Course: Appetizer. Serves: 4 people. Cuisine: Italian.
Prep Time: 20 Minutes. Cooktime: 5 Minutes.
Total Cooktime: 25 Minutes.
Do you adore going to that local Italian restaurant down the road just for their Bruschetta or is that just me? Or maybe you're scratching your head on what appetizer to bring for the New Year's Eve party? Either way, this recipe is for you and can be altered to serve more than 4 if you desire.
Bruschetta is an Italian dish (yes we're doing another Italian dish, they're fun okay!) that can be a great starter to any dinner or meal you decide to make. The great thing about this dish is that you can alter it in whatever way you wish. Some people even add meat to theirs. But for ours, we keep it simple, healthy, and extremely delicious!
If you're recovering from the holiday food comas, this could be a great idea for future celebrations without all the sugar.
Genuine Italian Bruschetta is made with grilled bread as opposed to the Ciabatta slices we will be toasting for this recipe, so our version will be a bit easier to make. The key to great bruschetta is ripe tomatoes so be sure you get the best looking ones in the bunch, combine those with the fresh basil for the perfect flavor combination!
For this recipe you will need the following:
8 Slices ciabatta bread, about 1/2 inch thick
1 clove garlic, cut in half
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 tomatoes, finely chopped
1 small handful of basil leaves, torn
salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions: Serving Size: 4 People:
Toast the ciabatta slices under a hot broiler until golden brown on both sides.
Rub each piece of toast all over with the cut side of the garlic while still warm, then drizzle each with a little olive oil. Put to one side.
Mix together the chopped tomatoes and torn basil in a bowl and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Place 1 or 2 spoonfuls of the tomato mixture on top of each piece of toast and serve!
What a beautiful looking dish with a wonderful flavor combination. Your friends and family will really enjoy this tasty and healthy treat! I am getting hungry just looking at it.
Bruschetta is a great last-minute snack you can bring to the party or just a great pre-dinner appetizer! Whatever your reason for making, it's a great and healthy alternative to those mozzarella sticks you're always craving! Plus, even if you are dying for a pre-meal cheese, you can add in mozzarella slices to this recipe for some added flavor. If you want to get really creative you may even benefit from adding a lite balsamic glaze. The recipe is ours to share, but always yours to alter.
Happy (and healthy) eating!