A popular and Traditional Italian Food favorite is the country grilled bread known as bruschetta. A crusty grilled bread bruschetta in its basic incarnation is rubbed with garlic and topped with extra-virgin olive oil, salt and pepper. Bruschetta was created in the 15thy century in central Italy by olive growers who would bring country bread with them to the presses in November and December and use the bread to test the oil coming from the presses. The peasant bread appetizer has become a widely popular addition to traditional Italian food meals and other cuisine.

Traditional bruschetta is country bread with extra virgin olive oil and garlic but contemporary creations have seen the inclusion of basil, mozzarella, tomatoes, spicy red peppers, vegetables, beans and even cured meat. Because of the popularity of the various toppings many people often refer to the topping alone as ‘bruschetta’ and some super markets have begun to sell a relish topping called bruschetta. However, the true bruschetta is Tuscan bread lightly grilled and rubbed gently with a garlic clove and dipped in extra virgin olive oil.

Many variations of bruschetta exist today with many restaurants serving their own versions whether the cuisine is traditional Italian fair or not. While the main ingredients of bruschetta are Traditional Italian Foods the end result is a delicious appetizer that goes well with many different dishes. A light version of bruschetta that can be found in many cafes and eateries is grilled Tuscan bread rubbed with garlic and also topped with chopped tomatoes, basil and thin slices of mozzarella melted on top. Great as an appetizer or a bread to accompany a main course bruschetta is a hearty and tasty addition to any table setting.