| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 20g | 6g | 25g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 3g | 15g | 0.8g |
With its bright, fresh colors on a toasted piece of crusty baguette, one of my all-time favorite appetizer recipes is this delightful Bruschetta with Tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella. It’s humble and sophisticated all at once, embodying the spirit of a rustic French tartine with the heart of an Italian antipasto. Centered around juicy, ripe tomatoes, aromatic basil, and creamy mozzarella, this bruschetta recipe strikes a beautiful balance of flavors.
A Homage to My Roots
This recipe holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of the Creole tomato salads my family would make during the long, hot Louisiana summers. I like to think of this bruschetta as a tribute to those meals, peppered with memories of home, but with a hint of the elegance we associate with French cuisine. It’s simple but sumptuous, mixing classic Italian and French ingredients with a little down-home Southern twist.
Health Benefits Galore
Not only is this Bruschetta with Tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella a gastronomical delight, it’s also packed with several health benefits. Tomatoes are a fantastic source of antioxidants, including lycopene, making them great for heart health and skin protection. Basil leaves add a refreshing aroma, but they also bring anti-inflammatory properties to the table. The olive oil, meanwhile, is brimming with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, and garlic is known for its immunity-boosting benefits.
As far as cheese goes, mozzarella is one of the healthier options. It is high in protein, calcium, and vitamin B12, while being lower in sodium and calories compared to many other cheeses. All these ingredients together create a flavorful medley that is not just a treat for your taste buds, but also beneficial for your overall wellbeing.
Possibilities and Pairings
This bruschetta could be a star in itself or complement a variety of dishes well. Serve it as an appetizer with a light pasta salad for an Italian themed dinner. Alternatively, you could pair it with a robust pulled pork sandwich for a hearty lunch. The flavors are versatile enough to complement different cuisines.
The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its robust flavors and health benefits, but also in its flexibility. Just like a French tartine, this Bruschetta with Tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella is customizable, leaving room for add-ons like avocado, grilled chicken, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes for a bit of kick. So, don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it and experiment to your heart’s content!
What You’ll Need
- 6 medium ripe tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 artisan baguette
- 1 clove garlic, cut in half for bread
Method
Step One
Chop the tomatoes, being sure to discard the seeds. Mince the garlic. Shred the mozzarella cheese if it’s not already shredded.
Step Two
Chop the fresh basil leaves. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped basil leaves, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are well combined.
Step Three
Slice the baguette into 1-inch thick slices. Brush each side of the bread slices with a bit of olive oil and toast them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) until they are golden brown.
Step Four
Once toasted, take each slice of bread and gently rub one side with the cut-side of the raw garlic clove. This will impart a mild garlic flavor to the bread.
Step Five
Top each slice of toasted bread with a generous helping of the tomato, basil, and mozzarella mixture.
Step Six
Optionally, for a melted cheese effect, you can put the topped toast back in the oven for a couple minutes just until the cheese begins to melt.
Step Seven
Allow the Bruschetta with Tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella to cool for a bit before serving. Enjoy this delicious treat warm or room temperature.
