Ingredients
This Balsamic Bruschetta is finger-licking good! You’ll need some fresh ingredients. Get 4-5 slices of rustic bread – ciabatta or sourdough. Also get ripe tomatoes, a red onion, fresh basil and quality balsamic vinegar. Don’t forget extra virgin olive oil and salt & pepper for seasoning. Let’s get cooking!
Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar is a must for making a delicious bruschetta appetizer. It has a unique sweet-tart flavor. High quality aged balsamic vinegars can be found online or in select stores. Look for the label “Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena“. This traditional production has been used since 1272!
Extra virgin olive oil is also needed for the dish. Check the labels carefully as some oils contain lower quality vinegars which can change the taste of the bruschetta.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is a must for Mediterranean cuisine, especially Italian dishes. It adds a yummy, earthy flavor and is a source of healthy monounsaturated fats. For balsamic bruschetta, extra virgin olive oil is the best choice. Its fruity, peppery taste is delicious.
Get the most flavor and aroma with cold-pressed, certified organic olive oil. Freshness counts!
Garlic
Garlic is essential for classic Italian Bruschetta! It has amazing flavors and health benefits like reducing inflammation and improving metabolism. To get the most out of it, mince or chop it finely before adding. If you want more powerful flavor, add a bit of fresh garlic. But don’t overdo it – garlic is powerful when heated!
Salt
Salt is a critical aspect of cooking. For this delightful balsamic bruschetta recipe, a pinch of sea salt or kosher salt per crostini is needed. Surprisingly, one pinch is enough! Too much salt can overpower the flavors of the tomatoes and balsamic vinegar, so be careful. Try different types and amounts of salt until you find what works best for your taste.
Enjoy every bite, as this appetizer is both flavorful and sophisticated!
Pepper
Make this balsamic bruschetta recipe zesty with freshly ground pepper! It’s a popular spice used for centuries and full of omega-3 fatty acids. Plus, it helps with digestion and strengthens the immune system.
Get the freshest flavor and most nutrients with your pepper mill – just a few seconds of grinding time!
Basil
Basil is a fragrant herb that adds a special flavor to balsamic bruschetta. For thousands of years, it has been used as an ingredient in many dishes. Fresh basil leaves are even tastier, but dried herbs can also be used if fresh is not available.
When selecting basil, make sure it is fragrant and fresh, with no yellowing or wilting. Use 2 tablespoons, chopped or torn, as a garnish over each bruschetta slice. Dried basil should be added at the very end of cooking, but not cooked too long. Just a pinch or two should be enough! Enjoy your balsamic bruschetta with freshly chopped basil!
Tomatoes
Superb fresh tomatoes are a must for this recipe! Look for perfectly ripe ones for the sweetest taste. Choose tomatoes with smooth, unwrinkled skin in a deep red hue. Roma, beefsteak, or cherry tomatoes can be used, depending on the season.
Cut them into even pieces and remove juice and seeds for the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Preparation
Making Balsamic Bruschetta is a breeze! It won’t take long. First, toast the bread. Then, chop up your veggies. Combine them with the other ingredients. Finally, assemble the bruschetta. Your guests will enjoy this classic appetizer!
Keep reading to learn how to make it:
- Toast the bread.
- Chop up your veggies.
- Combine the veggies with the other ingredients.
- Assemble the bruschetta.
Slice the baguette
Before you start to make the balsamic bruschetta, get all your ingredients ready. Begin by cutting the baguette into ½-inch slices. You can go for even cuts or rustic pieces. Just make sure each slice is thick enough to get a crunch when baking it in the oven.
Put the slices on a baking sheet and set aside:
- Cut the baguette into ½-inch slices.
- Put the slices on a baking sheet.
Mix the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper
Mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir until ingredients are blended. Adjust garlic for desired flavor. Set aside.
This tasty dressing will add flavor to the bruschetta. Or, use a pre-made Italian dressing instead. Many store-bought dressings such as Newman’s Own have similar ingredients that work well.
Brush the mixture over the baguette slices
Brush a thin layer of balsamic mixture on the baguette slices. Make sure to cover as much surface as possible. Store the remaining in a sealed container. It can last in the refrigerator for one week.
Bake the slices in 375°F for 10-15 minutes. They should be golden brown and crispy.
Serve warm with parsley and extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan on top for more flavor.
Give one slice per person for an appetizer. For an entrée, give two to three slices per person.
Toast the baguette slices
Toast the baguette slices! Stick ’em in the oven, or throw ’em on a grill. Grill ’em for about five minutes per side on medium heat. Aim for slight charring on both sides, and make sure they’re lightly crisp, but not too hard! Let ’em cool a bit, then top ’em with the balsamic mixture.
Topping
Topping this Balsamic Bruschetta? That’s up to you! Try the classic combo of tomatoes and basil. Or, spice it up and experiment with different flavors. It all depends on your tastebuds and what your guests like.
Here are some topping ideas:
Slice the tomatoes
Slice the tomatoes into thin rounds. Sprinkle some sea salt on each slice for added flavor. Mix in the diced red onion. Stir in some minced garlic cloves. Fold in some fresh basil leaves. Drizzle some olive oil over the top. Give it a final stir. Serve!
Chop the basil
Start with fresh basil to make balsamic bruschetta. Discard wilted leaves. Rinse the rest in cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels. Chop them finely until you get a nice consistency. Want finer cuts? Use a food processor or blender.
Chopping done? Time for the next step!
Mix the tomatoes and basil
Start with washing, drying, and finely chopping the tomatoes. Put the tomatoes with chopped basil leaves, olive oil, torn mozzarella cheese, and salt in a bowl. Let it be for 5-10 minutes. Stir it occasionally so the flavors mix. Once complete, set aside for later use.
Top the baguette slices with the tomato-basil mixture
Toast your baguette slices. Top each slice with a generous helping of tomato-basil mixture. Spread it out evenly. If desired, add a pinch of crushed red pepper for extra flavor.
Drizzle each slice with one or two teaspoons of balsamic glaze. This sweet, tart flavor perfectly complements the other flavors. Make sure to spread it out evenly over each slice before serving.
Serving
Make your summer nights special with Bruschetta! This Italian classic is perfect for dinner parties. Try the yummy balsamic bruschetta recipe for a simple yet delicious treat. Here’s how to serve it perfectly as an appetizer. Enjoy!
Place the bruschetta on a platter
Cook the bruschetta. Put the slices on a platter or sheet. Let them overlap slightly. Each slice will be visible and easy to take. For extra color and smell, arrange basil leaves around the platter. Serve the bruschetta warm alone or with Parmesan. Enjoy!
Serve with a side of balsamic reduction
Make your own balsamic reduction for a tasty bruschetta accompaniment!
- Pour 1 cup of balsamic vinegar into a saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until it has reduced by half (around 15 minutes).
- Allow it to cool before serving.
This sweet and savory condiment will enhance any bruschetta recipe – and can also be used as a dressing or glaze in other dishes. Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Ready to enjoy homemade balsamic bruschetta? Start by slicing French bread into thin slices. Place them on a baking sheet with aluminum foil and cooking spray. Bake in preheated oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until crisp. Cool slightly and transfer to platter. Include extra marinade on baking sheet for flavor.
To serve, top each slice with tomatoes, oregano, basil and feta cheese. Drizzle each portion with leftover marinade before serving. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What ingredients do I need for Balsamic Bruschetta?
A1: You will need fresh sliced baguette, extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, diced tomatoes, and balsamic vinegar.
Q2: How long does it take to make Balsamic Bruschetta?
A2: Balsamic Bruschetta can be made in 15 minutes or less.
Q3: Is Balsamic Bruschetta a healthy snack option?
A3: Yes, Balsamic Bruschetta is a healthy snack option as it contains healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins.
