Balsamic Bruschetta Recipe
Balsamic bruschetta is a culinary classic that manages to be both simple and sophisticated. With its combination of toasted bread and fresh toppings, this dish is ideal for sharing and perfect for any occasion. Whether it's a casual BBQ or an elaborate dinner party, bruschetta will add a burst of flavor to your feast.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- knife
- cutting board
Ingredients
- Here’s what you’ll need for this version of balsamic bruschetta:
- - 1 baguette sliced into ½-inch pieces
- - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil divided
- - 8 roma tomatoes finely chopped
- - ½ cup fresh basil chopped
- - 1 ounce freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- - 3 cloves garlic minced
- - 1 tablespoon premium balsamic vinegar
- - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- - A pinch of red pepper flakes
- - ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- Feel free to swap out the ingredients or add a few of your favorites! Each flavor will enhance the overall experience.
Instructions
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
- First things first, gather all the ingredients. You want everything at hand so you can move seamlessly through the steps. The prep work is crucial to delivering that fabulous bruschetta!
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
- Turn your oven up to 400°F (or 200°C). Getting the oven nice and hot allows the bread to toast perfectly, becoming delightfully crispy.
Step 3: Prepare the Bread
- Brush each slice of baguette lightly with one tablespoon of olive oil, making sure to cover both sides. Arrange the slices on a large baking sheet. Now, it’s time to toast! Place them in the oven and let them bake for about 5-10 minutes. Keep a close eye and turn them halfway through to ensure an even golden color. You want them crispy but not burnt—there’s a fine line!
Step 4: Mix the Toppings
- While the bread is toasting, grab a mixing bowl. Toss together the diced tomatoes, chopped basil, grated Parmesan, and minced garlic. The colors alone will make your heart sing!
Step 5: Incorporate the Seasonings
- Add in the balsamic vinegar, remaining two tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick. Give everything a gentle stir to combine, allowing those flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 6: Assemble the Bruschetta
- Now for the satisfying part! Once the bread is out of the oven, spoon the tomato mixture generously on top of each slice. You’ll want to be generous here; no one likes a skimpy topping on their bruschetta.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
- This dish is best served right away while the bread is still warm and crispy. Watch as your guests savor every bite, hopefully leaving some for you!
Notes
- Grab Fresh Ingredients: Using the freshest tomatoes and basil makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Experiment with Bread: You can also use ciabatta or sourdough for different textures and tastes!
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the topping in advance, but I recommend assembling it just before serving to keep the bread crispy.
- Add Additional Toppings: Feta cheese adds a tangy twist, or try a drizzle of pesto for an herby flavor.
- Serving Size: Depending on your guests' appetite, consider doubling the recipe to ensure everyone gets their fill!
Nutrition
Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 8gFat: 4g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!