Description
A delightful starter featuring toasted baguette slices topped with a colorful tomato and cheese mixture, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 ripe Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 garlic clove, for rubbing
- Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish
- 1/2 cup soft white cheese (ricotta, cream cheese, or mozzarella pearls)
- Optional: Grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet. Toast for 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown.
- Rub each warm slice of baguette with the cut side of a garlic clove.
- In a mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, chopped basil, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes.
- Gently fold in the chosen soft white cheese.
- Arrange the toasted baguette slices in a circular pattern on a serving platter.
- Spoon the tomato and cheese mixture atop each baguette slice.
- Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and sprinkle on grated Parmesan if desired.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
Bruschetta is best served fresh. Prepare the tomato mixture in advance and toast the bread right before serving for maximum crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: bruschetta, appetizer, holiday, festive, tomatoes, cheese