Final answer:
Canapés are small, elaborately topped French appetizers on various bases, while bruschette are Italian appetizers with toppings on grilled bread. Canapés offer more variety in base ingredients, while bruschette focus on the rustic toasted bread experience.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between canapés and bruschette (singular: bruschetta) lies in their origin, base, and toppings. Canapés are small, decorative pieces of bread or pastry with various toppings, originating from France. They are typically served as an appetizer and are known for their elaborate presentation. On the other hand, bruschette are an Italian antipasto consisting of grilled bread rubbed with garlic and topped with olive oil, salt, and other toppings such as tomatoes, vegetables, beans, cured meat, or cheese. The bread used for bruschette is usually a larger, rustic loaf that is toasted or char-grilled, offering a heartier texture. Canapés may use a wider variety of bases including blini or puff pastry, whereas bruschette rely on the distinct character of toasted bread.