Appetizer > Bruschettas

Azeitão Cheese and Tomato Bruschetta Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup Azeitão cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped

Special equipment needed:
- Oven or toaster oven
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, minced garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
3. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush each slice with olive oil.
4. Bake the baguette slices in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes or until they are lightly toasted.
5. Remove the baguette slices from the oven and top each slice with the tomato mixture.
6. Sprinkle the crumbled Azeitão cheese on top of the tomato mixture.
7. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the chopped basil leaves on top of the bruschetta.
9. Serve warm.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 12-14 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
This recipe makes 12-14 bruschetta slices.

Nutritional information:
Calories: 130
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 7mg
Sodium: 250mg
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 4g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Baguette: You can use any type of bread that you prefer.
- Azeitão cheese: You can substitute with any soft, creamy cheese like brie or camembert.
- Basil leaves: You can substitute with any fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.

Variations:
- Add sliced black olives or chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the tomato mixture.
- Top the bruschetta with sliced prosciutto or cooked bacon.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze on top of the bruschetta for added sweetness.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to brush the baguette slices with olive oil to prevent them from becoming too dry in the oven.
- You can make the tomato mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, you can add more minced garlic to the tomato mixture.

Storage instructions:
Store any leftover bruschetta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat the bruschetta, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Arrange the bruschetta slices on a platter and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Garnishes:
Fresh basil leaves

Pairings:
This bruschetta pairs well with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baguette slices become too crispy in the oven, reduce the baking time.
- If the cheese does not melt, place the bruschetta under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to store any leftover bruschetta in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days.

Food history:
Bruschetta originated in Italy and is traditionally made with grilled bread rubbed with garlic and topped with tomatoes, olive oil, and salt.

Flavor profiles:
This Azeitão Cheese and Tomato Bruschetta has a combination of tangy, sweet, and creamy flavors.

Serving suggestions:
Serve this bruschetta as an appetizer or as a light lunch or dinner.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: Portuguese

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Creamy, Cheesy, Herbal, Garlicky