Crostini Vs Bruschetta (What’s The Difference?)

What is the difference between crostini vs bruschetta?

It’s straightforward to answer this question, but it might take 300 words to explain.

You may think they are the same, but you would be wrong.

Then I could only tell apart these slices of bread by how thin or thick they were. But little did I know they differ in their flavor and texture as well as their cook time and preparation methods.

Crostini is made out of a crusty exterior with a soft interior, while bruschetta has a smooth crust, less crunchy in texture than crostini but equally delicious.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Let’s get down and discover everything about these two Italian classics.

What Is Crostini?

Crostini (Italian for “little toasts”) are crunchy bread slices that have been broiled, grilled, or toasted until crisp.

Unlike bruschetta, which is usually rubbed with garlic before being toasted, crostini are brushed or drizzled with olive oil and salted but not generally rubbed with garlic.

They are thinner, crisper, smaller, and may have fewer or no toppings.

These are often served as appetizers and may be eaten with soup or other dishes to add flavor.

See Also: Whole Bean Vs Ground Coffee

What Is Bruschetta?

The name “bruschetta” comes from Italian, meaning “a little burnt thing.”

It is a rustic, charred piece of bread rubbed with garlic and brushed with olive oil with some salt and pepper sprinkled atop.

They typically have savory toppings.

It’s generally eaten as an appetizer or a side dish with meals.

Although most people associate bruschetta with its classic topping of tomato and basil, you can be pretty creative with your toppings.

Crostini Vs Bruschetta

So, to sum up: the difference between the two Italian antipasti is:

The Type and Styles of Bread

While crostini is made from baguette-style bread, bruschetta is usually served on a large sourdough loaf.

The Treatment of the Bread

To make crostini, you slice a loaf of bread thinly before either toasting or grilling the slices.

Meanwhile, you make bruschetta by slicing the sourdough-style bread thickly and toasting it before rubbing it with garlic.

In the end, you can say: you say potato, I say potato; you say crostini, I say bruschetta —because there isn’t much difference between these treats.

The subtleties of difference between the two dishes are lost on those who were not raised with these foods.

But, for people brought up eating one or the other—or both— their unique flavors and textures have a special appeal that is difficult to describe.

See Also: Pasta Vs Noodles

What Do You Serve With Bruschetta?

If there is one thing I love about Bruschetta, it is easily customizable.

You can serve it with almost anything, really: ham, cheese, marinated artichokes, even roast beef, or:

• Antipasto Platter
• Pesto
• Wine and Cheese
• Soup
• Grilled Vegetable Salad
• Pasta Salad
• Pasta Arrabiata

If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding fresh herbs like rosemary to jazz up the flavors even more!

It’s a simple dish that will have you returning for more—and it’s easy to make at home! 

Is Bruschetta The Bread Or The Topping?

It’s a question that has plagued humankind since the dawn of time: is Bruschetta the bread, or is it the topping?

And we have the answer.

Bruschetta is not just a topping. It is both the bread AND the topping. It’s like eating an ice cream sundae with chocolate sauce, and you’re like, “oh wait, it’s also ice cream.”

Bruschetta is both the bread AND THE TOPPING!

It is pronounced “brew-sketta” and not “brew-shetta.”

What Is Similar To Bruschetta?

Choosing the proper bread to use when making bruschetta is crucial.

And there are many options, even though a crunchy slice of baguette appears to be the best pick.

But should baguettes be hard to find, these options can be a suitable replacement.

• Pagnotta: It’s not a dense loaf but a sponge-like texture with a great flavor profile.
• Ciabatta: It’s a light and spongy bread with a neutral flavor. 
• Sourdough: The slices are pretty large but chewy with a crisp texture.
• Focaccia: Best for toast and flavored with olive oil and garlic, just like bruschetta.
• Baguette: It has a neutral flavor but a soft, airy loave with a chewy texture.
• White Bread: Extremely budget-friendly but can hold the fort for bruschetta.
• Brioche: Soft and fluffy texture with no crispness.
• Filone: Very similar to a ciabatta in shape and flavor.
• Ciriola: Similar to ciabatta but smaller and makes a fantastic base for Bruschetta. 

Does Bruschetta Always Have Tomatoes?

I’ve all known the story of Bruschetta to be one of the most famous in Italian cuisine, but did you know that it’s not always tomato-based?

It’s important to note that different types of bruschetta have other ingredients and preparation methods.

And if you’re allergic to tomatoes for some reason, you can customize your bruschetta to be tomatoes free.

Why Is My Bruschetta Bitter?

You’re probably looking at your bruschetta and wondering why it tastes bitter.

That’s because extra virgin olive oil makes bruschetta bitter. The fats in your olives give your bruschetta its flavor, but they also turn the bread into something that’s not so great to eat.

The bitterness is caused by an enzyme called oleuropein, which causes bittering in olive oil when it comes in contact with oxygen.

And the higher the temperature of the olive oil, the more oleuropein is present—and the more bitter it will be.

Choose your olive oil wisely, and be mindful of the quantity or the aromatic herbs you use.

See Also: Escarole Vs Endive

Conclusion

Crostini uses a variation on this classic approach—a thicker slice of baguette, cut into bite-sized pieces, brushed with garlic oil, and placed under a broiler for a few minutes.

The result is similar to roasted bruschetta, complete with melted cheese, but the texture is what makes it unique.

In the end, there is no correct answer. It depends on your circumstances and what you’re looking for from each dish.

They are both light meals that can be put together in a matter of minutes, and the fresh ingredients make them perfect for warming up on these cooler autumn nights.