Best Cheeses To Compliment Bruschetta: A Guide

Bruschetta is a traditional Italian appetiser made with tomatoes, basil, balsamic vinegar glaze, olive oil, and cheese, served over large slices of Italian or sourdough bread. While the classic combination is undeniably delicious, there are numerous ways to put a spin on this Italian staple. For instance, mozzarella, burrata, goat cheese, feta, and ricotta are some cheeses that go well with bruschetta.

Mozzarella, Roma tomatoes, and basil

Ingredients:

• Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: Use fresh mozzarella pearls or dice a larger ball into small pieces. Fresh cheese ensures a creamier, firmer texture and better flavour.
• Roma Tomatoes: Fresh Roma tomatoes are preferred over cherry or grape tomatoes for their flavour and texture. Try to use ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best results.
• Fresh Basil: Fresh basil adds a burst of freshness and unique flavour to your bruschetta. You can chop it or slice the leaves into thin ribbons.
• Other Ingredients: You will also need extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar or glaze, garlic, salt, and pepper. For an extra cheesy kick, add some grated Romano or Parmesan cheese.

Preparation:

• Bread: Preheat your oven to 350–400°F. Slice a baguette or Italian/sourdough bread into thin diagonal slices. Brush both sides with olive oil and toast until golden brown.
• Mixture: While the bread is toasting, prepare your tomato mixture. Dice the tomatoes and mix them with chopped basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add minced garlic to the mixture or rub garlic cloves directly onto the toasted bread.
• Assembly: Once the bread is toasted, spoon the tomato mixture onto the slices. Top with mozzarella cheese and, if desired, an extra drizzle of balsamic glaze and some grated Romano or Parmesan cheese.

Tips and Variations:

• Toasting: Toasting the bread is crucial, as it adds crunch and helps it hold up against the juicy tomato mixture.
• Seasoning: Don't skimp on seasoning. Salt and pepper enhance the flavours of the tomatoes and cheese. Remember to season each layer, including the bread.
• Storage: Bruschetta is best served immediately. However, you can store the tomato mixture and cheese separately in airtight containers for a few days. To enjoy leftovers, reheat the bread to regain its crunch before adding the toppings.
• Variations: Try adding ingredients like red onion, olives, capers, or different types of herbs like oregano, thyme, or mint for unique flavour profiles.

Goat cheese, French bread, and balsamic glaze

A delicious and elegant appetizer, this goat cheese, French bread, and balsamic glaze bruschetta is a perfect combination of fresh, bright, tangy, and sweet flavours. It is a great option for a party or a cosy snack. Here is a detailed recipe for this mouth-watering dish.

Ingredients:

• French baguette
• Goat cheese
• Tomatoes (cherry tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes)
• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Basil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
• Slice the baguette on a diagonal into 1/2-inch thick slices. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheet.
• Lightly brush both sides of the baguette slices with olive oil.
• Toast the baguette slices in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
• While the bread is toasting, prepare the toppings. Chop the tomatoes and basil, and combine them in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Stir until fully combined.
• If using garlic, mince or crush it and add it to the tomato mixture.
• Once the bread is toasted, allow it to cool for a few minutes until it is easy to handle.
• Spread a generous amount of goat cheese on each slice of bread.
• Spoon the tomato mixture on top of the goat cheese.
• Drizzle the bruschetta with balsamic glaze. For an extra touch, finish with flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
• Serve and enjoy!

Tips:

• The balsamic glaze can be store-bought or made by reducing balsamic vinegar in a saucepan over low heat until it becomes thick and syrupy.
• If you are serving this bruschetta at a party, you can keep the bread, cheese, and tomato mixture separate and let your guests assemble their own bruschetta. This will ensure that the bruschetta stays fresh.
• If you are making this just for yourself, you can simply slice the cherry tomatoes in half and add them to the bread slices instead of mixing them with the other ingredients.

Cream cheese, goat cheese, and Parmesan

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese lends a wonderful creaminess to bruschetta. Softened it before mixing with other cheeses or spreading on the bread. It pairs beautifully with goat cheese and Parmesan, but if you're not a fan of goat cheese, you can simply use more cream cheese instead.

Goat Cheese

Goat cheese is a tangy and creamy addition to bruschetta, offering a unique flavour that can elevate the traditional tomato, basil, and bread combination. It is a softer cheese, so freezing it briefly before shredding can make the process easier.

Parmesan

Parmesan brings a nutty, salty flavour to bruschetta, and a little goes a long way. Freshly grate the Parmesan for the best flavour, and feel free to sprinkle a little extra on top of your bruschetta if you're a cheese lover.

Putting it Together

For a simple and delicious bruschetta, combine softened cream cheese, goat cheese, and grated Parmesan in a small bowl. Spread this mixture on cooled, toasted baguette slices. Top with a mixture of diced tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and chopped basil. Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Feta, oregano, and olives

Ingredients:

• 1 French baguette
• Extra virgin olive oil
• 2-3 ripe Roma tomatoes
• 1 clove of garlic
• Fresh oregano leaves
• Feta cheese
• Kalamata or green olives, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Slice the baguette into diagonal pieces about 1/2-inch thick.
• Brush both sides of the baguette slices with olive oil and arrange them on a baking sheet.
• Toast the bread in the oven until it is golden brown, flipping halfway through.
• While the bread is toasting, prepare the tomato by dicing it into small pieces.
• Mince the garlic clove and combine it with the diced tomato in a bowl.
• Chop the oregano leaves and add them to the tomato mixture.
• Drizzle the tomato mixture with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
• Once the bread is toasted, rub the garlic clove directly over the surface of each slice.
• Crumble the feta cheese over the tomato mixture.
• Spoon the bruschetta mixture onto the warm bread slices and top with additional oregano and feta, if desired.
• Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious combination of feta, oregano, and olives!

You can also add other ingredients to this bruschetta, such as a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of red onion, to enhance the flavours even more.

Burrata, sourdough, and balsamic glaze

Bruschetta is a traditional Italian appetizer that combines fresh, sweet, and tangy ingredients to create an explosion of flavors. While there are many variations, a classic combination includes tomatoes, basil, balsamic vinegar glaze, olive oil, and cheese served over slices of Italian or sourdough bread. Here's how you can elevate your bruschetta with Burrata, sourdough, and balsamic glaze:

Choosing the Right Sourdough Bread

Start by selecting a fresh, high-quality sourdough loaf. The bread serves as the foundation for your bruschetta, so it's essential to use artisanal bread that is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Look for a loaf with a crispy crust and a chewy, airy texture.

Preparing the Sourdough Slices

Cut the sourdough loaf into diagonal slices, approximately 1/4-inch thick. This thickness will provide a sturdy base for your toppings while allowing the bread to toast evenly. Brush both sides of the slices lightly with extra virgin olive oil, and toast them in the oven until they are golden brown, flipping halfway through to ensure even toasting.

The Star Ingredient: Burrata

Now, let's talk about the cheese. Burrata is a type of Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. It has a soft, creamy texture and a delicate flavor that pairs beautifully with bruschetta. For the best results, use fresh burrata and break it into small pieces with your hands. If you can't find burrata, fresh mozzarella is a suitable alternative.

Assembling the Bruschetta

Once your bread is toasted, it's time to assemble. Start by rubbing a garlic clove directly over the surface of each slice, infusing them with the flavor of garlic. Then, spoon your chosen tomato mixture onto the slices. You can use a combination of diced tomatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh basil. Finally, top the tomato mixture with the burrata pieces.

The Finishing Touch: Balsamic Glaze

To take your bruschetta to the next level, finish it with a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze. The balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess that complements the other ingredients perfectly. You can find high-quality balsamic glaze at your local grocery store or make your own by reducing balsamic vinegar.

Serving Suggestions

Bruschetta is incredibly versatile and can be served as an appetizer, a light lunch, or a party snack. It pairs well with a variety of dishes, such as fresh fruits, chilled beverages, salads, soups, or other Italian appetizers like antipasti platters. Enjoy your burrata, sourdough, and balsamic glaze bruschetta with a glass of wine for the ultimate culinary experience!

Frequently asked questions