There are so many options when it comes to what to serve with bruschetta. There really is no wrong answer, but there are definitely flavors that pair well with this Italian dish. Check out these tried and tested favorites.
What Is Bruschetta?
Bruschetta is an Italian appetizer of toasted bread with a topping of olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. It’s very simple to make and is the perfect way to use up extra tomatoes in the summer.
Bruschetta is traditionally made with a round loaf of bread that has been pre-sliced horizontally. You can also make it with any type of bread you like, but I find that a baguette works best because it’s large enough to hold all the toppings without falling apart.
The toppings for bruschetta are usually just tomatoes or basil pesto, but there are many variations out there. Some people like to add cheese or onions to their bruschetta, while others prefer to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms. Bruschetta can also be made without tomatoes or basil pesto at all; some chefs prefer to use roasted red peppers instead!
16 Ideal Serving With Bruschetta
Bruschetta is an Italian appetizer made with grilled bread, chopped tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. It’s simple to make and goes well with many dishes.
Here are 16 dishes that will pair perfectly with bruschetta.
1. Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables are a great way to add flavor to your meal without adding too much fat or calories. Bruschetta is the perfect accompaniment for grilled vegetables because it adds a burst of flavor without adding any extra calories or carbs. Use different types of vegetables for variety in texture and flavor.
2. Chicken Breast Sandwiches
Chicken breasts tend to get boring quickly, but when paired with bruschetta they become much more interesting! Chicken breast sandwiches are also easy to make and can be eaten on the go if you don’t have time for a sit-down dinner at home. Add avocado slices for extra flavor and healthy fats!
3. Pasta With Fresh Tomato Sauce
Pasta is one of those comfort foods that everyone loves; however, traditional pasta sauces tend to be high in calories and fat because they contain cream or cheese as the main ingredients. Instead, try making your own fresh tomato sauce using a blender or food processor, and then add some basil, capers, and a little parmesan cheese for extra flavor. You can pair this pasta sauce with grilled chicken or shrimp for a lighter dinner.
4. Grilled Chicken Sandwich
This typically American dish is a quick and easy way to get your protein in if you don’t have time to cook dinner. The main ingredients are very simple: grilled chicken, avocado slices, and tomatoes. Add a few slices of red onion for extra flavor depending on what you like!
5. Rice salad
Rice salads are easy to make and can be customized with different vegetables and seasonings. To make a rice salad, combine cooked rice with chopped vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes, or bell peppers. Add olives for flavor and texture, along with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired. Dress the salad with olive oil and vinegar or lemon juice before serving.
6. Potato salad
Potato salads tend to have similar ingredients as rice salads: potatoes, vegetables, and herbs mixed together with olive oil and vinegar or lemon juice. While rice is typically served cold, potato salads are often served warm or at room temperature so they may include eggs in the recipe for binding purposes.
7. Pasta salad
The key to making a great pasta salad is using the right noodle. If you’re looking for something hearty and filling, try penne or rotini. For a lighter meal, try spaghetti or fettuccini. Bruschetta makes a great topping for any type of pasta salad!
8. Wine and Cheese
A classic pairing that never disappoints! Bruschetta pairs beautifully with both red and white wines, so feel free to experiment with different types of wine based on what you’re serving it with.
9. Pesto
Bruschetta makes an excellent spread for sandwiches, wraps, and burgers! Grab some focaccia bread from your local bakery or grocery store and pile on the pesto bruschetta. You can even use it as a dip for breadsticks at parties!
10. Vegetable sour soup
Sour soups are popular in Eastern Europe and Scandinavia, and this recipe from Epicurious is simple yet delicious. It features a base of vegetable broth, sour cream, and yogurt, which gives it a creamy texture without using cream or butter. The bruschetta topping adds an extra layer of flavor with fresh herbs like basil and thyme and chopped tomatoes.
11. Stuffed tomatoes
This recipe from Food Network Magazine uses stuffed cherry tomatoes as the base for its bruschetta topping — perfect for a summer meal when tomatoes are at their peak. The filling consists of ground beef seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper; chopped fresh parsley; grated Parmesan cheese; and an egg beaten with milk to make it easier to mix. The filling is spooned into the hollows of cherry tomatoes that have been charred slightly under the grill (or in a broiler), then they are drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper.
12. Stuffed potatoes
Bruschetta doesn’t have to be an appetizer; it can be an entree as well. Stuff potatoes with goat cheese, basil, and tomatoes for a simple yet delicious meal.
13. Baked pumpkin
Bruschetta makes a great topping for baked pumpkin or squash at Thanksgiving time or anytime during the fall season. You can also spread it on toast with goat cheese, arugula, and tomatoes for a quick snack or lunch option.
14. Taco Seasoning
Make tacos even more flavorful by adding some bruschetta to the meat before browning it on the stovetop or in the oven. You can also use a mix of ground beef and chicken thighs for added richness and depth of flavor.
15. Salsa Verde
The traditional Italian sauce, salsa verde, is usually made with parsley and capers. But it can also be made with bruschetta in place of the parsley. This recipe from Food52 uses both tomatoes and bruschetta, as well as garlic and anchovies for a delicious alternative to traditional versions.
16. Cheese Platter
Bruschetta makes an amazing addition to any cheese platter! Spread it on crackers, baguette slices, or even fresh vegetables like cucumbers for an extra burst of flavor!
10 Outrageous Ways to Use Bruschetta in Everyday Cooking
Bruschetta is a traditional Italian appetizer that’s often reserved for special occasions. But there are plenty of ways to make this delicious bruschetta topping an everyday staple.
Here are 10 outrageous ways to use bruschetta in everyday cooking:
- Add bruschetta as part of your pasta sauce or meatball recipe.
- Use it as a pizza topping instead of tomato sauce or pesto.
- Mix it with butter and spread on toast for a quick snack or breakfast treat.
- Use it as a base layer in lasagna dishes, casseroles, and other baked pasta dishes.
- Use it to top grilled chicken breasts or beef steaks before serving them at dinner time (or lunch!).
- Make bruschetta chips by slicing bread into thin wedges and baking them without oil until they’re crispy like potato chips — then sprinkle with salt and pepper before serving! This is great with dips like hummus or salsa!
- Use bruschetta to top a pizza pie before baking it.
- Add it with tomato sauce to make a quick marinara sauce for pasta dishes and meatballs.
- Blend 1/4 cup of bruschetta into your morning smoothie for a fruity, savory flavor and plenty of antioxidants!
- Use bruschetta as a substitute for bread crumbs in your meat stuffing recipe.
And remember, only use fresh bread to make bruschetta since it gives more flavor when baked and a smoother texture when ground.
Enjoy!
FAQs
1. Why does bruschetta mean “toasted bread”?
The name bruschetta comes from the Italian verb “Bruscare,” which means “to roast over coals.” So the word bruschetta refers to any kind of toasted bread that is used as an appetizer or side dish.
2. What are the ingredients of bruschetta?
The most common ingredients in bruschetta include tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. Other ingredients are often added as well, such as basil leaves or fresh mozzarella cheese. The bread used for bruschetta should be crusty on the outside but soft on the inside. It can be any type of bread — even French baguettes will work well — although white bread tends to be more popular than whole wheat varieties because it stands up better to the acidity of the tomatoes without getting soggy.
3. How do I make bruschetta?
To make bruschetta, toast slices of bread, rub with garlic cloves, drizzle with olive oil, and top with chopped fresh tomatoes. Serve warm or at room temperature with plenty of good quality extra virgin olive oil for dipping.
4. Is there a difference between bruschettas and crostini?
Yes, but only in size. Bruschetta is usually served as a small appetizer while crostini are larger and often served as an hors d’oeuvre or snack food.
5. Is bruschetta healthy?
Yes! Bruschetta is a very healthy appetizer. It’s low in calories and fat but high in fiber and nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and folate (folic acid).
In Conclusion
In our opinion, what to serve with bruschetta is on top of a bed of fresh-grated Italian cheeses. This buffeted-style presentation is visually appealing and adds a nice, creamy contrast to the crisp bread. If you’re into bacon, simply add it alongside your cheeses!