Our Olive Tapenade Bruschetta is the ultimate fusion of flavors! This mouthwatering appetizer combines the salty allure of olive tapenade with the crisp bite of toasted bread. Perfect for any gathering, it’s a vegetarian masterpiece that’s sure to please every palate. Plus, you can make it ahead of time, making it the ideal party starter!
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What Does Tapenade Mean?
Tapenade is the name for a type of spread that is made primarily out of chopped olives, capers, or anchovies. Originally from the Provence area of France, its flavor is simultaneously savory, salty, and briny.
Is Olive Tapenade Bruschetta Good for You?
As far as dips and appetizers go, olive tapenade is pretty darn healthy! Full of tomatoes, herbs, and olives, it’s full of fiber, nutrients, and healthy fats, this olive tapenade bruschetta is a good option for snacking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this olive tapenade bruschetta, we elevated simple bruschetta with extra toppings! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ciabatta Bread – Any thick, crusty bread would work.
- Olive Oil – Used to add extra flavor and create a crisp texture on the bread.
- Tomatoes – This adds a pop of color and extra flavor to the olive tapenade.
- Garlic – This is our secret to the best bruschetta you’ll ever taste! Make sure you opt for whole garlic cloves, or it won’t work.
- Lemon Juice – We recommend using freshly squeezed lemon juice, but pre-made lemon juice would work as well.
- Chopped Basil – This adds a light, herbaceous flavor.
- Balsamic Vinegar – Used to create a bold, savory, slightly sweet flavor.
- Salt and Pepper – Add as much or as little as you’d like.
- Olive Tapenade – For the easiest appetizer ever, we use pre-made olive tapenade, but you could also make your own with a recipe like this!
Variations
Feel free to mix and match different ingredients and toppings to make this recipe fit your needs. Some of our favorite variations include:
- Substitute fresh oregano for basil.
- Using colored tomatoes.
- Add fresh mint.
- Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and/or balsamic glaze.
How to Make Olive Tapenade Bruschetta
Get ready to elevate your snack game with this super speedy and oh-so-easy olive tapenade bruschetta recipe! Here’s the scoop on how to make the magic happen in your kitchen:
- Prepare the Bread. Slice the bread at an angle into 1-inch thick pieces. Place it on a baking sheet, and drizzle it with olive oil. Then, bake it until it is toasted and crispy.
- Add the Garlic. Peel the garlic, and rub the exposed end on the toasted bread.
- Prepare the Topping. Add the remaining ingredients except for the prepared tapenade to a bowl, and stir to combine.
- Assemble the Bruschetta. Spread the tomato mixture over the bread. Then, add a spoonful of the olive tapenade on top.
How to Serve
If you’re not feeling the ciabatta vibe, that’s no problem! This lip-smacking olive tapenade is like a culinary chameleon—it’s fantastic not only on bread but also as a flavor-packed topping for chicken or fish. Here are just a few of the dishes we like to add it to:
Make Ahead Options
We do not recommend making the complete bruschetta ahead of time because the bread will become soggy. However, you can prepare the topping up to 2 days in advance, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Common Questions about Olive Tapenade Bruschetta
The bread is usually warm and crispy while the topping is at room temperature. However, you can serve it cold as well!
Yes, tapenade freezes surprisingly well for up to 3 months! Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and give it a good stir before spreading it on your freshly toasted bruschetta.
Try adding some chopped sun-dried tomatoes, capers, fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese on top! You can also try adding roasted red peppers or a drizzle of good balsamic vinegar.
Toast the bread up to a day ahead, but don’t assemble until serving time! This keeps the bread crispy and prevents it from getting soggy under the tapenade.
More Easy Appetizers
Looking for more crowd-pleasing appetizers? Check out these mouthwatering options:
- Moroccan Zaalouk Recipe
- White Bean Dip with Roasted Tomatoes
- Fried Burrata with Romesco Sauce
- Roasted Eggplant and Tomatoes with Yogurt Dip
Olive Tapenade Bruschetta
Ingredients
- 1 loaf round ciabatta bread sliced
- 1/4 cup good quality extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 large tomatoes chopped
- 3 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup fresh basil chopped
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 3 Tablespoons prepared olive tapenade
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
- Slice the ciabatta bread at an angle into 1-inch thick pieces. Place it in a large baking sheet. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until toasted and crispy.1 loaf round ciabatta bread, 1/4 cup good quality extra virgin olive oil
- Peel the garlic clove. Rub the garlic clove on the toasted ciabatta bread.1 clove garlic
- In a large bowl, add the chopped tomatoes, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.2 large tomatoes, 3 teaspoons lemon juice, 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1/2 cup fresh basil, Salt to taste, Pepper to taste
- Place the ciabatta on a large platter. Top with the tomatoes. Add a small spoonful of olive tapenade on top.3 Tablespoons prepared olive tapenade
- Serve immediately.
Equipment
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
