Bruschetta Board Recipes and Combinations You’ll Love

During winter break a few moms came to my house for a “my favorite things party” and I wanted to make snacks that were simple, delicious, and easily allowed me to participate during our gift exchange. I decided on serving some of my favorite bruschetta board recipes and combinations and they were an absolute hit.

Have you made bruschetta before? These bruschetta recipes are so easy to make and budget-friendly as well.

P.S. I’ve included a mocktail to serve with these bruschetta board recipes that taste delightful.

The Bread

While traditional bruschetta is typically served on a toasted baguette, there really are no rules to what kind of bread you should use, just go with your favorites!

From a french baguette to a sourdough loaf and even focaccia, my only suggestion is if you have a hearty topping, choose a hearty bread that will support it.

Basic Crostini

It doesn’t get much better than a crisp, garlicky piece of french bread. To make your own crostini, slice french bread on a diagonal into ½ inch slices. Lay on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Bake at 350 for 7 minutes, flip the bread, drizzle with more olive oil and bake for another 7 minutes.

While the bread slices are still hot, peel a clove of garlic and slice one end off. Use the cut end to rub each slice of bread with garlic for the perfect hint of zing!

Bruschetta Board Recipes: Savory Combinations

The best part about bruschetta in my opinion is the toppings. There are a thousand different varieties and combinations, so don’t be afraid to step outside the box. Think savory + sweet, tart + salty…the list is endless. Here are some of my favorite combinations.

The Original

Sure, you can go buy a jay of basic bruschetta topping, but making it from scratch is easy and so much better. In a bowl, combine 3 diced tomatoes, 1 clove minced garlic, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper to taste, and 8-10 leaves of fresh shredded basil.

Caprese

Layer fresh sliced mozzarella and fresh basil leaves on crostini, and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. For an added zing, top with homemade rosemary salt.

Caramelized onions + herbed goat cheese

Caramelized onions are much easier than you think and can be made well ahead of time. Slice one large yellow or sweet onion into thin half moon slices.

Sautee on medium heat in 3 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Continue to cook, stirring frequently until onions are soft and a golden brown. If you feel your onions are getting too dark, add ¼ cup of water as needed.

Apples + brie + honey

Slice apples thinly and top with cubes of brie and then drizzle with regular or hot honey. Mike’s Hot Honey is a staple in our house.

Olives + prosciutto + balsamic glaze

To make a balsamic glaze, combine 1 cup balsamic vinegar and ¼ cup of sugar in a saucepan. Simmer while stirring continuously until a thick glaze forms.

Fresh spinach + artichoke hearts + balsamic glaze

Costco sells delicious artichoke hearts marinated in seasoned olive oil. Use some of the oil from the jar to drizzle over the bread.

Gorgonzola + bacon +  hot honey

Throw this one under the broiler for a minute to get the gorgonzola bubbly.

Portabella mushrooms + gorgonzola

Grill portabella mushrooms and then slice into strips.

Cream cheese + smoked salmon + fresh dill and chives

Pretty self-explanatory, but choose your favorites!

Bruschetta Board Recipes: Sweet Combinations

Want to keep your dessert simple too? Here are a few ideas for sweet bruschetta. I like to put my sweet toppings on a soft french bread loaf that was warmed in the oven for a few minutes.

• Nutella + sliced bananas
• Cream cheese + sliced fresh peaches
• Brie + raspberry or blackberry jam
• Mascarpone + fresh berries + honey

Build your own bruschetta bar

Not sure which toppings your guests will love? Create a bruschetta bar so they can build their own heavenly slices. Pile different kinds of bread in rustic baskets, and use cutting boards and unique jars and bowls to hold different toppings.

Have a jar of honey out, grab some simple while slim plates and your guests will be able to eat at their leisure. Since all of the toppings can be made ahead of time, this also allows you to relax and enjoy your company.

The Mocktail

I’m not sure about you, but this mom realized that with quarantine, also came a few too many coping cocktails. Lately, I’ve been trading champagne for glasses of non-alcoholic mocktails and this one has become a favorite.

In a saucepan, combine ½ cup water, 2 cups raspberries (or your favorite berry), and  ¼ cup sugar. Simmer on medium-low until the berries have broken down and the syrup begins to boil about 5 minutes. Pour into a jar and allow to completely cool.

Fill a mason jar or copper mug with ice, spoon raspberry simple syrup over ice, add ¼-½ can San Pellegrino limonata sparkling water, and top off with ginger beer. Stir and enjoy.

If you decide to have a bruschetta bar or come up with a delicious combination of your own, be sure to tag us on social media – Northern Nevada Moms or Southern Nevada Moms.