In celebration of my love for bruschetta, I give you four different ways to enjoy the traditional Italian antipasto.
So, it’s a Saturday afternoon, and I’m enjoying my homemade bruschetta with Christian as we celebrate our third year together. Meanwhile, all of Tampa is guzzling booze downtown at the annual (101st, to be exact) Gasparilla parade. I have lived in Tampa for 16 years, and have never experienced Gasparilla.
Every time I tell people that, they gasp with disbelief. “Are you serious?” they question. I can explain… Um… I just don’t really care about it. That’s all. I’ve just never been the type to enjoy something like that. Maybe I’ll go one day and form a different opinion, but for now, I just have no desire.
I have, however, run a Gasparilla race. Last year I ran the Gasparilla 8k, and this year, I was signed up for the half marathon. That’s another story…
In three weeks I am technically supposed to be running 13.1 miles down Bayshore Boulevard, but my foot had other plans. After a couple months of pain, I finally had an MRI done. And… the results showed… drum roll…
Nothing.
Nada.
Oh, in addition to a sh*t ton of blood work, there were no signs of arthritis, the MRI was clean minus a bit of inflammation, yet I still have pain. At this point it’s a matter of purchasing some new [better] and more stable shoes to work in conjunction with my inserts. I still get a little depressed thinking about the work I put in before my pain, and how I could have been crossing a finish line feeling that incredible feeling in February. Guess I’ll just have to sign up for another one!
Back to the bruschetta.
If you’re new to TBB you may not know this, but I am a huge lover of Italian flavors, culture, and cooking. And since one of my favorite antipasto is bruschetta, I thought I would play around with it a little. Although I am in love with the original chopped tomato version, it’s always fun to experiment, right?
[Tweet “Four ways to enjoy bruschetta”]
No recipe here, just a combination of ingredients with however much of each you prefer. This is what you’ll need:
- Buffalo mozzarella
- Ricotta cheese
- Mascarpone cheese
- Vine ripe tomatoes
- Garlic
- Fresh basil
- Dried figs
- Pitted dates
- Salt
- Pepper
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Balsamic glaze
- Prosciutto
- Pumpkin seeds
- Italian loaf
To toast the bread, first preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Slice the loaf into pieces, and place on top of a baking sheet. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and place in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until crispy.
Let’s dive into the combinations.
The Caprese Bruschetta
Slices of buffalo mozzarella topped with sliced vine ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, salt, pepper, and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and a balsamic glaze.
The Fig & Pig Bruschetta
Smeared mascarpone cheese topped with 2 slices of prosciutto and sliced dried figs.
The Pumpkin Patch Bruschetta
Ricotta cheese spread atop toasted Italian bread topped with a sprinkle of roasted pumpkin seeds and sweet, sliced dates.
The Remix Bruschetta
This version is a bit of a play on the traditional. Chopped tomato mixed with 1/2 clove of garlic (minced), sprinkled with salt and pepper and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, placed atop prosciutto over a crunchy slice of Italian bread.
[Tweet “A creative way to enjoy an Italian favorite: bruschetta”]
Join the conversation:
What’s your favorite Italian dish?
What is your go-to appetizer when you’re having a dinner party?
She Rocks Fitness says
I love love love bruschetta! So many delicious and beautiful recipes…I will be right over! XOXO
The Blissful Balance says
It’s definitely a favorite of mine. Thanks Katie!! <3
rachel at athletic avocado says
Bruschetta is just another reason why I’m proud of being Italian! Seriously i was alllllll of these combos, especially the pumpkin patch version. I know my family would LOVE these!
Jess @hellotofit says
Count me in for any food item that is versatile like bruschetta. Side note: every time I read “bruschetta” I can hear Giada DeLaurentis saying it with her Italian accent.
The Blissful Balance says
LOL that’s what happens to me when I read ‘spaghetti’
Amanda Elizabeth - Meet at the Barre says
Oh my these look so good! My husband loves Gasparilla and I can take it or leave it, so I totally get it!
The Blissful Balance says
Ha yeah exactly. I feel ya!
Margaret @ youngandrungry says
You’re speaking directly to my heart with this bruschetta! We make it all the franking time at home! My friends who live in Tampa were telling me about that event, but they weren’t going either so maybe it really isn’t all it’s cracked up to be!
I’m so sorry about missing your half. I know how tough that is and I’ve been there with some serious FOMO. There will always be another race though and you’re so smart for being patient and taking care of yourself above all else. Hang in there and I hope you find the perfect pair of shoes! xo
The Blissful Balance says
I was able to transfer my registration to the 8k so that’s good, but you’re right there’s always a race around the corner!! xo
Tara says
I absolutely love Bruschetta. Great recipes. We’ll be trying some of them !
Alexa [fooduzzi.com] says
These PHOTOS, Christina! So very beautiful! The “Pumpkin Patch” version sounds TO DIE FOR!
The Blissful Balance says
Thanks so much Alexa!!
Lacey @ Runs & Roses says
YESSSS!! (Insert raised hands emoji here) Bruchetta is my faveee. The restaurant I work at has a Burrata Bruchetta appetizer with tomatoes, garlic and basil, and it actually pains my soul when I have to bring it out to costumers and know that I can’t any of it.
The Blissful Balance says
YUM that sounds amazing <3
Molly says
I’m in love with your photos! This looks beautiful and delicious!
The Blissful Balance says
Thank you so much Molly!
Rachel says
I LOVE Bruschetta! I’ve never tried to make it at home though, will have to give these a try!
Kellen says
These all look insanely delicious! I love the fig and remix bruschetta. That’s so frustrating about your MRI — I had an MRI done right before my marathon and had similar results and it was the most frustrating thing in the world. Finding the right pair of shoes with the proper insoles has definitely helped me though. On the bright side, there’s always another race around the corner, the most important part is feeling pain free so you can enjoy it
The Blissful Balance says
Seriously – it’s almost like I wanted something to be diagnosed because it would explain my pain! So weird.
Diana says
Caprese Bruschetta? OMG! These all look delicious! Gorgeous photos by the way
The Blissful Balance says
Thanks so much Diana! <3
Lauren says
Ahh that’s so frustrating about your MRI. I ran the Gasparilla 8K race last year too! This year i’m signed up for the 15K and I worry about my knee pain but I’m going to finish even if I have to walk! I’m sure you’ll be in a race in no time
The Blissful Balance says
Yes! Great attitude – just gotta finish! My knees are horrible too. I’ve actually transferred my registration and will be doing the 8k!
Lauren says
heck yes! didn’t know you could transfer that’s awesome.
Carly @ Fitliving blog says
Oh, yes please! Take me to the pumpkin patch! These combos look delicious. I love bruschetta and a yummy, easy appetizer.
The Blissful Balance says
Totally, just throw it all on toast!! Haha thanks Carly!
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me says
I LOVE BRUSCHETTA. Growing up, there was a frozen food bruschetta (I know) that I was obsessed with. When I was a teenager, my mom found this version that I equally became obsessed with, and thankfully it was a bit healthier. One of the main reasons I love bruschetta is for its versatility. You literally can never get bored with it, and each of your ideas looks delicious. Thank you for sharing, Christina!
The Blissful Balance says
That’s exactly why I love them, too!! Thanks for the love Julia!! <3
Kati @ Around the Plate says
Love this! Bruschetta is the best – especially when you can mix it up!
Liz @ The Clean Eating Couple says
Oooh you just made me miss Italy so much! When I was there I ate bruschetta (or really any bread/cheese) for breakfast lunch and dinner (literally!!). These look fabulous!