Bruschetta, is an Italian antipasto which is one of my favourite little things to nibble while reading a book or watching a movie. They are essentially tiny pieces of grilled baguette, that is rubbed with garlic and then topped with a myriad of toppings that varies from juicy tomatoes to cured meat to whatnot. These are easy to put together and would be great appetisers for any gathering.

It is such a simple preparation that doesn’t necessarily  require any recipe at all. I’ve posted a few easy topping ideas for you to get started, but honestly, the variations are endless.

Cast of characters:

• A fresh loaf of baguette
• Olive oil
• A few cloves of garlic
• Your favourite topping (see below for inspirations)

How to:

Slice the baguette into thin slices, drizzle a bit of olive oil and bake till golden for about 5 mins. Remove from the oven and rub some raw garlic onto it and top it up with your favourite filling or a mix of a few.

If you don’t have an oven, you could add a bit of butter or olive oil on a skillet and lightly toast them on the stove top till golden. I love the aroma of bread that is toasted (or is it roasted) on the stove top.

Topping Ideas:

As I said before, the topping ideas are quite endless – from fresh tomatoes to leftover meats they all create moreish little delights. Below are a few different toppings that I usually make.

1. Spicy tuna

Drain and mix a tin of Tuna in brine or water with a dab of butter and some chopped green chilli and season with salt and pepper. I am not a fan of Tuna in mayo or tomato sauce, but for those who love that, it would be a great alternative too.

2. Creamy avocado

As a kid, avocado was always a fruit – eaten with sugar or made into a smoothie – never as a savoury item. But since recent, it always ends up in my salads or dips seasoned with salt, pepper and lime and rarely as a smoothie anymore.

To make the topping, rough chop a medium ripe avocado, season with salt, pepper and a squeeze of lime juice. You could alternatively make a quick guacamole with avocado, onions, tomatoes, cilantro seasoned with salt, pepper and lime.

3. Tangy tomato

Tomatoes are the topping used in the most original version of a bruschetta and I did mention that I love my tomatoes, so naturally bruschettas for me are never complete without some tomatoes.

All you need to do is rough chop tomatoes and season with salt and pepper and some chopped cilantro for a refreshing tangy treat.

4. Cream Cheese

Being a lover of all things cheesy, cheese too make a very convenient yet easy topping idea in my books.

Simply use any kind of cheese (I used a creamy variety) cubed, diced or creamed and mix with a sprinkle of dried chilli flakes for that added kick.

5. Sausage / Cured meat

Grill your favourite type of sausages or prepare some cured meat (ham works really well) as a moreish topping that would surely be a welcoming treat.

Next time you are craving something moreish and easy to prep, look no further than these posh little grilled bread.

So do you have any other toppings in your mind?