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+ servings

Build Your Own Bruschetta Bar

4.45 from 18 votes

Ingredients  

Bread:

  • 2 large Italian loves, sliced 1/2-inch thick
  • 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and halved

Classic Tomato and Basil Spread:

  • 2 pints red grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise
  • 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 16 fresh basil leaves, plus more as needed, chiffonade
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Marinated Eggplant Spread

  • 1 eggplant, sliced lengthwise
  • 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Marinated Zucchini Spread

  • 1 large zucchini, trimmed and grated
  • 1 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green olives
  • Chopped fresh thyme to taste
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

White Bean Spread

  • 2 cans, 15oz cannelloni beans
  • 1 large tomato, diced
  • Juice one lemon
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
  • Olive oil to taste
  • Chopped parsley to taste

Other spread suggestions:

Toppings suggestions:

  • - Prosciutto
  • - Salami
  • - Fresh Mozzarella
  • - Arugula

Instructions 

Preparing the bread:

  • 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.

Preparing the Tomato and Basil Spread:

  • 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.

Preparing the Marinated Eggplant Spread:

  • 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.

Making the Marinated Zucchini:

  • 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.

White Bean Spread:

  • 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.