Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch thick pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup queso pera cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the queso pera cheese, cherry tomatoes, basil, and garlic. Mix well.
3. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Brush each slice with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Bake the baguette slices in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly toasted.
5. Remove the baguette slices from the oven and spoon the queso pera and tomato mixture onto each slice.
6. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 12-14 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
Makes 12-14 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 120
Total fat: 6g
Saturated fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 290mg
Total carbohydrates: 13g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Baguette can be substituted with any crusty bread.
- Queso pera cheese can be substituted with feta or goat cheese.
- Cherry tomatoes can be substituted with diced Roma tomatoes.
Variations:
- Add diced red onion to the queso pera and tomato mixture.
- Top with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Add sliced black olives to the queso pera and tomato mixture.
Tips and tricks:
- To make ahead, prepare the queso pera and tomato mixture and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- For a more pronounced garlic flavor, rub the baguette slices with a garlic clove before brushing with olive oil.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftover bruschetta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the bruschetta on a baking sheet and bake in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the bruschetta on a platter and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Garnishes:
Fresh basil leaves
Pairings:
Pair with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side salad or grilled vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the cheese is not melting, 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 discard after 2 days.
Food history:
Bruschetta originated in Italy as a way to use up stale bread. It is traditionally topped with tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil.
Flavor profiles:
The queso pera cheese adds a creamy and slightly sweet flavor to the bruschetta, while the tomatoes and basil add a fresh and herbaceous flavor.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as an appetizer or as a light lunch or dinner.
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Region: Italian