Bruschetta with Garlic, Goat’s Cheese, and Basil
Overview:
Bruschetta with garlic, goat’s cheese, and basil is a delightful appetizer that bursts with flavors of fresh ingredients. This recipe, crafted for those craving a taste of European cuisine, offers a healthy option that’s low in cholesterol and ready in under 15 minutes. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for those busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends and family.
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 16 slices
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | French baguette |
| tomatoes | |
| garlic | |
| olive oil | |
| fresh basil | |
| goat’s cheese |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 310.7
- Fat Content: 3.4g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.7g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 690.6mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 58.9g
- Fiber Content: 3.4g
- Sugar Content: 0.3g
- Protein Content: 10g
Instructions:
1. Prepare Ingredients:
- Begin by gathering all the necessary ingredients: French baguette, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, fresh basil, and goat’s cheese.
2. Slice the Baguette:
- Using a sharp knife, cut the French baguette into slices widthways, aiming for slices about as wide as two fingers. This will ensure the perfect size for your bruschetta.
3. Grill the Peppers (Optional):
- If you’re opting to use peppers in your bruschetta, cut them into pieces similar in size to the slices of bread. Grill the peppers until their skins are charred.
4. Prepare the Tomato Mixture:
- Chop the tomatoes into small, bite-sized pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes with a generous drizzle of olive oil, shredded basil, minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure all the flavors are evenly distributed.
5. Grill the Bread:
- Brush each slice of the baguette with olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. Place the oiled slices on a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Grill the bread briefly until they turn a beautiful golden color, being careful not to burn them.
6. Assemble the Bruschetta:
- Once the bread is grilled to perfection, remove it from the heat. Top each slice with a generous spoonful of the prepared tomato mixture. If you grilled peppers earlier, now is the time to add them on top of the tomato mixture.
7. Add the Goat’s Cheese:
- Finish off each bruschetta slice by adding small dollops of creamy goat’s cheese on top. This adds a delightful richness and tanginess to the dish.
8. Final Grilling:
- Place the assembled bruschetta back on the grill for a brief moment, just until the goat’s cheese begins to melt and the flavors meld together. Be careful not to overcook; you want the cheese to soften slightly while still retaining its shape.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the bruschetta is grilled to perfection, remove from the heat and arrange on a serving platter. Serve immediately while still warm, allowing your guests to indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean.
Tips:
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider drizzling a balsamic glaze over the assembled bruschetta just before serving.
- Don’t have a grill? No problem! You can achieve similar results by using a toaster or broiler to toast the bread slices and melt the cheese.
- Experiment with different varieties of tomatoes and herbs to customize the flavor profile of your bruschetta.
- If goat’s cheese isn’t to your liking, feel free to substitute with other soft cheeses such as feta or mozzarella.
Conclusion:
Bruschetta with garlic, goat’s cheese, and basil is a simple yet elegant dish that celebrates the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. With its quick preparation time and fresh, wholesome ingredients, it’s the perfect appetizer for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a satisfying snack, this recipe is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready to savor the irresistible taste of homemade bruschetta! 🍅🥖🧀
