Description
This Festive Bruschetta recipe features a vibrant tomato topping mixed with fresh basil and garlic, balanced with balsamic vinegar and olive oil, served on toasted baguette slices topped with parmesan cheese. It’s a perfect appetizer for gatherings, combining fresh flavors with a crispy, cheesy crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Tomato Bruschetta
- 6 Roma tomatoes (1 1/2 lbs), diced
- 1/3 cup basil leaves, chopped
- 5 garlic cloves, divided
- 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Balsamic glaze (optional)
For the Toasts
- 1 baguette
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Tomato Mixture: In a bowl, combine diced Roma tomatoes, chopped basil leaves, and 4 of the garlic cloves finely minced. Add balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to blend the flavors. Set aside to let the mixture marinate for about 15 minutes.
- Prepare Baguette Slices: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the baguette into 1/2 inch thick pieces. Brush each slice lightly with extra virgin olive oil on both sides.
- Toast the Bread: Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until they are golden and crispy, flipping them halfway through baking for even toasting.
- Apply Parmesan Cheese: Remove toasted baguette slices from the oven. Immediately sprinkle shredded parmesan cheese over one side of each slice so the residual heat slightly melts the cheese.
- Assemble Bruschetta: Spoon the marinated tomato mixture generously onto each toasted baguette slice topped with parmesan. Optionally, garnish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added sweetness and presentation.
- Serve: Arrange the bruschetta on a serving platter and serve immediately for best texture combination of crispy toast and juicy topping.
Notes
- Use ripe Roma tomatoes for the best flavor and juice content.
- For extra garlic flavor, you can rub toasted bread slices with the remaining raw garlic clove before adding the tomato mixture.
- Balsamic glaze is optional but adds a lovely sweet tang and visual appeal.
- Serve bruschetta immediately after assembly to maintain toast crispiness.
- This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for larger gatherings.
Keywords: bruschetta, tomato bruschetta, appetizer, Italian appetizer, toasted baguette, festive appetizers, vegetarian appetizer