Mediterranean Bruschetta (Caramelized Onions on Sourdough)

This Mediterranean Bruschetta is healthy, quick and easy to make - and tastes delicious! This dish features toasted sourdough with a layer of hummus, topped with caramelized onions, roasted bell peppers and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Mediterranean Bruschetta with Onions, Peppers and Hummus

I am excited to share this Mediterranean Bruschetta with you! 

This is not your traditional bruschetta (which I still love)! … It is a unique twist on the classic dish – a Mediterranean onion and pepper bruschetta (with an optional balsamic glaze)!

This Mediterranean-inspired bruschetta uses toasted sourdough as the base. After learning about potential benefits of fermented food from the TV show Live to 100, I have increasingly been incorporating sourdough into my recipes! (For more about this, check out our sourdough French toast recipe).

This recipe is part of my collection for a number of reasons! 

Firstly, it tastes delicious!

The incredible range of flavors and textures that come from toasted sourdough, hummus, caramelized onions and roasted peppers are enough to transport you to the shores of the Mediterranean! 

Plus, it is so quick and easy to make – with just a few simple ingredients! 

This is a great option for weeknight dinners (to add some delicious flavors and fresh ingredients)! 

I also love that this dish is both healthy and convenient! 

Whether you are planning parties or last-minute get-togethers, this Mediterranean Bruschetta is one for the list! There have been many times where I’ve wanted to serve something simple, light and healthy for get-togethers – and this has been my golden ticket!

Top with a drizzle of balsamic glaze to take it up a notch! This elegant and simple appetizer truly ticks all the boxes – and your party guests will thank you! 

Jump to:

• Mediterranean Bruschetta with Onions, Peppers and Hummus
• What is Sourdough Bread?
• What does Sourdough Bread taste like?
• Potential health benefits of sourdough bread
• Notes on Ingredients
• Equipment
• How to prepare toppings
• How to Make Mediterranean Bruschetta 
• Top Tips
• How to Serve
• Appetizers
• Drinks
• Mediterranean Bruschetta (Caramelized Onions on Sourdough)

What is Sourdough Bread?

Sourdough bread is a type of bread made by fermenting dough naturally over a period of days before baking into a sourdough loaf. 

The fermentation process of sourdough is slower than other types of bread and contributes to the unique flavor, texture and taste of sourdough bread. 

What does Sourdough Bread taste like?

• Sourdough bread has a unique taste, characterised by a subtly tangy flavor, mild sweetness and a chewy texture. 
• It also has a chewy texture and distinctive crust, which can be satisfying and hearty.  
• Sourdough bread is a popular choice for its unique taste, texture and potential health benefits.

Potential health benefits of sourdough bread

Sourdough bread can offer many potential health benefits, mostly due to the fermentation process. These include:

• Digestibility – the fermentation process breaks down gluten and phytic acid, which can make sourdough bread more digestible for many individuals. Sourdough bread can also be made using gluten-free ingredients. 
• Nutrient absorption – fermentation also increases bioavailability (accessibility) of nutrients which helps to improve absorption of nutrients in the body including minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals. 
• Healthier gut – beneficial bacteria are introduced in the fermentation process which can help support a healthy gut. 
• Blood sugar control – sourdough bread has a lower glycemic index compared with other types of bread, which can potentially help to control blood sugar levels. 
• Healthy aging – some research has shown that fermented foods including sourdough have many beneficial properties, including being a source of antioxidants. In addition, sourdough was associated with potential anti-hypertensive and anti-diabetic properties. 

Notes on Ingredients

• Sourdough bread: you can use store-bought or homemade sourdough bread slices. Use fresh sourdough for the best results. Sizes of sourdough can vary; this recipe is for 8 medium-sized slices.
• Olive oil: I prefer to use extra virgin olive oil (for the extra antioxidant properties) to toast the bread and roast/caramelize the onions and peppers.
• Onions: you can use brown/yellow onions or red onions. These can be caramelized in the air fryer or roasted in a pan (as desired).
• Bell peppers: you can use a mixture of red and green bell peppers (or just red bell peppers). Roasting the peppers brings out their natural flavor.
• Hummus: you can use homemade or store-bought hummus. I recommend using organic hummus for the best results.
• Optional – balsamic glaze: this brings a rich, sweet and tangy flavor to enhance the taste of this dish. This also brings a nice contrast in textures.  

Note: onions and peppers are sliced in this recipe (you can also dice peppers based on preference).

Equipment

You can use either a pan, air fryer to make this dish!

Air fryer: if you are using an air fryer, I recommend using a wide air fryer with a tray including Ninja air fryer. This air fryer has variable fan speed and comes with a crisper basket and an air fry setting which is temperature controlled. (If you are in the UK I recommend this Ninja air fryer).

How to prepare toppings

Onions and peppers – onions can either be caramelized (separately) in the air fryer or roasted with peppers in a pan depending on your preference.

Option 1 - roasting onions and peppers together

If you want a quicker option – I recommend roasting/caramelizing onions with peppers in a pan. To roast onions and peppers together (or peppers alone):

1. Add sliced peppers (with/without onions) into a bowl, drizzle with olive oil and toss to combine. 
2. Roast in pan on medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, or until roasted completely. Keep tossing peppers to evenly roast them.

Option 2 - caramelizing onions in air fryer

If you want a deeper caramelized onion flavor – I recommend using the air fryer to caramelize onions separately. You can roast bell peppers separately in a pan (or use store-bought roasted peppers). To caramelize onions:

1. Add sliced onions into a bowl, drizzle with olive oil and toss to combine (making sure all strands are coated with oil). Transfer into preheated air fryer (ensuring onions are spread out).
2. Air fry (160°C/320°F) for 10-12 minutes, stirring every few minutes to help evenly caramelize onions (and prevent burning). 

How to Make Mediterranean Bruschetta 

Prepare the toppings (as above). Roast/caramelize the onions and peppers in a pan and/or air fryer.

Assemble the bruschetta

1. Toast sourdough bread in preheated pan or air fryer. Brush both sides of the bread slices with olive oil. Toast slices in a pan on low-medium heat for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until crispy and golden. Alternatively, in an air fryer for a 4-5 minutes (200°C/392°F), flipping halfway.
2. Assemble the bruschetta. Spread a layer of hummus onto each toasted sourdough slice. Top with a layer of caramelized/roasted onions and roasted peppers. Optional - drizzle with balsamic glaze or olive oil (or garnish with fresh basil leaves) and enjoy!

Top Tips

• Preheat pan/air fryer: this helps to toast the sourdough bread evenly and give it a crispy texture.
• Brush sourdough with olive oil: Ensure entire surface of bread is brushed with olive oil to help become golden and crispy.
• Variations
  • For a classic and fusion style bruschetta: add tomatoes, basil and fresh herbs
  • Greek bruschetta: Top with olives and crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-style bruschetta. 
• Serve straight away: for the best taste and texture!  

How to Serve

This Mediterranean bruschetta can be served as a snack or appetizer with other dishes including ratatouille, simple tomato spaghetti, stir fry with zucchini noodles, eggplant pizza or naan pizza! 

You can also serve this with other sides including sourdough garlic bread and homemade coleslaw! 

For a brilliant bruschetta buffet, check out our purple sweet potato bruschetta!

Appetizers

Looking for more appetizers and fun finger foods? Check out these tasty recipes:

Drinks

Serve these with Mediterranean Bruschetta slices with a glass of fresh juice or smoothie!