Tomato Rounds: An Easy and Impressive Appetizer
Description
Welcome to a delightful appetizer that promises to impress with minimal effort—Tomato Rounds! Originally adapted from a recipe seen in SL, this dish captures the essence of simplicity while showcasing the beautiful contrast of flavors and textures. With ripe roma tomatoes, creamy cheese, and a hint of garlic, this recipe is designed to highlight the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and the rich, savory spread of cream cheese. The vibrant red tomatoes paired with the white cream cheese not only offer a feast for the eyes but also a delicious combination of flavors that dance on your taste buds. The blend of contrasting textures and flavors makes this appetizer a fun and appealing choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
- French baguette – 1 loaf
- Olive oil – 5 tablespoons
- Cream cheese – 1 package (8 oz), softened
- Roma tomatoes – 6-7, sliced
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced (or garlic salt, to taste)
- Basil – 1 tablespoon, finely chopped
- Sage – 1 teaspoon, finely chopped
- Parmesan cheese – 2 tablespoons, grated
- Fresh basil leaves – for garnish
Instructions
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Prepare the Broiler: Begin by preheating your broiler with the rack positioned 6 to 8 inches from the heat source. Set aside the cream cheese to soften at room temperature while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
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Slice the Tomatoes: Take your ripe roma tomatoes and slice them to your desired thickness. Aim for a thickness that matches the baguette rounds for a harmonious presentation.
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Prepare the Baguette: Slice the French baguette into ¼-inch thick rounds. Place these slices on an ungreased baking sheet, preferably a good-quality one like Airware, which helps achieve even toasting.
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Season the Toasts: Pour the olive oil into a small dish. Stir in minced garlic or garlic salt if you prefer. Using a pastry brush (or a paper towel wrapped around your fingers if a brush isn’t available), lightly coat each baguette round with the olive oil mixture.
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Toast the Baguette Rounds: Place the baking sheet under the broiler. Keep a close watch, as these can burn quickly. Toast for about 2 minutes, or until the rounds are golden brown. Adjust the time as needed based on your broiler’s intensity and your preference for toastiness.
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Prepare the Cream Cheese Spread: In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the garlic-herb blend or your preferred garlic spread mix. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese to add a touch of richness. The goal is to have a well-seasoned, creamy spread that complements the tomatoes.
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Assemble the Appetizers: Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each toasted baguette round. Top with a slice of roma tomato. For an added touch of elegance, tuck a fresh basil leaf on top of each tomato slice. Alternatively, a small sprig of parsley can be used if basil is not available.
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Serve and Enjoy: Arrange your tomato rounds on a serving platter and enjoy the delightful contrast of flavors and textures. These appetizers are perfect for any gathering, offering a blend of simplicity and sophistication.
With a preparation time of just 25 minutes and a quick cook time of 3 minutes, these Tomato Rounds are the ideal choice for an easy yet impressive appetizer. Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a casual meal, this recipe promises to deliver both visual appeal and delightful flavors. Enjoy every bite! 🌟🍅🧀