Roasted Garlic Bruschetta Recipe
Overview:
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of our Roasted Garlic Bruschetta! ๐ This delightful European-inspired dish is perfect for any occasion, whether youโre hosting a dinner party or simply craving a savory snack. With just 45 minutes of cooking time and minimal prep, youโll have a mouthwatering appetizer ready to impress your guests. Letโs dive into the recipe!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 12
Ingredients:
- 6 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup grated Romano cheese, divided
- 16 cherry tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
- 1 loaf French bread, sliced 1/2 inch thick on the bias
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
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Roast Garlic: Place the cloves of garlic on a piece of aluminum foil and drizzle them with olive oil. Wrap the garlic in the foil and roast it in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until soft and fragrant.
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Prepare Garlic Paste: Once the garlic is roasted, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Then, remove the peels from the cloves and transfer them to a bowl. Mash the garlic cloves into a smooth paste using a fork or a mortar and pestle.
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Combine with Cream Cheese: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the roasted garlic paste with the softened cream cheese, mixing until well incorporated. Place the mixture in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the bread.
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Toast Bread: Slice the French bread into 1/2-inch thick slices on the bias. Place the slices on a baking sheet and lightly toast them in the oven for a few minutes until they are golden brown and crisp.
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Spread Cream Cheese Mixture: Remove the cream cheese and garlic mixture from the refrigerator. Spread a generous layer of the mixture onto each slice of toasted bread.
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Add Romano Cheese: Sprinkle half of the grated Romano cheese over the cream cheese mixture on the bread slices.
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Warm Bruschetta: Return the prepared bruschetta to the oven for a few minutes until the cheese is warm and slightly melted.
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Top with Tomatoes: Once warmed, remove the bruschetta from the oven and top each slice with a generous amount of chopped cherry tomatoes.
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Finish with Romano and Basil: Sprinkle the remaining grated Romano cheese over the tomatoes, and garnish each bruschetta slice with a sprinkle of fresh basil.
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Serve: Arrange the Roasted Garlic Bruschetta on a platter and serve immediately. Enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 408.5
- Total Fat: 16.5g
- Saturated Fat: 8.9g
- Cholesterol: 49mg
- Sodium: 645.5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 51g
- Dietary Fiber: 2.3g
- Sugars: 3.9g
- Protein: 14.8g
Recipe Notes:
- For an extra kick of flavor, you can add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture.
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding additional toppings such as sliced olives, roasted red peppers, or grilled vegetables.
- Serve this bruschetta as an appetizer at your next gathering or enjoy it as a tasty snack any time of day. Itโs sure to be a crowd-pleaser! ๐