Mediterranean Grilled Bruschetta
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this delightful bruschetta recipe. Rustic slices of country-style sourdough bread are perfectly grilled to achieve a golden-brown crust while maintaining a soft, chewy center. Finished with a generous drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt and aromatic Mediterranean oregano, this dish is a simple yet irresistible appetizer that transports you straight to sunny shores. Perfect for gatherings or a quiet evening, this bruschetta will leave you craving more.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Country bread (sourdough)
4 slices (1 inch thick)
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (for drizzling)
Sea salt or kosher salt
to taste (for sprinkling)
Dried Mediterranean oregano
to taste (for sprinkling)
Garlic clove
1 (optional) (cut in half for rubbing)
Instructions
1
Begin by heating your grill or BBQ to medium-high heat. Alternatively, you can preheat your oven to broil.
2
Slice the country bread into 1-inch thick pieces. If desired, rub the cut side of a garlic clove on one side of each slice to infuse a subtle garlic flavor.
3
Place the bread slices on the grill or under the broiler. Grill each slice for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and chewy inside. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
4
Once grilled, remove the bread from the heat. Drizzle each slice generously with extra virgin olive oil.
5
Sprinkle with sea salt and dried Mediterranean oregano to taste.
6
Serve immediately and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Grilled Bruschetta?
Mediterranean Grilled Bruschetta is a simple yet vibrant appetizer featuring grilled country-style sourdough bread drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and seasoned with sea salt and oregano.
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
A rustic country-style sourdough bread is ideal because it provides a chewy center and a crispy crust when grilled.
How thick should the bread slices be?
The bread should be sliced into 1-inch thick pieces to ensure it remains soft inside while getting crispy on the outside.
Can I make this bruschetta without a grill?
Yes, you can use an oven broiler as an alternative to achieve a similar toasted effect.
How do I add a subtle garlic flavor to the bread?
You can rub the cut side of a garlic clove on one side of each slice after cutting but before grilling.
What kind of oil should I use for drizzling?
High-quality extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the most authentic Mediterranean flavor.
What is the recommended grill temperature?
The grill or BBQ should be heated to medium-high heat.
How long does it take to grill the bread?
Grill each slice for about 1-2 minutes per side until they are golden brown and crispy.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, as long as the sourdough bread used does not contain animal products, this recipe is entirely vegan.
What seasonings are used in this recipe?
The bread is seasoned with sea salt (or kosher salt) and dried Mediterranean oregano.
Can I use fresh oregano instead of dried?
While dried oregano is traditional for this specific flavor profile, fresh oregano can be used, though its flavor will be more pungent.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
Should I drizzle the oil before or after grilling?
The oil should be drizzled generously after the bread has been removed from the grill.
Can I use a grill pan on the stove?
Yes, a stovetop grill pan works perfectly for achieving those characteristic grill marks.
Is sea salt better than regular table salt for this?
Sea salt or kosher salt is preferred because the larger flakes provide a better texture and burst of flavor.
What makes this bruschetta 'rustic'?
The use of thick-cut country bread and simple, high-quality ingredients gives it a traditional, unrefined Mediterranean appeal.
Can I add tomatoes to this bruschetta?
Yes, while this is a simple herb-and-oil version, adding chopped tomatoes with basil is a popular variation.
How do I prevent the bread from burning?
Keep a close eye on the slices while they are on the grill, as they can go from golden to burnt very quickly.
Can I prepare this in advance?
It is best served immediately while the bread is warm and crispy; if prepared too early, the bread may lose its crunch.
What is the calorie count for this dish?
The specific nutritional information such as calories is not provided, but it is a relatively light appetizer.
Is the garlic required for this recipe?
The garlic clove is optional and is used only to infuse a subtle flavor rather than being a main ingredient.
What category of food does this fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Breads and is typically served as an appetizer.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
Since it uses plant-based ingredients like olive oil and bread, it is naturally cholesterol-free.
Can I use other types of bread?
While sourdough is recommended, you can use ciabatta or a French baguette as substitutes.
What is the texture of the finished bruschetta?
It should have a golden-brown, crispy outer crust with a soft and chewy interior.
How much olive oil is needed?
The recipe calls for approximately 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil for drizzling over 4 slices.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe with only 5 ingredients and simple instructions.
Should the bread be toasted on both sides?
Yes, the instructions suggest grilling each slice for 1-2 minutes on each side.
Can I add balsamic vinegar?
While not in the original recipe, a drizzle of balsamic glaze can add a sweet and tangy dimension.
What should I serve this with?
It pairs perfectly with grilled meats, salads, or as part of a larger Mediterranean mezze platter.