Description
This Tomato & Nduja Bruschetta is a delicious and vibrant Italian appetizer featuring toasted rustic bread topped with spicy Calabrian nduja, juicy marinated cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil. Perfect for a quick snack or entertaining, it balances smoky, fiery flavors with sweet tomatoes and aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 6 slices rustic bread (sourdough or ciabatta)
Toppings
- 1/3 cup nduja (Calabrian spicy spreadable salami)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, peeled
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
- A few fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the grill or oven: Heat a grill pan or toaster. If using an oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C).
- Marinate the tomatoes: In a bowl, combine the finely chopped cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and cracked black pepper. Stir well and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Toast the bread: Slice the rustic bread and grill or toast each slice until they become golden brown and crisp. While the bread is warm, rub each slice with the peeled garlic clove to infuse subtle garlicky depth.
- Apply nduja spread: Spread a generous layer of nduja on each toasted bread slice, ensuring an even coating of the spicy, smoky salami.
- Optional warming step: For a melted effect, place the nduja-topped bread slices under the broiler for 1–2 minutes just to warm and soften the spread slightly.
- Add tomato topping and garnish: Spoon the marinated tomato mixture over each nduja slice. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and drizzle a little extra olive oil on top for added richness.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy the bruschetta while the bread is still crisp and the toppings vibrant for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- Use rustic bread like sourdough or ciabatta for the best chewy, crisp texture.
- Adjust the amount of nduja according to your spice preference.
- The garlic rub on the toast is optional but adds depth without overpowering.
- Broiling the nduja is optional but enhances the spread’s flavor and texture.
- Serve immediately after assembling to maintain crispness.
