Bruschetta Isn't Just Tomatoes

Most people hear the word bruschetta and immediately think of chopped tomatoes.

But bruschetta is really about the bread.

Traditionally, it's a slice of rustic bread that's grilled or toasted, then brushed with good olive oil. After that, it's really up to you. Tomatoes are classic, but they're definitely not your only option.

I usually tell customers to start with a loaf of crusty bread, toast it until it's crisp, then brush it with a generous amount of olive oil while it's still warm. Don't skip the olive oil. When there are only a handful of ingredients, every one of them matters.

The Classic

This is the one everyone knows.

Chop fresh tomatoes, add basil, Garlic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and a spoonful of our Tuscan Bread Dipper Herb Mix. Give it a stir and let it sit for a few minutes so the tomatoes soak up all that flavor. Spoon it over the bread and you're done.

Greek Style

This one disappears fast at parties.

Mix chopped cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, feta, and a little parsley. Dress it with Greek Seasoning Extra Virgin Olive Oil and your favorite vinegar. Pile it onto the toasted or grilled bread and you've got all the flavors of a Greek salad in one bite.

Burrata & Peaches

Peaches are in season, so this one is hard to pass up.

Spread burrata on the toasted bread, add sliced peaches, a few basil leaves, and a drizzle of Basil Extra Virgin Olive Oil. If you like a little sweet with your savory, finish it with a drizzle of Traditional Balsamic.

Goat Cheese & Figs

Spread goat cheese on the toasted bread and top it with fresh figs or fig preserves. Add a drizzle of Herbs de Provence Extra Virgin Olive Oil and a little Fig Dark Balsamic.

Sweet, creamy, tangy...it just works.

Don't Overthink It

Once you have the bread and the olive oil, almost anything can become bruschetta.

Roasted mushrooms. Avocado. White beans. Roasted peppers. Strawberries and goat cheese. Fresh corn. Even leftover grilled vegetables from last night's dinner.

That's my favorite thing about bruschetta. You don't need a recipe. Just start with good bread, good olive oil, and whatever looks good that day.