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This Make Your Own Bruschetta Bar will be the star of the party. It's easy to put together and there are endless combinations to make! | www.countrysidecravings.com

Bruschetta Ideas: How to Make a Bruschetta Board

Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Appetizer board, Bruschetta, Bruschetta Bar, Cold cuts, Party food, Toppings
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
Servings: 10 -15
Author: Malinda Linnebur
Looking for some Bruschetta Ideas for your next party? My guide on how to make a bruschetta board is full of all the tips and tricks you need to make an impressive appetizer platter that will be the star of the show! With tons of topping ideas, you can build your own bruschetta bar with endless combinations. It’s perfect for entertaining! 
Print Recipe

Ingredients

Bread

  • 1 ciabatta baguette
  • 1 sourdough baguette
  • Olive oil for brushing bread slices to grill or toast

Topping Ideas: Choose any toppings

  • Traditional tomato basil bruschetta topping
  • Prosciutto
  • Capocollo
  • Salame Calabrese
  • Marinara sauce
  • Pesto
  • Sundried tomatoes
  • Grape tomatoes sliced
  • Caramelized onions
  • Roasted mushrooms
  • Olives of any kind
  • Fruit: green pears, apples, grapes, etc.
  • Honey (with comb is especially fun)
  • Bacon jam
  • Pepper jelly
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Fresh basil, rosemary, or thyme

Cheeses: Choose any cheeses and serve 3 oz per person

  • Fresh goat cheese rolled in freshly chopped herbs
  • Fresh mozzarella
  • Blue cheese
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Brie cheese
  • Parmesan cheese

Wine

  • Wine of choice (optional)

Instructions

Day Before Prep

  • Make all of your spreads, cut your cheeses and meats, and prep the toppings the day before. Or you can buy your favorite toppings ready from the store. Leave the fresh fruit, bread, and anything else that won't hold well overnight until the day of serving.
  • If desired, create labels for each topping or spread so your guests will know what each one is.

Assemble

  • 30 minutes before guests arrive, assemble the bruschetta board. This gives the cheese time to come to room temperature and reach peak flavor.
  • Start with a cutting board, tray, or other surface. I like to put my spreads and some toppings in an assortment of bowls, then place those around the board. Then I take my other ingredients and place them directly on the board, filling in the gaps to make it look very full. Make sure to leave room for the last minute ingredients.

Last Minute Ingredients

  • Cutting apples or other fruit, warm the brie cheese (if using), and prep any other last minute items. Add them to the board.
  • Grill your bread right before guests come so it will be fresh. Just slice your baguette on a slant so you create more "real estate" for the toppings :) Brush each side with olive oil and place on a hot grill pan. Grill each side for 2-3 minutes or until dark golden marks appear. Use some of the bread slices to fill in the empty spaces in your bruschetta bar and place the rest in a dish to set beside.

Notes

**The amounts of each ingredient needed depends completely on which and how many toppings you choose. 2 loaves of bread serves roughly 10-12 people. Try to aim for about 3 oz of cheese per person, then gather your remaining ingredients.
Tips: 
  • Don't forget the serving utensils, plates, and napkins. 
  • Slice few pieces of each cheese and lay them beside the larger piece on the board.
  • Include a few slices of bread on the tray, then place the rest in a bowl or basket next to the board. This makes it feel inviting.
  • Keep things grouped together to create an Instagram worthy appetizer board!
  • To make it slightly easier, ask your guests to bring a topping or spread to include on the board.