When it comes to a refreshing and exotic appetizer, nothing beats bruschetta. And with summer weather right around the corner, plenty of people are gearing up to make this stellar, “beat the heat” type recipe. But which bread should be used?
Honestly, any kind of rustic bread will work fine for Bruschetta. However, the bread should also have a neutral flavor, and a decent crust, and be able to be grilled and topped with ingredients without failing. Some of the best choices include ciabatta, sourdough, and French baguettes.
Hi! I’m Michelle, and I love baking and cooking! While I focus heavily on baking cakes, cookies, muffins, etc, I also thoroughly enjoy cooking. Making delicious recipes for my family to enjoy makes me happy, and one of the treats we always look forward to is bruschetta.
Let’s find out which bread to use for bruschetta!
Best Bread for Bruschetta: Top 6 Picks
If you’re planning to whip up a batch of bruschetta, you need to make sure you’re using the right kind of bread. The right kind will produce a perfectly crunchy texture and desirable flavor profile. The wrong type can leave you with burnt or flimsy bread that falls apart in minutes.
Needless to say, choosing the right bread is key for bruschetta success – and you have plenty of options. Below are the top six best bread options for Bruschetta.
Oh, and by the way – these Bruschetta bread types can be used fresh or a few days old. Most people will say that it’s best to use bread that’s a few days old, as it will create a more rigid, slightly dried-out consistency that’s ideal for holding toppings!
1. Pagnotta
The traditional bread for bruschetta is pagnotta, Italian-style round bread with a light brown crust and the right amount of density. Its flavor and texture are reminiscent of sourdough bread.
Using pagnotta bread will render the best results. However, pagnotta bread isn’t exactly easy to find. A lot of stores don’t carry this type of bread, and it is more likely to be found in specialty bakers – which are difficult to find in some areas.
The better option is to make it yourself. Pagnotta is surprisingly simple and only requires six ingredients to create. So, if you want authentic-tasting bruschetta, go the extra mile and make a batch of pagnotta bread.
2. Sourdough
Sourdough is very similar to pagnotta bread, making it the best runner-up choice. Not only that, but sourdough is very easy to find and quite budget-friendly – so you won’t have any trouble putting together bruschetta with this type of bread.
In a hurry? Drop by your local grocery store and pick up a loaf of bread. Want to create delicious sourdough bread from home? Follow along with this recipe, and don’t forget to use the right knife for perfect slices to create your bruschetta.
3. French Baguette
Bruschetta may be Italian cuisine, but that doesn’t mean you can’t mix and match. French baguettes can also be used in place of pagnotta bread to make bruschetta.
It has the right texture – strong enough to handle the toppings yet airy to absorb the flavors. Plus, it’s not prone to burning when grilled – which is essential for bruschetta recipes.
4. Ciabatta
Another bread that resembles pagnotta bread closely is ciabatta. Ciabatta is another rustic Italian-style bread loaf with the correct consistency to create mouthwatering bruschetta.
Again, it all comes down to the exterior and interior of the bread. You will find a somewhat thick and durable crust that will hold an impressive amount of toppings without fail on the exterior. On the interior, you have a holey and airy texture that will soak up the ingredients like olive oil and garlic.
You can make your own ciabatta or find it in most grocery stores.
FAQs
Now that you know which bread is best for bruschetta, you have no excuse not to make it! But if you’re still curious to learn more, I’ve selected some questions that you might want to know the answer to. Let’s check it out!
What bread is Bruschetta made from?
Traditional bruschetta in Italy is made using pagnotta bread. However, this type of bread can be challenging to find outside Italy. That’s why it’s recommended to make your own pagnotta bread or use a substitute like sourdough, a French baguette, or ciabatta.
How do you make bruschetta bread?
Making bruschetta is relatively easy. All you need to do is heat your oven to 400F, brush olive oil on both sides of the bread, and place them onto a baking sheet. Then, let them bake for about 10-15 minutes, turning halfway through. Cool and top with your favorite toppings!
What can I use instead of bread for bruschetta?
Are you trying to cut down on your bread intake or want to try something new altogether? You don’t “have” to use bread to make Bruschetta.
Plenty of people have swapped bread for their favorite crackers. Vegetables like eggplant and zucchini are commonly used as the bruschetta base.
What is bruschetta topping made of?
Everybody has their own unique way of making bruschetta. However, a traditional bruschetta will contain tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. Some people will add extras like onion, balsamic vinegar, and parmesan cheese. But that’s part of the fun of cooking – being creative!
What is the difference between a crostini and a bruschetta?
Although they are quite similar, the critical difference between Crostini and Bruschetta is how they’re served. Crostinis tend to be smaller, bite-sized portions that are topped with savory toppings such as fig, goat cheese, or an anchovy mix. Bruschetta is much larger and more refreshing.
Final Words
Bruschetta can be made with a myriad of bread – not just the classic pagnotta. Whatever bread you end up using, make sure it’s rustic-style bread with a rigid crust that can accommodate the toppings. Sourdough, French baguettes, and ciabatta bread all work like a charm!
What bread do you use to make your bruschetta? Do you use an interesting recipe? Share so we can try, too!
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