Lidia's Italy

6 slices Italian bread, 1/2-inch-thick slices
extra-virgin olive oil
1 large garlic clove, peeled

Prepare a charcoal fire or heat a grill pan over medium heat for 5 minutes. Grill as many of the bread slices as will fit in a single layer, turning them only once, until they are golden brown and crispy, even slightly charred around the edges, 3 to 5 minutes total, depending on the intensity of the heat. Remove the bruschette from the grill and brush them lightly with olive oil. Rub the garlic clove lightly over one side of the bread to flavor it.

Alternatively, the bruschette can be prepared in the oven. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Arrange the bread slices in a single layer and bake until golden brown and crispy around the edges, 6 to 8 minutes. Brush with olive oil and rub with the garlic clove as described above.

Serve the bruschette as soon as possible after toasting, with the topping of your choice.