Quick and Easy Italian Bruschetta Recipe
Quick and Easy Italian Bruschetta Recipe. Bruschetta, an iconic Italian dish, bursts with the freshness of tomatoes and herbs, draped with a light blanket of melted cheese, all sitting atop crisp slices of bread.
This dish is ideal for those nights when you crave a snack that’s not just delicious but also quick and easy to whip up.
The ingredients for this recipe are accessible and fresh, starting with the star of the dish: the bread. Bread, when toasted just right, forms the crisp base that brings texture to each bite.
On top of this, a mixture of fresh tomatoes, flavorful onions, garlic, olives, and a blend of aromatic herbs – oregano, basil, and parsley – is spread.
This blend of flavors is complemented perfectly by the addition of feta and Parmesan cheese that, when baked, add a delectable creamy texture and richness to the dish.
A final drizzle of olive oil ties all the flavors together, creating a harmonious balance that is distinct to Bruschetta.
You can serve Bruschetta as a side dish with your favorite dinner, or it can be a star on its own for a light lunch or snack. The trick to perfect Bruschetta lies in the balance of flavors.
Fresh, high-quality ingredients can make all the difference, so remember to choose ripe tomatoes and high-quality bread for best results.
Tips and Tricks
Bread Preparation
Use slightly stale bread for this recipe. It holds up better to the toppings and won’t become soggy as quickly as fresh bread.
Even Topping Distribution
When adding the tomato mixture to the bread slices, use a spoon to evenly distribute the ingredients. This ensures each slice gets a balanced mix of flavors.
Cheese Melting
For the best cheese melt, ensure your oven is fully preheated to 375°F before baking. If you like your cheese extra bubbly and golden, switch to broil for the last minute or two, but keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Fresh Herb Substitute
If fresh herbs aren’t available, you can use dried herbs. Use one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh, as dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor.
Preventing Soggy Bread
To prevent the bread from becoming too soggy, lightly toast the slices in the oven for 5 minutes before adding the toppings. This creates a barrier that helps keep the bread crisp.
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Quick and Easy Italian Bruschetta
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread sliced
- ½ sweet onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
- 1 can (2.25 ounce) sliced black olives drained
- 3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil divided
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves chopped
- 2 teaspoon fresh basil leaves chopped
- 2 teaspoon fresh parsley chopped
- 2 large fresh tomatoes diced
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375° F
- Lay out the bread slices flat on a baking sheet.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the onion, garlic, olives, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, oregano, basil, and parsley.
- With a wire whisk, mix these ingredients until well combined.
- Add the tomatoes to the bowl and lightly stir them into the mixture.
- Carefully distribute the tomato mixture over each bread slice.
- Sprinkle feta cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the slices.
- Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the topped bread slices.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven.
- Bake for 10 minutes, or until you see the cheese has melted and the bread edges are a little crispy.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can prepare the tomato topping ahead of time, but toast the bread and assemble just before serving to prevent it from getting soggy.
Typically, Bruschetta is served warm but it can be enjoyed at room temperature as well.
Bruschetta pairs well with pasta, salads, or grilled meats.
Absolutely, you can add things like prosciutto, roasted peppers, or even mozzarella to your Bruschetta to mix things up.
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