Make Your Own Bruschetta Bar Recipes

BUILD YOUR OWN BRUSCHETTA BAR

Steps:

• Brush the sides of each bread slice with olive oil, using a pastry brush.
• Place slices on an ungreased grill or grill pan and toast for about 2 minutes per side, over medium heat. Pay close attention so the bread doesn't burn.
• Remove toasts from grill, and immediately rub with cut side of a head of garlic and sprinkle with salt. The warmth of the bread releases the garlic's aroma.
• Combine tomatoes, garlic, basil and olive oil in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper and toss to combine. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Place the eggplant slices in a large bowl and cover with salted water. Place a plate on top of the eggplant, so it stays submerged for at least 15 minutes or up to overnight. Drain and dry the eggplant slices with a paper towel.
• Dice the eggplant into small cubes.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet, over medium heat, and sauté the diced eggplant for about 10 minutes or until softened and starting to brown. Remove from heat and transfer to a medium bowl.
• Add the remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Transfer to a mason jar or other container with a tight-fitting lid and add more olive oil to cover eggplant, if needed. Marinate eggplant, covered and chilled, at least 4 hours. Bring to room temperature before serving.
• Heat olive oil In a large sauté pan, over medium heat, and sauté the garlic until fragrant and softened, about 2 minutes.
• Add grated zucchini and cook for about 5 minutes or until it dries out a bit. Remove from the heat and add salt, pepper, olives and thyme. Stir until combined. Transfer to a mason jar or other container with a tight-fitting lid. Refrigerate overnight.
• Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil.
• Refrigerate until needed. Drizzle with more olive oil when ready to serve.

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.

EASY BRUSCHETTA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Combine tomato, basil, and red onion in a small mixing bowl; stir well. Season with freshly ground black pepper. Set aside.
• Arrange bread on a baking sheet. Place in oven, and bake until well toasted, approximately 5 minutes.
• Remove bread from oven, and transfer to a large serving platter. Let bread cool 3 to 5 minutes. Rub garlic into the top of each slice of toast; the toast should glisten with the garlic. Spoon the tomato mixture generously onto each slice, and serve.