Roasted Tomato Basil Bruschetta

$- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped - 1 clove garlic, finely minced - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - 1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces - Optional: 1/4 cup creamy ricotta cheese Gathering the right ingredients is key to a great bruschetta. For the fresh ingredients, I love using ripe cherry tomatoes. They are sweet and juicy, making them perfect for roasting. Fresh basil adds a bright flavor that pairs beautifully with the tomatoes. Garlic gives a nice kick to the dish. Now, let’s talk about the essential ingredients. Extra virgin olive oil is a must for its rich taste. Balsamic vinegar adds a touch of sweetness and tang. Sea salt enhances all the flavors, while black pepper adds depth. A French baguette is perfect for the base, as its crispiness complements the toppings. If you want a creamy touch, creamy ricotta cheese is a great option. - Additional basil leaves for garnish - Pairing with drinks like red wine or sparkling water When serving, I recommend garnishing with more fresh basil leaves. This adds a nice pop of color and flavor. For drinks, a good red wine or even sparkling water pairs well with the bruschetta. Enjoying this dish with friends or family creates a memorable experience. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheating the Oven Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for roasting. - Mixing Ingredients In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Add 1 clove of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar, and sea salt with black pepper to taste. Toss everything gently. Ensure the tomatoes are well coated. - Spreading on Baking Sheet Place the seasoned tomatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps them roast evenly. - Roasting Duration and Tips Roast for 15-20 minutes. Check for tenderness and slight caramelization. This brings out their sweet flavor. - Preparing the Baguette Slices Slice a French baguette into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Lay them flat on another baking sheet. - Toasting Time Drizzle each slice with extra virgin olive oil. Toast in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. - Spreading the Ricotta (Optional) If you like, spread a small dollop of creamy ricotta cheese on each toasted baguette slice. This adds richness. - Topping with Tomato-Basil Mixture Spoon the roasted tomato-basil mixture on top of the ricotta. Let the flavors shine through. - Final Garnish Garnish each bruschetta with extra basil leaves and a light sprinkle of sea salt. Serve right away for the best taste. When picking tomatoes, look for ripe cherry tomatoes. They should feel firm and plump. The color should be bright and deep, without any green spots. Sweet, juicy tomatoes make the best bruschetta. Season matters too. Fresh tomatoes shine in summer. In winter, you might find good-quality canned tomatoes as a backup. Garlic adds a nice kick. To roast it well, chop it finely so the flavor spreads easily. Add it to your tomato mix right before roasting. This way, it gets soft and sweet. Balsamic vinegar balances the dish's acidity. Just a teaspoon brightens the taste. It’s best to use high-quality balsamic for maximum flavor. Baguette is classic, but don’t feel limited. Ciabatta or focaccia work great too. Choose bread with a good crust for extra crunch. If you prefer gluten-free, look for gluten-free baguettes or crusty rolls. They can still hold the toppings well and taste delicious. Pro Tips Choose Ripe Tomatoes: For the best flavor, select cherry tomatoes that are fully ripe. The natural sweetness enhances the overall taste of the bruschetta. Toasting the Bread: Keep an eye on the baguette slices while toasting; they can go from golden to burnt quickly. A light toast will provide the perfect crunch. Fresh Basil Matters: Use fresh basil instead of dried for a vibrant flavor. Add it after roasting the tomatoes to maintain its aromatic quality. Serving Tip: Serve the bruschetta immediately after assembling to ensure the bread remains crispy and the tomatoes stay juicy. {{image_4}} You can change up your bruschetta with different toppings. Seasonal vegetables add color and flavor. Try zucchini, bell peppers, or roasted corn. They bring freshness and crunch. You can also use other cheeses. Feta or goat cheese works well. They add creaminess and a tangy taste. Want a bolder taste? Add spices or herbs. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives heat. You can also mix in oregano or thyme for depth. If you like meat, try prosciutto or salami. They add a savory touch that pairs nicely with tomatoes. Make a bruschetta platter for sharing. Place different toppings on toasted bread for variety. You can also serve dips and spreads. Hummus or olive tapenade pairs nicely. They offer different flavors and textures to enjoy with your bruschetta. To keep your roasted tomato basil bruschetta fresh, first, let it cool down. Place it in an airtight container. This method helps keep the flavors intact. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the tomatoes may lose their texture and taste. If you want the best flavor, eat it within the first day. When you reheat the bruschetta, use the oven for the best results. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the toasted bread on a baking sheet and warm it for about five minutes. This method keeps it crispy. For the tomato mixture, avoid reheating in the microwave. Instead, gently warm it on the stove over low heat. This keeps the freshness of the tomatoes and basil. Making bruschetta ahead can save time. You can roast the tomatoes and prepare the mixture a day before. Store it in the fridge until you're ready to serve. Just remember to toast the bread fresh before serving. Also, you can freeze the tomato mixture for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge, then use it as needed. Enjoy this simple and tasty dish any time! The best tomatoes for bruschetta are ripe cherry tomatoes. They are sweet and juicy. They cook well, bringing out rich flavors. If cherry tomatoes are not available, you can use grape tomatoes. Just make sure they are bright and firm for the best taste. Yes, you can make bruschetta without garlic. If you prefer a milder taste, skip the garlic. The roasted tomatoes and basil will still shine through. You can add a splash more balsamic to enhance flavor without garlic. To store leftover bruschetta, keep the tomato mixture separate from the bread. Place the tomato mix in an airtight container in the fridge. The toast will get soggy if you store them together. You can store the tomato mix for up to three days. Traditional bruschetta is not gluten-free. The French baguette contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free bread. There are many great options available in stores today. You can prepare parts of bruschetta ahead of time. Roast the tomatoes and mix them with basil earlier. Store them in the fridge until ready to serve. Toast the bread just before serving for the best crunch. This blog post covered making delicious bruschetta from fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes and basil. We explored each step, from roasting tomatoes to toasting baguette slices. Tips on flavor boosts and storage helped ensure your bruschetta is always tasty. Don't hesitate to try different toppings or serving styles. Each variation can bring a new twist to this classic dish. Enjoy your cooking, and remember to share your unique creations with friends!$

Roasted Tomato Basil Bruschetta

A delicious appetizer featuring roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh basil served on toasted baguette slices.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
to taste sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1 clove garlic, finely minced
0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
1 French baguette sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
0.25 cup creamy ricotta cheese (optional for extra richness)
for garnish additional basil leaves

Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting.
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and a generous pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Gently toss the mixture to ensure all the tomatoes are evenly coated with the flavorful marinade.
Spread the seasoned cherry tomatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the tomatoes are tender, juicy, and slightly caramelized.
While the tomatoes are roasting, arrange the slices of baguette on a separate baking sheet. Drizzle each slice lightly with extra virgin olive oil. Place the baguette in the oven and toast for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and delightfully crisp.
Once the tomatoes are roasted, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Stir in the roughly chopped fresh basil, allowing the flavors to combine.
To assemble your bruschetta, take a toasted baguette slice and, if desired, spread a small dollop of creamy ricotta cheese on top. Then, spoon the roasted tomato-basil mixture generously over the ricotta.
Finish by garnishing each bruschetta with a few extra basil leaves and a light sprinkle of sea salt, if you wish. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Optional creamy ricotta cheese adds extra richness.

Keyword appetizer, basil, bruschetta, roasted, tomato