Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 loaf of French bread, sliced
- 4 cloves of garlic, roasted
- 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special Equipment Needed:
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Slice the French bread into 1/2 inch thick slices and place them on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle the bread slices with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Roast the bread slices in the oven for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the roasted garlic, cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, and fresh basil.
6. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Spoon the tomato mixture over the toasted bread slices.
8. Serve immediately.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 12 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 240
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Baguette can be used instead of French bread.
- Grape tomatoes can be used instead of cherry tomatoes.
- Red wine vinegar can be used instead of balsamic vinegar.
Variations:
- Add sliced mozzarella cheese on top of the tomato mixture for a Caprese-style bruschetta.
- Use roasted red peppers instead of tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
Tips and Tricks:
- To roast garlic, cut off the top of the garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil. Roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes at 375°F.
- Make sure to use fresh basil for the best flavor.
- Drizzle extra balsamic vinegar on top of the bruschetta for added flavor.
Storage Instructions:
- Store any leftover tomato mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- To reheat the bruschetta, place the bread slices in the oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the bruschetta on a wooden cutting board for a rustic look.
- Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves.
Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
Pairings:
- Serve with a glass of red wine for a perfect pairing.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Grilled vegetables
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the bread slices are too hard, brush them with a little bit of water before toasting.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to wash the cherry tomatoes before using them in the recipe.
Food History:
- Bruschetta originated in Italy and was traditionally made with grilled bread rubbed with garlic and topped with olive oil.
Flavor Profiles:
- This recipe has a savory and slightly sweet flavor profile from the roasted garlic and balsamic vinegar.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or as a light lunch.
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Region: Italian