What Are the Different Types of Bruschetta Appetizers?

There are many different bruschetta appetizers, some of which require only a few more ingredients than the standard bruschetta recipe. It takes only a few ingredients to make the standard recipe, which almost always gets served with slices of toasted French or Italian bread. It can be modified into a variety of other appetizers by adding or removing specific ingredients such as cheese. For a meatier appetizer, add seafood, chicken or pork. Incorporating fruit or a pastry crust can add a touch of sweetness to an occasionally sharp recipe.

Standard bruschetta appetizers differentiate a bit in terms of ingredients included and what they're served on. However, the standard recipe typically includes chopped tomatoes, fresh basil, minced garlic, lemon juice and olive oil. Salt, pepper and balsamic vinegar are optional and can be added to taste. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl, then place it on top of sliced and toasted French or Italian bread.

Adding cheese is a way to change up standard bruschetta appetizers. One simple recipe is to caramelize onions, mix them in with the bruschetta ingredients, then place the mix on top of feta cheese and on top of toasted bread slices. An additional option is to spread gorgonzola cheese, ricotta, or cream cheese on the bread slices before putting the mixture on top.

Seafood fans may enjoy making seafood bruschetta appetizers. Mix chives, crab meat and chopped shrimp with the bruschetta mixture before putting it on bread slices. Another option is to put the mixture on the bread slices, then place a single cooked shrimp on top. Sprinkle cilantro over it for an added garnish.

Rather than use seafood, meat eaters may prefer to use ham or poultry with their bruschetta appetizers. Place a slice of prosciutto on top of the bread slices before putting the mixture on top. Another variation is to mix in chopped chicken before placing it on the bread. Cheese fans can spread gorgonzola onto the bread for a creamy kick.

Those looking for sweeter tasting bruschetta appetizers have a few surprising ingredient combinations to try. One is to spread cream cheese over a baked and slightly toasted pie crust, sprinkle chopped walnuts on top, then place a mixture over it. Another recipe to try is to spread cream cheese on bread slices and layer on sliced strawberries. For an additional sweet recipe, mix chopped apples and goat cheese before placing them on the bread slices.