Bruschetta Near You

What is Bruschetta?

Essentially, bruschetta consists of grilled bread rubbed with garlic and dressed with olive oil. Simple, yet super delicious, this original bruschetta recipe is native to Italy.

Even though the dish's beginnings are simple, nowadays it has transformed into a much richer delicacy. Often served with things like tomato, basil, cheese, and meat, this dish is known as a super forgiving appetizer that can be customized to everyone's liking.

Served both in restaurants and at home, bruschetta is the perfect starter, breakfast item and even dinner party favorite.

Where Did Bruschetta Originate?

As we mentioned before, the original bruschetta originated in Italy.

The first ever solid mention of the dish dates back to the 15th century, however, it is believed that people as far back as the Roman empire prepared and served it. Of course, back then the recipe was much simpler.

As many other Italian dishes we know and love today, bruschetta is also the product of something called "cucina povera". The direct translation of this term is "poor kitchen", or items that used to be prepared by poor people only, using scraps and food that would otherwise be considered stale.

In the case of the bruschetta, it was old bread that needed to be used up, so naturally, people came up with a plan. They cut it into thin slices, dressed it with olive oil (something they all had in the pantry), and baked it until crispy. This breathed new life into the otherwise stale bread and created a dish worth eating.

Back then, virtually any bread could be bruschetta bread. Today this also is true, however, it is believed that the most traditional option is the ciabatta.

Fun Facts

• In Tuscany, bruschetta is served with olive oil only. In the month of November, the dish is used to test the taste of the first batch of olive oil of the season.
• The word may seem a bit difficult to pronounce to some, but in reality, bruschetta pronunciation is quite easy. Simply say "brew-sket-tah" and you've pronounced the word correctly!

What Can Go on a Bruschetta?

As we said, bruschetta is originally eaten with a bit of olive oil and/or garlic. However, as time went by and ingredients weren't scarce anymore, people started experimenting. This dish is a pretty forgiving one in its essence, so it's easy to pair up with other things.

For example, in America, a lot of people like to put tomato sauce on their bruschetta. Bruschetta with mozzarella is also quite popular. For a meaty version, bruschetta with prosciutto is another fan favorite. Other variations include goat cheese, sea salt, red onion, and more.

It's important to mention that all of these different recipes include olive oil as their base, keeping up with tradition.

In some restaurants you can also find bruschetta pizza. A novel spin on the classic tomato pie, this pizza is usually served in the summer and it's great for sharing with friends. Lighter, crispier, and some say tastier, too, this pizza alternative is a great appetizer.

Is Bruschetta a Healthy Snack?

We've gone on and on about all the various bruschetta toppings you can use, but we haven't spoken at all about its caloric value.

In essence, bruschetta really isn't a calorie-packed dish. It is high in carbs because it's bread, but it has virtually no fats of any kind. The olive oil will of course add a bit of fat to the equation, but they're all pretty healthy fats you actually need, so it's all good.

Two pieces of a classic bruschetta will give you just above 100 calories with 16g of carbs, 5g of fat, and 5g of protein. These stats make it clear that this Italian starter is a perfect snack for everyone, even those on a diet.

Where Can I Find Bruschetta Near Me?

If after reading all this you're feeling hungry, let us recommend some great spots for you to try out!

If you're in Vegas, try Bootlegger Italian Bistro. Another great option is Napoli Pizzeria.

In Boston, Rocco's Cucina & Bar is a great spot, as well as Bencotto.

In NYC we recommend Mattone Tribeca and Rocky's Pizzeria.

If you didn't find your city on this list, head to the Slice website and you'll discover a great variety of restaurants near you. You can search by dish as well as location and we're sure we'll come up with an amazing spot for your next lunch or dinner.