Classic Italian Bruschetta Recipe
This Classic Italian Bruschetta recipe is a crowd-pleasing appetizer made of grilled bread topped with a generous amount of cheese, fresh tomatoes, and garlic.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Origin of the Classic Italian Bruschetta
Classic Italian Bruschetta is an Italian-originated dish served as antipasto or a starter dish for a formal Italian meal. Bruschetta originated specifically in Central Italy in 15th century. However, Marcella Hazan, a famous Italian cookbook author believed that bruschetta can be traced back to Ancient Rome.
The name Bruschetta comes from the Roman Dialect word bruscare which means to toast or to roast over coals. Since it is cooked by roasting bread brushed with garlic oil and cheese. It has a lot of variations when it comes to its toppings, it may include fresh tomatoes, vegetable leaves, ground meat, and cheese.
When is it typically served?
Classic Italian Bruschetta is an Italian meal starter or appetizer served cold in a formal Italian meal. Some also consider this as a quick snack. Bruschetta is commonly served with salad and wine and is best with fresh tomato and leafy vegetables as toppings and also, never forget the garlic olive oil and a generous amount of cheese.
Kitchen Utensils You Need
You will be needing the following kitchen tools and equipment in making a good Classic Italian Bruschetta:
- Oven
- Chopping board
- Cutting knife
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Pastry brush
- Small bowl
- Measuring spoons
Classic Italian Bruschetta’s Primary Ingredients: Bread, Tomatoes, Olive Oil, Garlic, Cheese and Leafy Vegetables
Classic Italian Bruschetta is a starter dish made out of roasted bread topped with a fresh vegetable salad. And we have bread, fresh tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, cheese and leafy vegetables as its primary ingredients. Since this dish is good for leftover bread, I used our leftover loaf bread I have in the fridge, or you may also use whatever plain bread you have in your kitchen. Brush with olive oil mixed with minced garlic to give it a classic flavor and of course for a twist, better top it with a generous amount of cheddar cheese. For the toppings, fresh red tomatoes are preferable to be used, sliced in cubes and leafy vegetables like basil leaves, lettuce or cabbage are the common choices. All these can be bought in the nearest supermarkets or at mall supermarkets.
Let’s talk about its health benefits, this dish indeed has a lot to offer. Fresh tomatoes contain lycopene antioxidant plus it also keeps the bones strong. While garlic infused olive oil provides antibacterial properties which helps in preventing body infection. And the leafy vegetables balances cholesterol levels and keeps a youthful skin. No doubt this dish is healthy and nutritious. Ideal for those who want to get ride of obesity.
Interesting Facts
- Bruschetta is popularly known as fettunta in Tuscany. But their version does not have toppings aside from the olive oil.
- In the old continent, tomatoes are not considered as food but as a lovely ornamental object.
- There are a lot of variations of Bruschetta in Italy it just depends on what region you are at.
Tips and Tricks
- Do not pour or drizzle the oil directly to the bread, instead use a pastry brush to evenly spread the garlic olive oil.
- Always pick the best quality ingredients. Remember if you want your dish to be extra, you have to be extra with its quality. Fresh ingredients are always better.
- To reduce the cost of the ingredients, I suggest you use a leftover bread since it will just be recooked in the oven or in the pan.
Ingredients
- 5 pcs medium sized red tomatoes, diced
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- Leftover bread
- Lettuce, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and peppr
Directions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine tomatoes, half of the garlic, half of the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper and chopped lettuce.
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Brush the bread with the garlic olive oil and top with the cheese. Then put in the oven for 5 minutes at 400 degree F.
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Once done, remove from the oven and scoop a spoon of the tomato mixture on top of the roasted bread.
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Serve and enjoy!
This is a great idea for a low-calorie and healthy appetizer. Best for those who are on a special diet and to those who are in dire mission to kill obesity. Start your meal with this Italian treat appetizer. You can never say no to. With its flavorful bread to its fresh toppings. It’s surely is a day for an Italian specialty.