Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 3 medium tomatoes, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup Castelo Branco cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Special equipment needed:
- Oven or toaster oven
- Baking sheet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush with olive oil.
3. Bake for 5-7 minutes, until lightly toasted.
4. In a bowl, mix together diced tomatoes, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
5. Spoon tomato mixture onto each baguette slice.
6. Top with crumbled Castelo Branco cheese.
7. Bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil leaves.
9. Serve immediately.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 12-14 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- This recipe makes 12-14 bruschetta slices.
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 120
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Baguette can be substituted with any crusty bread.
- Castelo Branco cheese can be substituted with feta or goat cheese.
- Fresh basil leaves can be substituted with dried basil.
Variations:
- Add sliced black olives or chopped red onion to the tomato mixture.
- Top with sliced prosciutto or cooked bacon for a meaty twist.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes for a more intense flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to brush the baguette slices with enough olive oil to prevent them from becoming too dry.
- Don't over-bake the bruschetta, as the cheese can become too hard and lose its flavor.
- Serve the bruschetta immediately after baking for the best taste and texture.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover bruschetta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the bruschetta in a toaster oven or regular oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes, until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the bruschetta slices on a large platter and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
Pairings:
- Serve with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled chicken or fish
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese is not melting, try broiling the bruschetta for an additional 1-2 minutes.
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 was traditionally made with grilled bread rubbed with garlic and topped with olive oil and salt.
Flavor profiles:
- This bruschetta has a savory and slightly tangy flavor from the Castelo Branco cheese and diced tomatoes, with a hint of garlic and fresh basil.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or light lunch.
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Region: Portuguese