I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like bruschetta. It’s divine! After ordering it in restaurants and receiving supermarket frozen bread or those “part-bake baguettes”, I’ve started to make my own again. It’s a great way to use up yesterday’s loaf, but what is the best bread for bruschetta, I asked myself? Well, here’s what I found out:
Traditionally in Italy, bruschetta is made by toasting slices of bread called “Pagnotta”. This is a bread made from durum wheat flour and an Italian sourdough starter, baked in a wood oven. Outside of Italy, pagnotta is hard to find, so ciabatta is the best bread for bruschetta. It is crusty and sturdy enough to hold generous toppings of tomatoes, mozzarella or anything else you wish to use!
What is bruschetta bread?
Bruschetta is an Italian appetizer that originated from the word “bruscare”, which translates as “to roast over coals”. It’s a grilled bread, often garlic-rubbed and topped with tomatoes or other topping combinations. It has enjoyed increasing popularity in the United States since ciabatta bread became available in grocery stores in the ’90s. Yet, traditionally, bruschetta is made with slices of larger rustic Italian bread.
Bruschetta vs crostini
Crostini are made with baguette-size bread slices that are brushed with olive oil and grilled. These Italian “crisps” are used for canapés with savoury toppings such as cheese, shrimp, pâté or anchovies. Bruschetta is an Italian appetizer made from toasting slices of bread, topped with tomatoes and other classic Italian ingredients.
Is bruschetta Italian or French?
Bruschetta is an Italian food made from toasted bread, rubbed with garlic and topped with olive oil, salt, and pepper. It dates back to the 15th century in Italy. The dish, however, has links to Ancient Rome, when olive growers would taste a sample of their freshly pressed oil using a slice of bread at the local olive press.
Why is ciabatta the best for bruschetta?
Any rustic bread with a light flavour and a nice crust is excellent for making bruschetta, and ciabatta delivers all these things! It’s become the best bread for bruschetta due to its accessibility outside Italy. It’s the best bread for bruschetta that’s available. I prefer a rustic Italian loaf, but authentic Italian bakers are hard to find!
Can I make bruschetta with a baguette?
The French baguette has a crisp crust, which can handle being grilled or toasted on both sides without burning. It makes excellent bruschetta! The inside of the bread should be airy and light, with just enough elasticity to absorb all of the delicious flavours of the toppings. You can also slice the baguette like a sandwich for some big, chunky slices!
Can I make bruschetta with sourdough?
Sourdough makes amazing bruschetta! Its rustic crumb adds so much flavour and combines beautifully with all the popular bruschetta toppings. Sourdough bread resembles the original bread for bruschetta, pagnotta. It’s a great way to use up any couple of days’ old sourdough, too!
Can I make bruschetta with focaccia?
Focaccia can make an exciting bruschetta, providing you match your focaccia and bruschetta toppings! Lightly flavoured focaccia, such as rosemary and sea salt focaccia, makes an excellent base for toasting and topping with bruschetta ingredients. Just go easy on the olive oil if the focaccia is already oily!
Frequently asked questions about bruschetta
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Hi, I’m Gareth Busby, a baking coach, head baker and bread-baking fanatic! My aim is to use science, techniques and 15 years of baking experience to help you become a better baker.
