Build Your Own Bruschetta Bar Recipes

MAKE YOUR OWN BRUSCHETTA BAR

Steps:

• Make all of your spreads, cut your cheeses and meats, and prep the toppings the day before. Or you can buy your favorite toppings ready from the store. Leave the fresh fruit, bread, and anything else that won't hold well overnight until the day of serving.
• If desired, create labels for each topping or spread so your guests will know what each one is.
• 30 minutes before guests arrive, assemble the bruschetta board. This gives the cheese time to come to room temperature and reach peak flavor.
• Start with a cutting board, tray, or other surface. I like to put my spreads and some toppings in an assortment of bowls, then place those around the board. Then I take my other ingredients and place them directly on the board, filling in the gaps to make it look very full. Make sure to leave room for the last minute ingredients.
• Cutting apples or other fruit, warm the brie cheese (if using), and prep any other last minute items. Add them to the board.
• Grill your bread right before guests come so it will be fresh. Just slice your baguette on a slant so you create more "real estate" for the toppings :) Brush each side with olive oil and place on a hot grill pan. Grill each side for 2-3 minutes or until dark golden marks appear. Use some of the bread slices to fill in the empty spaces in your bruschetta bar and place the rest in a dish to set beside.

BUILD-YOUR-OWN-BRUSCHETTAS

Steps:

• For each topping, use a mini chopper or hand blender to pulse each set of ingredients for 1 min to make a rough paste, then season and scrape into two serving bowls. Arrange on a platter with the olives, tomatoes and rocket. Toast the bread slices and pile these alongside, plus some Parma ham if using. Bring to the table and let everyone dig in and assemble their own supper.