This post is sponsored by Target, but all text, images, and opinions are all my own! Thank you for supporting the brands that keep Thou Swell running.
School has started and I’ve starting craving a snack each afternoon. I have a tendency to raid the pantry for anything I can find – dried fruit, chips, popcorn — but the most satisfying snacks are put together on a plate with a little intention. When you take a little time to put a complete snack together, your tummy seems to feel full just a little bit longer, don’t you think? The easiest way to accomplish this is by making a variation on bruschetta. The great thing about this snack is that you can customize it to whatever is in your pantry or fridge. Although I love the original olive oil and tomato bruschetta, I created four variations for delicious snack options throughout the day. I used baguette as the base, but crackers could also be substituted for the savory variations. My favorite out of the four may be this first recipe – it’s very similar to a tea sandwich. Try them all out and let me know which you like best!
Spread a traditional hummus on your bread, then fold half a piece of turkey and three thinly sliced cucumbers for a refreshing open-faced sandwich. If you don’t have a cucumber on hand, add arugula, tomato slices, or bell pepper strips for a fresh alternative.
Spread some almond butter on your bread and top with crushed marcona almonds and dark chocolate chunks. You can also substitute the almond butter and nuts with peanuts. It’s best when the nuts are lightly salted, to complement the chocolate.
Spread cream cheese on your bread, then top with strawberries, drizzle with honey, and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves. This would also be delicious with strips of fresh basil leaves, and the cream cheese can be substituted with goat cheese for a more savory mix.
Spread goat cheese on your bread, then top with a slice of pancetta and a diced dried apricot. The savory cheese and salty ham is complemented deliciously with the sweetness of the fruit!
The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating your own bruschetta variations, and it makes snacking so much more fun when you get to be a little creative putting together your own ensemble!
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