| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 297 | 18g | 3g | 26g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4g | 2g | 6g | 0.8g |
There’s a certain special warmth that comes from recreating recipes that tell a family story – the same is true for my Cocktail Onion and Olive Bruschetta. As someone who holds his Italian-American heritage close to heart, I remember the passion and love my grandparents poured into each dish. For me, this bruschetta is not just an appetizer, it’s a tribute to the simple yet soulful cuisine that I was raised on.
A Wholesome Twist to a Classic
Bruschetta, traditionally a humble Italian dish that pairs toasted bread with fresh, seasonal toppings, is presented here with a delicious twist. We’re stepping slightly off the beaten track with cocktail onions and green olives – ingredients that add a whole new depth of flavor. From zesty lemon to fiery red pepper flakes, and of course, the freshness of tomatoes and parsley, this version sings a symphony of flavor harmonics in each bite.
Not only is this bruschetta delightfully tasty, it packs a wealth of health benefits. Abundant in fiber-rich vegetables, monounsaturated fats from the extra virgin olive oil, and heart-healthy garlic, it’s a recipe that will surely please your palate and your body.
Pairings and Pro-tips
Unlock the full potential of Cocktail Onion and Olive Bruschetta by serving it alongside soups, pastas, or a beautiful Antipasto Misto – the quintessential Italian mixed cold cut platter. When it comes to wine, a refreshing Pinot Grigio or a robust Chianti complements this appetizer incredibly well. And for the non-wine drinkers, an Aperol Spritz never fails to create an Italianate experience.
A quick tip – to ensure that the rustic flavors in this recipe truly shine, always opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients. Wherever possible, handpick your vegetables from a local farmers market for peak freshness and taste.
To sum it up, the Cocktail Onion and Olive Bruschetta is a fusion of my love for Italian-American cuisine and the desire to keep meals nourishing. Enjoy this recipe as I have over the years – with love and gusto.
What You’ll Need
- 1 French baguette
- 1/2 cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 cloves of Garlic, finely minced
- 1 cup of Cocktail Onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup of Green Olives, pitted and chopped
- 2 medium Tomatoes, diced
- 1 tablespoon of Fresh Parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of Lemon Juice
- 1/2 teaspoon of Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Slice the French baguette diagonally into 1/2-inch pieces. Arrange them in a single layer on two large baking sheets.
Step Two
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the finely minced garlic and sauté until it is fragrant. This should take about a minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step Three
Brush the slices of bread generously with the garlic-infused olive oil. Bake them in the preheated oven until they are lightly toasted, about 7-10 minutes.
Step Four
In the meantime, prepare the topping. In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced cocktail onions, the chopped green olives, the diced tomatoes, the chopped fresh parsley, the lemon juice, and the crushed red pepper flakes. Toss everything well to combine.
Step Five
Remove the toasted bread from the oven. Top each slice with a generous amount of the onion-olive mixture. Keep in mind that the topping should be evenly distributed among all slices of bread.
Step Six
Season the bruschettas with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve them immediately while the bread is still warm. Enjoy your refreshing and tangy Cocktail Onion and Olive Bruschetta!
