Bruschetta and Crostini

Grilled bread, infused with olive oil and garlic, sprinkled with salt and pepper, makes for a delightful appetizer known as bruschetta or crostini. The crunchy exterior and moist interior of the bread provide the perfect canvas for a variety of toppings. Whether you prefer a classic tomato and basil combination or more adventurous flavors, these versatile bites are sure to please.

Makes: 4 Servings

Time: About 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 thick slices rustic bread
• Extra virgin olive oil, as needed
• 1 to 4 cloves garlic, halved or crushed
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Heat a gas or charcoal grill or set your broiler to medium-high heat, positioning the rack about 4 inches from the heat source.
2. Lightly brush both sides of the bread with olive oil.
3. Grill or broil the bread until lightly browned on both sides.
4. Rub one or both sides of the bread with garlic.
5. Place the bread on a plate and drizzle it with olive oil, using approximately a tablespoon per slice. Sprinkle with salt and, if desired, pepper.
6. Serve the bruschetta or crostini warm.

VARIATIONS:

1. Crostini: To make crostini, cut the bread into thinner, smaller slices, resulting in 16 to 24 pieces. Brush them with oil and crisp them on a grill, under a broiler, or in a preheated 400°F oven until golden on all sides. Rub them with garlic if desired and proceed with the toppings.

TOPPINGS FOR BRUCHETTA AND CROSTINI: 

1. Fresh Tomato or Fruit Salsa: Prepare a salsa using ripe tomatoes or your favorite fruits.
2. Traditional Pesto: Spread a layer of classic basil pesto on the bread.
3. Spreads: Explore various spreads from the recipes in this chapter.
4. Corn Salad with Avocado: Combine corn salad with diced avocado.
5. Bean Salad: Choose any bean salad recipe.
6. Chicken Salad with Olive Oil and Fresh Herbs: Prepare a chicken salad seasoned with olive oil and herbs.
7. Crab Salad: Create a crab salad using your preferred recipe.
8. Seafood Salad, Mediterranean Style: Prepare a Mediterranean-style seafood salad.
9. Puréed Vegetables: Use any puréed vegetable as a topping.
10. Sautéed Eggplant with Basil: Sauté eggplant with basil for a flavorful topping.
11. Braised Endive, Escarole, or Radicchio with Prosciutto: Combine braised endive, escarole, or radicchio with prosciutto.
12. Garlic Braised in Olive Oil: Serve garlic cloves braised in olive oil as a topping.
13. Sautéed Mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms and use them as a topping.
14. Caramelized Onions: Prepare caramelized onions.
15. Spinach with Currants and Nuts: Sauté spinach with currants and nuts for a unique topping.
16. Grilled or Broiled Tomatoes with Basil: Grill or broil tomatoes with basil and use them as a topping.
17. Oven-Baked Ratatouille: Create oven-baked ratatouille and use it as a topping.
18. White Bean Purée: Make a smooth white bean purée as a topping .
19. Beans and Tomatoes: Combine beans and tomatoes for a tasty topping.
20. White Beans, Tuscan Style: Prepare white beans, Tuscan style, and use them as a topping .
21. Beans and Greens: Combine beans and greens for a flavorful topping .
22. Lentils, Six Ways: Explore one of the six lentil recipes provided .
23. Salt Cod in Tomato Sauce: Prepare salt cod in tomato sauce and use it as a topping .
24. Salt Cod Mousse: Create a salt cod mousse for a unique and savory topping .
25. Shredded Pork: Use shredded pork as a topping .

Enjoy your delicious bruschetta or crostini with your favorite toppings and share them as a delightful starter or snack with family and friends.