210mgPotassium: 220mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 345IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 1.2mg
Keyword Bruschetta, Crostini, Tomato Basil, Avocado Feta, Mushroom Thyme
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!