The Best Crumbled Cheeses For Bruschetta

Bruschetta is a traditional Italian appetiser that combines tomatoes, vegetables, beans, cured meat, and cheese. While there are many variations of the dish, the most common type of cheese used in bruschetta is mozzarella. However, other types of cheese such as provolone, goat cheese, Parmesan, and feta can also be used.

Mozzarella, tomato, and basil

Ingredients:

• Baguette
• Olive oil
• Roma tomatoes
• Mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Balsamic glaze (optional)
• Garlic (optional)

Instructions:

• Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Slice the baguette into diagonal slices about 1/2-inch thick. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet.
• Brush both sides of each bread slice with olive oil.
• Thinly slice the Roma tomatoes and chop the basil. If using garlic, mince it.
• Combine the tomatoes, basil, and garlic (if using) in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Spoon the tomato mixture onto each bread slice, adding a sprinkle of basil and, if you like, some oregano.
• Shred or slice the mozzarella cheese and place on top of the tomato mixture.
• If desired, add another layer of basil and tomato slices on top of the cheese.
• Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake until the cheese is bubbly, about 7 to 10 minutes.
• Drizzle with balsamic glaze, if desired, and serve warm.

This classic bruschetta is a simple yet elegant appetizer that's full of flavour. The combination of juicy tomatoes, melted mozzarella, and fresh basil is what makes this dish so appealing. You can also add your own twist by including ingredients like red onion, garlic powder, or white pepper. Enjoy!

Parmesan, goat's cheese, and cream cheese

Parmesan Bruschetta

Parmesan is a hard Italian cheese with a fruity, nutty flavour and a granular texture. It is an excellent choice for bruschetta as it adds a savoury, umami note to the dish.

When making Parmesan bruschetta, it is best to grate the cheese yourself, rather than using pre-packaged grated cheese. This will ensure a better flavour and texture. Parmesan bruschetta typically includes a mixture of ripe tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This mixture is then spooned onto toasted slices of French bread, such as a baguette, and served warm.

Goat's Cheese Bruschetta

Goat's cheese, or chèvre, is a soft, creamy cheese with a tangy flavour. It is a popular choice for bruschetta due to its unique flavour and spreadable texture.

A simple goat's cheese bruschetta recipe might include red onion and fresh basil. The cheese is spread onto slices of toasted baguette, and topped with sliced red onion and basil.

Cream Cheese Bruschetta

Cream cheese is a soft, mild-tasting cheese with a creamy texture. It is not traditionally Italian, but it can be used to make a delicious bruschetta with a creamy texture and a subtle tang.

A basic cream cheese bruschetta recipe might include ripe tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze. The cream cheese is mixed with heavy cream and onion powder, and spread onto slices of toasted baguette. The tomato mixture is then spooned on top, and the dish is drizzled with balsamic glaze.

These three cheeses offer very different flavour profiles and textures, but all can be used to make delicious bruschetta. Each cheese forms the base of the bruschetta, with other ingredients added to complement the flavour and create a balanced dish.

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or feta

While bruschetta is often associated with tomatoes, basil, and other Italian toppings, you can mix things up by adding some crumbled cheese. Here are some ideas for using cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or feta to create a delicious twist on the classic bruschetta:

Cheddar Bruschetta

For a creamy twist on the classic, try adding some shredded cheddar cheese to your bruschetta. This recipe combines tomatoes, cheddar, mayonnaise, parmesan, oregano, basil, and pepper, creating a creamy and flavourful topping. Simply bake your French bread slices, mix the ingredients, spread the mixture over the toasted bread, and bake until bubbly. This recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, with no leftovers in sight!

Monterey Jack or Colby Jack Bruschetta

While there are no specific recipes found for these cheeses, you can draw inspiration from the classic combination of tomatoes, basil, and garlic, as well as the baking method used in the previous recipe. Create a mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, and your choice of either Monterey Jack or Colby Jack cheese. Spread this mixture on your French bread slices and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Feta Bruschetta

For a Mediterranean twist, feta cheese is an excellent choice for bruschetta. This Greek bruschetta recipe features a creamy feta spread made by mixing feta, Greek yoghurt, garlic, and basil. The spread is then topped with crunchy vegetables coated in a Greek vinaigrette made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. This combination of salty, creamy feta and crunchy veggies is sure to impress at any party.

Feel free to experiment with different types of bread, such as a French baguette or whole-grain loaf, and adjust the baking times accordingly. You can also add your own twist by including additional ingredients like onions, cucumbers, or even shrimp!

Crumbled cheese with balsamic glaze

Balsamic glaze is a reduction of balsamic vinegar that is thicker and sweeter than the vinegar itself. It is a great addition to bruschetta as it adds a tangy, sweet flavour to the dish.

Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese

You can use mozzarella and parmesan cheese for your bruschetta. For the mozzarella, you can either shred it yourself or use store-bought shredded cheese. However, store-bought cheese has an extra coat of flour, making it harder to blend. For the parmesan, grate or shred it yourself.

Goat Cheese

Goat cheese is another option for your bruschetta. It has a rich and creamy texture that pairs well with the other ingredients. If you are not a fan of goat cheese, you can substitute it with feta, cream cheese, or more mozzarella.

Preparing the Bread

Use a baguette or French bread and slice it into thin, even slices. You can also use crackers, chips, pita, or zucchini slices as an alternative. Toast the bread in an oven or skillet until it is golden brown. You can also brush the bread with olive oil and broil it for a few minutes until browned.

Preparing the Toppings

For the toppings, combine diced tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, basil, and salt and pepper to taste in a bowl. You can also add red onion if desired. If you want to include cheese in your toppings, mix it with the other ingredients.

Assembling the Bruschetta

Spread the cheese mixture on the cooled toast. Then, add spoonfuls of the tomato mixture on top. Finally, drizzle balsamic glaze over the bruschetta.

Storage and Serving

Bruschetta is best served fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you have any leftovers, try adding them on top of baked or grilled chicken. It is recommended to serve the bruschetta warm or at room temperature.

Crumbled cheese with olive oil

Bruschetta is a traditional Italian appetizer that is both light and tasty. It is made by toasting bread and rubbing it with garlic and olive oil, and then topping it with a variety of ingredients such as tomatoes, beans, cured meat, or cheese.

Mozzarella Bruschetta

One popular type of bruschetta uses mozzarella cheese, which can be shredded or diced. To make this variety of bruschetta, start by slicing a baguette into thin, even slices and lining them on a baking sheet. Brush the top of each slice with olive oil and broil for 2-3 minutes until brown. In a separate bowl, combine diced tomatoes, mozzarella, balsamic vinaigrette, olive oil, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper. Remove the bread from the oven and top each slice with the tomato and cheese mixture. Finally, drizzle with balsamic glaze.

Goat Cheese Bruschetta

Another option for bruschetta is to use goat cheese, which pairs well with the fresh, bright flavors of tomato and basil. To make this variety of bruschetta, start by slicing a French baguette into diagonal slices about 1/2-inch thick. Place the slices on a foil-lined baking sheet and spray with cooking spray on both sides. Bake in the oven at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden. While the bread is baking, combine chopped tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil, and pepper in a bowl. Once the bread is toasted, spread each slice with goat cheese and top with the tomato mixture. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve.

Other Cheeses

While mozzarella and goat cheese are two of the most popular options for bruschetta, other cheeses can also be used. Cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and feta cheese are all great choices that can be combined or substituted for the goat cheese in the recipe above. Additionally, most types of shredded cheese will work, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican or Italian blend.

Frequently asked questions