Best Cheeses To Top Off Bruschetta

Bruschetta is a delicious Italian appetiser that combines fresh, vibrant flavours with a crunchy texture. While bruschetta can be made with a variety of toppings, the classic combination of tomato, basil, and cheese is a favourite for many. The type of cheese used in bruschetta can vary, with options such as mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, goat cheese, and feta all being popular choices. The key to a great bruschetta is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and to toast the bread until it is golden and crispy.

Mozzarella

When making bruschetta with mozzarella, it's important to use fresh, ripe tomatoes. Roma tomatoes are a good variety to choose as they are firm and less juicy, which helps to prevent the bruschetta from becoming soggy. To further prevent sogginess, you can remove the seeds from the tomatoes by cutting them in half and scooping out the seeds and liquid with a spoon.

The mozzarella cheese can be purchased in a large ball and diced into small pieces, or you can buy small mozzarella pearls to save time. Fresh mozzarella is recommended, and it's best to keep it cold so that it stays solid and doesn't melt. However, some people prefer to have the mozzarella melted on top of their bruschetta.

In addition to the tomatoes and mozzarella, other ingredients commonly used in bruschetta include olive oil, balsamic vinegar or glaze, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper. Some recipes also include onions, while variations can be made by adding ingredients such as nuts, sunflower seeds, grilled chicken, or bacon bits.

To assemble the bruschetta, start by brushing slices of baguette or other bread with olive oil and toasting them in the oven until golden brown. Meanwhile, combine the diced tomatoes, mozzarella, and other desired ingredients in a bowl, adding salt and pepper to taste. Once the bread is toasted, top it with the tomato-mozzarella mixture and drizzle with balsamic glaze.

Parmesan

When making bruschetta with Parmesan cheese, it is essential to start with good-quality tomatoes, preferably freshly picked or the freshest available. Different types of tomatoes, such as cherry or heirloom, can be used depending on personal preference, as each variety offers a unique flavour profile. The tomatoes should be diced and mixed with minced garlic, basil leaves, olive oil, and salt to create the bruschetta topping. This mixture can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

To prepare the bruschetta, preheat the oven to 350-450°F and place the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Brush the tops of the slices with olive oil and toast them in the oven for 5-10 minutes until lightly browned. The garlic flavour can be enhanced by rubbing the cut side of a garlic clove over the toasted surface of the bread before adding the tomato mixture.

Once the bread is toasted, spoon the tomato mixture onto the baguette slices and sprinkle with shredded Parmesan cheese. For optimal freshness, bruschetta should be enjoyed immediately after preparation. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

The simplicity of bruschetta with Parmesan cheese makes it an easy and elegant appetizer or snack, perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying as a light lunch. It pairs well with Italian wine or craft beer and can be served with a variety of toppings, such as roasted bell peppers or olives, to create a unique flavour experience.

Goat's cheese

Ingredients

• Goat's cheese (softened)
• Tomatoes (ripe and fresh)
• French baguette
• Olive oil
• Balsamic glaze
• Basil
• Garlic
• Salt and pepper

Optional Ingredients

• Shallots/red onions/green onions/chives
• Parmesan cheese
• Honey
• Nuts
• Figs

Method

• Combine the tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl and stir until fully combined.
• Slice the baguette and spray/brush both sides with olive oil. Toast the slices in the oven until golden.
• Spread softened goat's cheese onto the toasted baguette slices.
• Spoon the tomato mixture on top of the goat's cheese.
• Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve.

Tips

• Goat's cheese bruschetta can be served either cold or at room temperature.
• The tomato mixture can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
• Toasting the bread in advance is also an option, but it is best to assemble the bruschetta right before serving to avoid sogginess.

Feta

Ingredients:

• Feta cheese (crumbled or firm Greek feta)
• Tomatoes (ripe and fresh; Roma or cherry tomatoes work well)
• Basil (fresh, finely chopped)
• Garlic (minced or a raw clove)
• Bread (baguette or ciabatta, sliced)
• Olive oil (extra virgin)
• Butter (optional)
• Balsamic glaze (optional)

Instructions:

• Combine melted butter and olive oil in a small bowl. Lightly coat both sides of the bread slices with the mixture using a pastry brush.
• Toast the bread slices in an oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or until lightly browned.
• In a mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped basil, and crumbled feta cheese. Add a pinch of black pepper if desired.
• Spoon the tomato-feta mixture onto the toasted bread slices.
• Return the bruschetta to the oven and bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, or until the mixture is warmed and the feta is slightly melted.
• For an extra touch of flavour, drizzle balsamic glaze over the bruschetta.
• Serve warm or cold. Enjoy!

Provolone

When making bruschetta with provolone, it is important to slice the cheese thinly so that it melts easily and creates a bubbly, golden topping. A recipe for bruschetta with provolone can be as follows:

Ingredients:

• 1 baguette
• Olive oil
• 2 roma (plum) tomatoes
• Fresh basil
• Fresh oregano
• Garlic powder
• White pepper
• Mozzarella cheese
• Provolone cheese

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch thick diagonal slices.
• Arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Brush both sides of each slice with olive oil.
• Thinly slice the tomatoes and sprinkle them onto the bread slices, along with the basil and oregano.
• Sprinkle the tomatoes, basil, and oregano with garlic powder and white pepper.
• Cover the tomatoes with a layer of mozzarella and provolone.
• Place more basil, oregano, and tomato slices on top of the cheese.
• Bake in the oven for 7 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

This recipe creates a delicious, flavourful bruschetta with the perfect balance of fresh ingredients and melted cheese. The provolone adds a creamy texture and a mild, slightly nutty flavour to the dish.

Frequently asked questions