Bruschettas That’ll Make You Pass up the Grilled Cheese

One of my very favorite comfort foods is the grilled cheese sandwich. I mean, who doesn’t love them? While I’m a sucker for the classic gooey run-of-the-mill kind (the cheesier the better), I also love to experiment with different textures and flavors. Here are some new twists to our beloved classic grilled cheese sandwich – gone topless – that I know you will find just as comforting and delicious:

Herbed Goat Cheese Breakfast Anytime Bites

Prep: 30 min.
Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients:
8 slices baguette, sliced diagonally
4 large organic eggs
8 ounces fresh goat cheese
1 teaspoon olive oil
¼ cup chopped dill
¼ cup chopped chives
Salt
Freshly ground pepper

In a food processor, process herbs until fine. Add goat cheese and olive oil; blend to incorporate. Season to taste, then set aside. Toast baguette slices until crisp and golden brown. Boil eggs until medium. Let cool; peel, and split in half. Spread baguette with goat cheese mixture; top with egg halves. Sprinkle eggs with salt and freshly ground pepper.

Sweet and Salty Fig-Prosciutto Bruschetta

Prep: 35 min.
Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients:
8 slices baguette, sliced diagonally
8-10 ounces prosciutto
6-8 tablespoons ricotta
3 ripe figs, quartered
¼ cup onions, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon olive oil
¼ cup aged balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
⅛ teaspoon thyme
A pinch of sugar
Freshly ground pepper

Slow cook onions in olive oil for roughly 30 minutes, adding salt and a pinch of sugar about halfway through. Meanwhile in a small saucepan, cook down balsamic, honey, and thyme until evaporated and syrupy. Toast baguette slices until crisp and golden brown. Spread with caramelized onions, then top with ricotta, prosciutto, and figs. Drizzle on balsamic glaze.

Garlicky Tomato Bruschetta

Prep: 20 min.
Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients:
Rustic loaf, cut into 8 rounds
8 ounces soft goat cheese
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small garlic clove, minced
¼ cup basil, minced
¼ olive oil
Sea salt flakes
Freshly ground pepper

Combine tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss to coat then chill for at least 10 minutes. Toast baguette slices until crisp and golden brown. Spread with goat cheese then top with tomato mixture.

Sweet Raspberry Almond Bruschetta

Prep: 10 min.
Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients:
8 slices baguette, sliced diagonally
6-8 tablespoons soft goat cheese
2 tablespoons orange blossom honey
1 clove garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
¼ cup slivered almonds
Sea salt flakes

Brush top face of baguette slices with olive oil and toast until crisp and golden brown. While still warm, rub the tops of the bread with the garlic clove and sprinkle with salt. Spread tops with goat cheese, drizzle with honey, and top with raspberries and almonds.

What are some of your favorite topless sandwiches? Share your recipes with us!