Savory Garlic Bruschetta: A Flavorful European Appetizer
Description
This delightful bruschetta, a product of careful experimentation, has quickly become one of my all-time favorite appetizers. Bursting with garlicky goodness and rich flavors, it serves as a sophisticated choice for entertaining guests. Perfect for gatherings, this recipe features marinated tomatoes that meld beautifully with fresh mozzarella and basil. The cooking time includes the crucial marinating period, allowing the ingredients to fully develop their flavors.
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Component | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 242.6 |
| Total Fat | 14.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 23.9 mg |
| Sodium | 530.3 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 17.5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.2 g |
| Sugars | 1 g |
| Protein | 9.6 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 6 | Plum tomatoes |
| 1 | Fresh mozzarella cheese |
| 3-4 | Garlic cloves |
| 4-5 | Fresh basil leaves |
| 1 | Salt |
| 1 | Baguette |
| 1/2 – 3/4 | Olive oil |
Cooking Time
| Duration | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 25 minutes |
| Marinating | 2 hours |
| Cooking | 7 minutes |
| Total | 2 hours 25 minutes |
Instructions
- Begin by dicing the plum tomatoes into small pieces and transferring them to a small bowl.
- Add the salt, along with 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil, and the fresh basil leaves to the bowl. Toss the mixture gently to ensure the tomatoes are well-coated, then allow it to sit at room temperature for 2 hours to let the flavors meld beautifully.
- While the tomatoes are marinating, blend together the garlic cloves and the remaining olive oil until smooth.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the baguette into even pieces, then brush both sides of each slice with the garlic-infused olive oil mixture.
- Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet and bake for approximately 7 minutes, turning them halfway through the baking process to achieve a golden crispiness.
- Once the bread is lightly toasted, remove it from the oven and place a slice of fresh mozzarella cheese on top of each piece.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for a few additional minutes, just until the mozzarella cheese melts without bubbling.
- Finally, take the bread slices out of the oven and spoon about 1 teaspoon of the marinated tomato mixture onto each slice. Serve warm or at room temperature for an exquisite appetizer experience.
Keywords
For Large Groups, Oven, < 4 Hours
This bruschetta not only embodies the essence of Italian cuisine but also showcases the beauty of simple, high-quality ingredients coming together in perfect harmony, making it a delightful choice for any gathering or intimate dinner.
