Bruschetta

Appetizers
view all recipes
Category
Appetizers
great with
Pinot Grigio
Time
25 minutes
co-chef
Tony's Original

Ingredients:

Serves 6–8

  • 2 pounds plum or cherry tomatoes (6-8 medium plum tomatoes)
  • 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
  • 1/3 cup finely diced yellow onion
  • ½ cup chopped or ribbon cut fresh basil
  • ½ teaspoon of oregano
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 baguette of French or Italian bread
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt, to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon of high quality (thick) balsamic vinegar

1) Preheat the oven to 450F.

2) Dice and drain the tomatoes of excess water and seeds. Add to mixing bowl.

3) Add minced or pressed garlic and diced onion to mixing bowl.

4) Ribbon cut ½ cup of basil and add to mixing bowl.

Use the cigar method: roll basil leaves into cigar-like roll and cut into thin ribbons.

5) Add of oregano and parmesan cheese to mixing bowl. Mix, set aside, and let marinate.

6) Cut baguette horizontally (or a slight diagonal for larger serving sizes) into 3/8"-1/2" thick slices. Place on a large baking sheet. Lightly brush both sides of each slice with olive oil to yield a golden brown color, crunchy texture and light taste.

7) Toast until golden brown about 7-9 minutes.

Avoid over-toasting: aim for a nice golden-brown color.

10)  Drain excess water from the mixing bowl.

11)  Add remaining olive oil (~3 tablespoons), salt and pepper to the mixing bowl.

12)  Top toasted baguette slices with the tomato mixture.

Serve with a red like Pinot Noir and Chianti, or a whites such as a Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay.