Description
This Savory Italian Tomato Bruschetta Dip is a delightful appetizer featuring marinated ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic atop toasted baguette slices, finished with melted Parmesan cheese. Perfectly balanced with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, this easy-to-make recipe captures the vibrant flavors of Italian cuisine and is ideal for entertaining or a flavorful snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Tomato Mixture
- 2 cups ripe tomatoes, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Serving
- 1 small baguette or Italian bread, sliced
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for toasting the bread and melting the cheese.
- Combine Tomato Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, mix the diced tomatoes, chopped basil, and minced garlic together to form the base of the bruschetta topping.
- Marinate the Mixture: Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the tomato mixture, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well and set aside to marinate for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Toast the Bread: Arrange the sliced baguette pieces evenly on a baking sheet. Toast them in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes until they turn lightly golden and crispy. Remove and allow to cool slightly.
- Assemble Bruschetta: Spoon the marinated tomato mixture generously onto each toasted bread slice, ensuring even coverage.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over each tomato-topped bread slice to add richness and flavor.
- Melt the Cheese: Return the topped bread slices to the oven and bake for another 3-4 minutes, or until the Parmesan cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve Warm: Remove the bruschetta from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Use ripe, firm tomatoes for best texture and flavor in the topping.
- Fresh basil is essential for authentic Italian flavor, but you can substitute with dried basil if needed, adjusting the quantity accordingly.
- To make it vegetarian, ensure the Parmesan cheese used is free of animal rennet or substitute with a vegetarian-friendly cheese.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the baguette with gluten-free bread slices.
- Serve immediately after baking to enjoy the ideal combination of warm toasted bread and melted cheese.
