I absolutely love the idea of Brunch Bruschetta as they are easy to assemble and some components (namely the tomato-cucumber mixture and the marinated strawberries) can be made in advance. I find that brunch is often one of the easiest times of the day to entertain and these bruschetta fit the bill perfectly as everyone can choose whichever type of bruschetta they like best. The Greek-Inspired Bruschetta has a vinegar kick and the vegetables are diced into perfect little cubes, making a very pretty topping for toasted bread. There is a sweet yet complex note from the strawberry mixture which comes from them having been marinated in both balsamic vinegar and honey. And, of course, I had to include my take on the ever-popular avocado toast- this one is loaded with lemon flavor and topped with salty crumbled feta. 

Greek-Inspired Bruschetta

Serves 6

Ingredients:

• 6 slices Italian bread
• Olive Oil, for brushing
• 1 vine-ripe tomato, seeded and diced small
• ½ cucumber, diced small
• 2 teaspoons minced red onion
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon basil, minced + 6 whole basil leaves
• ¼ teaspoon Greek Oregano
• Salt and Pepper
• 4 tablespoons ricotta or cream cheese, softened

Directions:

1. Brush both sides of bread with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and bake in a 350-degree oven until toasted and lightly browned. 
2. In a small bowl, combine tomato, cucumber, red onion, white wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon minced basil, Greek Oregano, and salt and pepper, to taste.
3. Spread ricotta or cream cheese on bread slices. Top with tomato-cucumber mixture and garnish with a basil leaf.

Balsamic and Honey Marinated Strawberry Bruschetta

Serves 6

Ingredients:

• 6 slices Italian bread
• Olive oil, for brushing
• ½ lb. strawberries, sliced
• 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, minced + 6 whole mint leaves
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 4 tablespoons ricotta or cream cheese, softened

Directions:

1. Brush both sides of bread with olive oil and bake in a 350-degree oven until toasted and lightly browned. 
2. Meanwhile, combine strawberries, balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon mint, and honey. Spread ricotta or cream cheese on bread slices and top with strawberry mixture. Garnish with whole mint leaf. 

Avocado Toast with Lemon and Feta

Serves 6

Ingredients:

• 2 avocados
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for brushing
• Salt and a pinch of red pepper flakes
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta

Directions:

1. Brush both sides of bread with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and bake in a 350-degree oven until toasted and lightly browned. Meanwhile, mash the two avocados and mix with half the lemon zest and all of the lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and salt and red pepper flakes, to taste.
2. Top each slice of bread with avocado spread and sprinkle with remaining lemon zest and feta.