Description
Welcome, food enthusiasts! If you’re looking for a delightful appetizer that will impress your guests, you’re in the right place. This Gourmet Bruschetta with Creamy Goat Cheese and Balsamic Drizzle is the perfect combination of flavors and textures, making it an ideal starter for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 roma tomatoes, diced
- 12 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (chiffonade)
- 8 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, or more to taste
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 baguette loaf, sliced into 1/2-inch thick slices
- Plain goat cheese
- Balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Bruschetta: Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add garlic and sauté until just starting to turn golden, about 1 minute. Ensure you do not brown it. Pour the garlic oil mixture into a large mixing bowl and let it cool while you chop the tomatoes and basil.
- Tomato Mixture: Core and dice the tomatoes. Drain any excess juice in a colander, then pat the chopped tomatoes dry on a couple of paper towels. Add the tomatoes to the bowl with the cooled garlic oil mixture.
- Basil: Stack the basil leaves on a cutting board and roll them into a tube. Using a sharp knife, thinly slice the basil into ribbons and transfer them to the bowl with tomatoes.
- Combine: Add 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to the tomato mixture. Stir gently to mix everything together and set aside to marinate for 30 minutes in the fridge.
- Bruschetta Toasts: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) with a rack in the center of the oven. Cut the baguette into 1/2” thick slices and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the top side of the baguette slices with olive oil and bake for 5 minutes at 400°F, then broil for 1 to 2 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Keep a close eye while broiling, as they can burn quickly.
- Assemble: Once the baguette slices are out of the oven, spread a layer of goat cheese on each piece. Top with the bruschetta mixture and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe tomatoes and high-quality balsamic glaze. Fresh basil also adds a wonderful aroma and taste to the dish.
- Don’t over-toast the bread: Keep a close eye on the baguette slices while they’re in the oven to prevent them from burning. They should be golden and crispy, not too hard.
Cooking Tips
- Choosing the right goat cheese: If you prefer a milder flavor, opt for a younger, softer goat cheese. For a more pronounced taste, use aged goat cheese.
- Perfect balsamic drizzle: If you don’t have a store-bought balsamic glaze, you can make your own by reducing balsamic vinegar with a bit of honey over low heat until it thickens.