Whether you’re simply wondering how to grill bread, are on the lookout for a flavorful appetizer for your next get-together or want to find something new to do with your leftover bread, this delicious recipe is sure to satisfy.
I will show you how to elevate the bread with a tasty bruschetta but that is completely optional. If you just want to grill some bread slices for a sandwich or another reason, this step-by-step guide will show you exactly that.
If you do want to try the bruschetta topping, the combination of crispy bread and the chunky tomato-basil mixture makes for a tasty appetizer or snack that you and your guests won’t be able to keep your hands off of.
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. There’s no long prep time or ingredients list.
I also have tutorials for how to grill bell peppers and how to grill jumbo shrimp that you might like.
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🥖Ingredients
Besides your favorite loaf of bread (I used a baguette), you will need the following if you want to make a bruschetta as well:
- Roma tomatoes - or small vine-ripened tomatoes
- fresh basil leaves - pick basil leaves without dark spots
- olive oil - use extra virgin for best results
*Check recipe card for ingredient amounts.
📖Tweaks
Toppings. Of course, the tomato and basil topping used here is just one of many delicious options of what you can put on your freshly grilled bread. Pair it with a kimchi cream cheese spread, fresh basil hummus or some garden-fresh pesto instead for some variety in flavor.
Types of bread. Try grilling ciabatta, focaccia, rye or any of your favorite artisan breads. You might just have to adjust the cooking time according to the thickness of the bread.
♨️Instructions
Step 1. Preheat the grill.
For Gas Grill: Heat grill to medium. Turn off half of the burners to create an indirect and direct heat zone to control the cooking.
For Charcoal: Heat the coals of the grill. Place them on one side of the barbecue, to have a zone of direct heat and another of indirect for control of cooking.
Step 2. Make the bruschetta (optional). Chop the tomatoes and basil leaves. Combine with olive oil, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Reserve.
Step 3. Slice the bread. Cut the loaf of bread into thick slices. Brush the bread slices with olive oil on both sides.
Pro Tip: Thicker bread slices will be more forgiving on the grill than thin slices, which can burn and dry out more easily.
Step 4. Brush with oil. Brush the bread slices with olive oil on both sides.
Step 5. Grill the bread. Place the bread slices on the direct heat side of the grill and grill until crunchy and golden on both sides (about 2 to 4 minutes per side).
Chef's Note: If the grill is getting too hot, you can move them to the indirect heat side of the BBQ to avoid burning the bread.
Step 6. Serve. Remove the bread slices from the grill. Serve the bread with the bruschetta topping and enjoy!
🌡️Storage Tips
- Room temperature storage: Store any leftover bread at room temperature in an airtight container once cooled. It should be eaten within 1 to 2 days.
- Freezer storage: You can also freeze the leftover bread for longer storage. Wrap the cooled slices with plastic wrap and transfer to a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. They can be thawed at room temperature or pop them directly in the toaster.
- Just make sure to let them cool completely before putting them away, otherwise, the bread will steam in the bag and get soggy.
❓Grilled Bread FAQs
Grilling bread will make it golden and crispy with grill marks on each side. It's perfect for adding toppings and spreads to without getting soggy.
I like to add butter or olive oil to the bread before grilling for best results.
🔆More Easy Summer Recipe Tutorials
If you tried this recipe tutorial for 🍞 How to Grill Bread or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. And please share the recipe!
📋Recipe
How to Grill Bread
Ingredients
- 1 baguette - or your favorite bread
- 4 Roma tomatoes - or small vine-ripened tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- basil Leaves
- salt and pepper - to taste
Instructions
For the Bruschetta (Optional)
- Chop the tomatoes and basil leaves. Combine with olive oil, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Reserve.
For the Grilled Bread
- For Gas Grill: Heat grill to medium. Turn off half of the burners to create an indirect and direct heat zone to control the cooking.For Charcoal: Heat the coals of the grill. Place them on one side of the barbecue, to have a zone of direct heat and another of indirect for control of cooking.
- Cut the loaf of bread into thick slices. Brush the bread slices with olive oil on both sides.
- Place the bread slices on the direct heat side of the grill and grill until crunchy and golden on both sides (about 2 to 4 minutes per side). If the grill is getting too hot, you can move them to the indirect heat side of the BBQ to avoid burning the bread.
- Remove the bread slices from the grill.
- Serve the bread with the bruschetta topping or your favorite spread and enjoy! You can also make sandwiches with the grilled bread if desired.
Equipment
Notes
- Bread types. This tutorial will work with most types of bread. Depending on the thickness, it may take more or less time to grill. Thicker bread slices will be more forgiving on the grill than thin slices, which can burn and dry out more easily.
- Room temperature storage: Store any leftover bread at room temperature in an airtight container once cooled. It should be eaten within 1 to 2 days.
- Freezer storage: You can also freeze the leftover bread for longer storage. Wrap the cooled slices with plastic wrap and transfer to a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. They can be thawed at room temperature or pop them directly in the toaster.
Nutrition
Nutrition information on In the Kitch is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may not include toppings and/or sauces.
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