DIY Food Bars: Party Game Changer
An engaging and fresh Italian appetizer station that allows guests to customize their perfect bite. Featuring toasted bread, ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a variety of delicious toppings, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 large baguette or ciabatta sliced diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces
- 0.5 cup extra virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
- 2 cloves garlic minced or finely grated
- 4 medium roma tomatoes diced small
- 0.5 cup fresh basil chopped
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 0.125 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 0.5 cup fresh mozzarella pearls optional
- 0.25 cup pesto optional
- 0.25 cup olives sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- While bread toasts, prepare the classic tomato topping: In a medium bowl, combine diced tomatoes, chopped fresh basil, 2 tablespoons olive oil, balsamic vinegar (or glaze), salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- For the garlic rub: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil with minced garlic. Once toasted bread is slightly cooled, rub each slice with the garlic oil mixture.
- Arrange the toasted bread, classic tomato mixture, mozzarella pearls, pesto, and sliced olives (if using) in separate serving bowls or platters on a large table or counter. Provide small spoons for toppings.
- Allow guests to build their own bruschetta by selecting bread, spooning on the tomato mixture, and adding any desired extra toppings. Drizzle with extra balsamic glaze or olive oil if desired.
Notes
For a gluten-free option, use GF bread. Offer different cheeses like goat cheese or shaved parmesan. For added protein, include grilled chicken strips or smoked salmon. Prepare toppings ahead of time and store separately, assembling the bar just before guests arrive.