Cheesy Bruschetta with Capsicum and Tomatoes Recipe
Embark on a delightful culinary adventure with this Cheesy Bruschetta with Capsicum and Tomatoes recipe, a beautiful and flavorful Italian appetizer that combines the freshness of vibrant vegetables with the richness of melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for entertaining or as a simple snack, this dish is both satisfying and visually appealing, making it a must-try for any home cook.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tomato (chopped) | 1 cup |
| French Loaf (for bruschetta) | 1/2 loaf |
| Onion (chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum, chopped) | 1 |
| Basil leaves (finely chopped) | 2 tablespoons |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper powder | To taste |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil or butter | As needed |
| Mozzarella cheese (grated) | 1/2 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Total Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Cholesterol | 30 mg |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 3 g |
| Protein | 10 g |
Preparation Time
| Time Component | Duration |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 40 minutes |
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
Servings
This recipe yields 3 servings, making it an ideal dish for a small gathering or family meal.
Cuisine
This delightful appetizer falls under Italian cuisine and is perfect for any vegetarian diet.
Instructions
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Prepare the Vegetable Mixture: Begin your culinary journey by taking a medium-sized mixing bowl and adding the chopped tomatoes, chopped onions, diced green bell pepper (capsicum), finely chopped basil leaves, dried oregano, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring that the vegetables are well-coated with the seasonings. Once mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit for about an hour at room temperature. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of your bruschetta.
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Prepare the Bread: While the vegetable mixture is resting, take your French loaf and cut it into half-inch slices. This thickness is ideal for achieving the perfect balance of crunch and tenderness when toasted.
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Toast the Bread: Next, take a baking sheet and arrange the slices of bread on it. Generously spread Del Monte’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil or butter on one side of each slice. This will not only enhance the flavor but also ensure a deliciously crispy texture. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the baking sheet in the oven. Toast the bread for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until it is lightly golden and crisp. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
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Assemble the Bruschetta: Once the bread is toasted to perfection, remove it from the oven and take the bowl of marinated vegetables. Using a spoon, place a generous amount of the tomato, capsicum, and onion mixture on each slice of toasted bread. The goal is to ensure that each piece is topped with an ample portion of the vibrant vegetable medley.
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Add Cheese and Melt: After adding the vegetable topping, sprinkle a generous amount of grated mozzarella cheese over each bruschetta. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. The sight of melted cheese is always a delightful indication of deliciousness!
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Garnish and Serve: Once the cheese has melted to your satisfaction, carefully remove the bruschetta from the oven. Garnish with extra chopped basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the Cheesy Bruschetta with Capsicum and Tomatoes immediately, allowing your guests to savor the warm, cheesy goodness.
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Pairing Suggestions: For an elevated dining experience, serve this bruschetta alongside a refreshing dish of Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta with Spinach. The complementary flavors will enhance your meal and leave your guests raving about the delightful combination.
This Cheesy Bruschetta with Capsicum and Tomatoes is not just a simple appetizer; it’s an explosion of flavors and textures that brings the warmth of Italian cooking right to your table. Enjoy the delightful crunch of the toasted bread combined with the juicy freshness of the toppings, all crowned with the richness of melted mozzarella cheese. A true testament to the joy of cooking and sharing great food!
