This trio of bruschetta spreads is a tasty take on a traditional Italian appetiser.
Known for its crispy toasted bread topped with vivid, fresh ingredients, bruschetta is one of the most popular Italian appetisers. A Trio of Bruschetta Spread offers a range of flavours, making it the ideal appetiser for entertaining or just enjoying a delicious snack. The traditional form just includes tomatoes and basil.
There are three unusual bruschetta toppings in this recipe:
1️⃣ Classic Tomato & Basil Bruschetta – The classic favourite, full of fresh basil, garlic, and juicy tomatoes.
2️⃣ Creamy Avocado & Roasted Garlic Bruschetta – A nutty roasted garlic paired with a thick, silky spread.
3️⃣ Savoury Mushroom & Caramelised Onion Bruschetta – An intensely pungent and umami-rich garnish.
With their harmonious blend of freshness, creaminess, and savouriness, these three different bruschetta variations are ideal for presenting at gatherings, as a light supper, or as a gourmet appetiser.
Trio of Bruschetta Spread – Recipe Card
For the Bread Base
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Baguette or ciabatta | 1 loaf, sliced |
Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
Garlic clove, halved | 1 |
Bruschetta Toppings
1. Classic Tomato & Basil Bruschetta
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Cherry tomatoes, diced | 2 cups |
Fresh basil, chopped | 2 tbsp |
Garlic, minced | 1 clove |
Extra virgin olive oil | 1 tbsp |
Balsamic vinegar | 1 tsp |
Salt & pepper | To taste |
2. Creamy Avocado & Roasted Garlic Bruschetta
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Ripe avocado | 1 |
Whole garlic bulb | 1 |
Olive oil (for roasting garlic) | 1 tbsp |
Lemon juice | 1 tsp |
Salt & pepper | To taste |
3. Savory Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Bruschetta
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, or button), chopped | 1 cup |
Onion, thinly sliced | 1 small |
Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
Balsamic vinegar | 1 tsp |
Dried thyme | ½ tsp |
Salt & pepper | To taste |
Instructions
Step 1: Toast the Bread
Step | Instructions |
---|---|
1 | Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). |
2 | Arrange sliced baguette on a baking sheet. |
3 | Brush both sides with olive oil and toast for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway. |
4 | Remove from oven and rub each slice with halved garlic cloves. |
Step 2: Prepare the Tomato & Basil Bruschetta
Step | Instructions |
---|---|
1 | In a bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. |
2 | Let sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to blend. |
Step 3: Make the Avocado & Roasted Garlic Spread
Step | Instructions |
---|---|
1 | Cut the top off the garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil. |
2 | Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 30–35 minutes until soft. Let cool. |
3 | Mash the avocado in a bowl and squeeze in the roasted garlic cloves. |
4 | Mix with lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. |
Step 4: Cook the Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Topping
Step | Instructions |
---|---|
1 | Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. |
2 | Add onions and sauté for 10–12 minutes until caramelized. |
3 | Stir in mushrooms, balsamic vinegar, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes. |
Step 5: Assemble the Bruschetta Trio
Step | Instructions |
---|---|
1 | Spread each topping over the toasted bread slices. |
2 | Garnish with extra basil, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or grated parmesan if desired. |
3 | Serve immediately and enjoy! |
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Storage Method | Time |
---|---|
Toasted Bread (Room Temp) | Up to 1 day |
Tomato Bruschetta (Fridge) | Up to 2 days |
Avocado Spread (Fridge) | Best within 24 hours |
Mushroom-Onion Mixture (Fridge) | Up to 3 days |
The Reasons You’ll Adore This Recipe
Simple ingredients and little preparation time make this dish easy to make and quick to prepare. It’s also perfect for entertaining, with a range of flavours to suit all palates.
✔ Adaptable – Include various cheeses, proteins, or garnishes.
✔ Healthy & Wholesome – Full of whole-grain bread alternatives, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats.
Required Ingredients
For the Base of Bread:
One baguette or ciabatta, cut into pieces that are ½ inch thick; two tablespoons of olive oil
One clove of garlic, cut in half (for rubbing)
For the Traditional Basil and Tomato Bruschetta:
Two cups of chopped cherry tomatoes; two tablespoons of freshly chopped basil; and one minced garlic clove
One tablespoon of virgin olive oil
One tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
To taste, add salt and pepper.
For Roasted Garlic & Creamy Avocado Bruschetta:
One ripe avocado
One entire bulb of garlic and one tablespoon of olive oil (for roasting garlic)
One teaspoon of lemon juice
To taste, add salt and pepper.
For the Caramelised Onion & Savoury Mushroom Bruschetta:
One cup of finely chopped mushrooms, such as button, shiitake, or cremini
One little onion, cut thinly; one tablespoon of olive oil
One teaspoon of balsamic vinegar and half a teaspoon of dried thyme
To taste, add salt and pepper.
Detailed Directions
Toast the bread as the first step.
Set the oven’s temperature to 375°F (190°C).
Slices of baguette should be arranged on a baking sheet.
3️‣ Spread olive oil on both sides and toast for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway through.
4️⃣ Take out of the oven and lightly rub halved garlic cloves on each slice for more flavour.
Step 2: Make the Traditional Basil and Tomato Bruschetta
5️⃣ Put the garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, diced cherry tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
6️⃣ To let the flavours meld, let it sit for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Roasted Garlic & Creamy Avocado Spread
7️⃣ Slice the top off a whole garlic bulb, cover with foil, and pour with olive oil.
8️⃣ Roast for 30 to 35 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until tender. Allow to cool.
9️⃣ In a bowl, mash the avocado and squeeze out the roasted garlic cloves, incorporating them into the avocado. 🔟 Mix until creamy after adding the salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Step 4: Prepare the Caramelised Onion & Savoury Mushroom Topping 1️⃣1︣⃣ Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
1️⃣2️⃣ Add sliced onions and cook for 10–12 minutes to caramelise and turn golden, stirring occasionally.
1️⃣3️⃣ Sauté for an additional 5 minutes after adding the mushrooms, balsamic vinegar, thyme, salt, and pepper.
The fifth step is to put together the Bruschetta Trio. Cover the slices of toasted bread with each topping.
1️⃣5️⃣ If preferred, garnish with grated parmesan, a balsamic glaze drizzle, or more basil.
1️⃣6️⃣ Serve right away and savour!
Recommended Servings
🍷 Sip with Wine – Serve with a crisp white wine (Sauvignon Blanc) or light red wine (Pinot Noir). 🥗 With a Fresh Salad – For a full meal, eat it with a Caprese salad or mixed greens.
🍲 As a Side Dish – Serve with a bowl of creamy mushroom soup or tomato soup.
Adjustments & Modifications
✅ Add Cheese – For a creamy finish, sprinkle on some goat cheese, feta, or mozzarella.
Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or a hot honey drizzle to give it a kick.
✅ Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free baguette or crispy rice cakes. ✅ Protein Boost: Include smoked salmon, chickpeas, or grilled chicken.
FAQs
1. Can I prepare the bruschetta in advance?
Indeed! To keep the bread crispy, assemble immediately before serving, but feel free to prepare the toppings in advance.
2 What bread works best for bruschetta?
.The finest options are a baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough since they toast up well.
3. Is it possible to substitute dried basil for fresh?
For optimal flavour, use fresh basil, but if you’re short on time, you can use ½ teaspoon of dried basil.
4. How can I prevent browning of the avocado spread?
To reduce air exposure, add extra lemon juice and cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface.
5. Can I make the mushroom bruschetta with a different type of mushroom?
For rich, earthy flavours, portobello, shiitake, or cremini mushrooms all work nicely.
Concluding Reflections
The ideal crowd-pleasing appetiser, this Trio of Bruschetta Spread offers a perfect blend of fresh, creamy, and savoury flavours. These bruschetta varieties are sure to dazzle, whether you’re serving them at a party or just enjoying a gourmet snack for yourself!