Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer consisting of grilled or toasted bread that is rubbed with garlic and olive oil and topped with different ingredients like tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, olives, or beans. It makes a delicious starter for any Italian-themed meal. When serving bruschetta, it’s important to consider what foods pair well with the flavors and textures. Here are some tips on what is good to serve with bruschetta as an appetizer course.
Antipasto
An antipasto platter with cured meats, cheeses, and pickled vegetables makes an ideal pairing before bruschetta. The saltiness and acidity of antipasto items contrast nicely with the fresh tomatoes and basil on bruschetta. Good antipasto items to serve include:
- Prosciutto
- Salami
- Capicola
- Mozzarella
- Parmesan
- Artichoke hearts
- Roasted red peppers
- Marinated olives
- Marinated mushrooms
Offering an antipasto spread allows guests to sample several Italian flavors before enjoying the bruschetta. It works well for dinner parties when you want guests to mingle and graze on appetizers before sitting down for the main meal.
Salad
A fresh salad is another excellent pairing with bruschetta. The veggies and greens complement the richness of the bruschetta toppings. Opt for a classic Italian salad dressed with a vinaigrette, such as:
- Insalata Caprese – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil
- Insalata Mista – Mixed greens, red onion, olives, tomato
- Arugula salad – Arugula, shaved Parmesan, lemon dressing
The tartness of the vinaigrette and the crisp cool greens balance out the garlic toast and rich ingredients like cheese and olives on the bruschetta.
Soup
A bowl of Italian soup also makes a nice starter before bruschetta. The brothy soup will whet the appetite and prepare the palate for the flavors of the bruschetta. Consider serving:
- Minestrone
- Pasta e fagioli
- Italian wedding soup
- Ribollita
The beans, vegetables, and pasta in these soups provide body and substance. The bruschetta offers a tasty bite in contrast to the soup.
What to Drink
In addition to pairing bruschetta with complementary appetizers, it’s also important to consider what drinks to serve. Here are some beverage ideas:
Wine
An Italian wine is the classic pairing for bruschetta. The acidity and fruitiness of wine balances out the strong garlic notes. Good options include:
- Pinot Grigio
- Chianti
- Barbera d’Asti
- Valpolicella
- Montepulciano
Sparkling wines like Prosecco also make a refreshing aperitif with bruschetta.
Beer
For a more casual meal, consider serving Italian beers like Peroni, Moretti, or Birra Morena. The light carbonation and maltiness complement the strong flavors of the bruschetta well. Pale ales and wheat beers also pair nicely.
Cocktails
Bruschetta’s bold garlic flavor can stand up to cocktails with herbaceous liqueurs like Campari or Aperol. Classic Italian cocktails to serve include:
- Negroni
- Boulevardier
- Bellini
- Aperol Spritz
The bitter notes of the liqueurs contrast with the sweet tomatoes and basil in the bruschetta.
Main Dishes to Follow
Bruschetta shines as an appetizer, but what main course should come after? Here are some excellent Italian entrees to serve following the bruschetta course:
Pasta
A pasta course is a natural follow-up to bruschetta in an Italian meal. The bruschetta primes the palate for more Italian flavors. Pasta choices like gnocchi, ravioli, or linguine pair well. Some good sauce options include:
- Marinara or arrabbiata sauce
- Pesto
- Alfredo
- Bolognese
The tomatoes and basil from the bruschetta topping mirror classic Italian pasta sauces.
Seafood
Lighter seafood dishes also complement the bruschetta beautifully. The fish won’t overpower the lingering garlic and olive oil flavors left over from appetizer course. Great choices include:
- Baked cod
- Shrimp scampi
- Mussels marinara
- Crab cakes
- Grilled salmon
Serve seafood simply grilled, baked, or sauteed to let the fresh flavors shine.
Chicken
For those who want a heartier follow-up to bruschetta, chicken is an excellent option. Chicken piccata, marsala, parmigiana, or cacciatore all pair wonderfully. The briny olives, capers, and tomato sauce in these chicken dishes provide continuity from the bruschetta.
Pork or Veal
Dishes like pork saltimbocca, veal piccata, or veal marsala make tasty meaty mains. The rich, savory flavors of the pork or veal provide an indulgent contrast to the lighter bruschetta.
Risotto
Finally, risotto is another excellent choice following bruschetta. The creaminess of the rice balances out the crunch of the bruschetta toasts. Opt for risotto flavored with mushrooms, asparagus, seafood, or other classic Italian ingredients.
Side Dishes
Don’t forget to serve sides along with the main course to round out an Italian bruschetta dinner. Here are some options:
- Garlic bread
- Asparagus
- Roasted potatoes
- Steamed broccoli
- Sauteed spinach
These vegetable side dishes continue the fresh, seasonal flavors featured in the bruschetta appetizer. An Italian salad also makes a nice accompaniment to the main meal.
Dessert
Cap off the meal with a sweet Italian dessert after the bruschetta course. Espresso and biscotti make an easy option. Or bake up a tray of cannoli or tiramisu. The coffee notes echo back to the bitterness of the bruschetta. Other great choices include:
- Gelato
- Panna cotta
- Limoncello cake
- Biscotti
The tart citrus flavors in many Italian desserts provide balance after the rich main dishes.
Sample Menus
Here are a couple sample Italian menus with bruschetta as an appetizer:
Menu 1
- Antipasto platter
- Bruschetta with tomato and basil
- Baked ziti
- Sauteed broccoli
- Tiramisu
Menu 2
- Minestrone soup
- Bruschetta with mozzarella and olive tapenade
- Shrimp scampi over linguine
- Asparagus spears
- Limoncello cake
Both menus incorporate bruschetta as a bright, flavorful starter before heartier main dishes and dessert. The appetizer choices complement the bruschetta flavors nicely.
Tips for Serving
Here are some final tips for serving fantastic bruschetta:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients like ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and fruity olive oil.
- Grill or toast the bread just before serving to keep it crispy.
- Toppings like tomato need a bit of time to marinate into the bread – don’t toast too far in advance.
- Offer a spreader for the toppings so guests can serve themselves.
- Have plenty of napkins on hand.
- Make it interactive by setting up a topping bar with ingredients for guests to customize.
With authentic recipes and smart food pairings, bruschetta makes for a sensational starter to any Italian meal. The possibilities for delicious toppings and menu combinations are endless. Use this guide to serve bruschetta like a pro!
Conclusion
Bruschetta is a versatile appetizer that pairs well with many antipasto items, salads, soups, wines, pastas, and classic Italian main dishes. Play around with the topping combinations and experiment with contrasting flavors and textures. Keeping the meal light before finishing with an espresso and biscotti is a foolproof way to do an Italian dinner right. With fresh, high-quality ingredients, making bruschetta is easy. Focus on getting excellent olive oil, tomatoes, basil and garlic so their flavors really sing. With smart menu planning and a few serving tips, you can serve restaurant-quality bruschetta at home with pride.