If you’re familiar with the world of Italian cuisine, a detail that should have jumped out at you quickly is the fact that there are so many variations of recipes. The second thing you’ll notice is that certain small details can completely change what a dish is! Even if it’s something as small as using a different type of pasta, sauce or other ingredient, you might be working with an entirely different recipe! So, how do these statements apply to crostini and bruschetta? While they have their similarities, they are far from the same; read on to learn more!
What Bread Is Used
While the type of bread used might sound like a small factor at first, it actually makes a world of difference. Let’s say you’re making a sandwich and are trying to determine what bread to use. We’re willing to bet sourdough bread is a lot different than white bread! For crostini and bruschetta, they share a similar sentiment. The bread used for crostini is noticeably thinner and finer textured than bruschetta bread. Bruschetta bread is usually more rustic, and sometimes sourdough bread is substituted instead.
What Goes On Top
While bruschetta and crostini might share similar toppings, they aren’t quite the same in how they’re prepared. Toppings for crostini will largely depend on which season it is, as many restaurants opt to change them with each passing one! For example, mushrooms and black pepper are a popular staple in the fall. In spring and summer, you’re bound to find fruitier toppings. Bruschetta doesn’t operate as boldly with their toppings, but you can still find a myriad of meats, cheeses and dipping sauces that are popular to use. At the end of the day, what goes on each appetizer is up to you.
Cooking
Believe it or not, the differences between crostini and bruschetta come all the way down to how they are cooked! Crostini is usually toasted because the bread is much smaller and thinner than bruschetta. Therefore, not much is required to get the bread to a crispy level. For bruschetta, the main method of choice is grilling. After all, bruschetta is derived from the Italian word meaning “to roast over coals”! The cooking time isn’t extensive, but it’s enough to separate bruschetta from other appetizers.
Crostini and Bruschetta at Trattoria Il Panino
If you think that crostini and bruschetta are great appetizers, just wait until you hear about the rest of our menu! Trattoria Il Panino is home to a wide variety of Italian cuisines and an atmosphere that feels no different from the heart of Italy itself. To get a complete and authentic Italian dining experience without leaving Boston, click here to make a reservation with us!