Description
A festive and delicious appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–5 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 baguette or rustic bread, sliced
- 1 bunch fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the bread slices around a circular or wreath-shaped platter on a baking sheet. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil. Toast in the oven for about 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Remove and let cool.
- Make the Tomato Topping: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped basil, minced garlic, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and let sit for a few minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Assemble the Wreath: Once the bread slices are cool, arrange them back in a wreath shape on a serving platter. Spoon the tomato mixture evenly over each slice of bread.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. Serve immediately as a festive appetizer.
Notes
- Use a serrated knife to slice the bread to prevent squishing it.
- For added flavor, rub the toasted bread with a garlic clove before adding the tomato mixture.
- Let the tomato mixture sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes if possible, to allow flavors to meld.
- If preparing in advance, store the tomato mixture separately and assemble just before serving to prevent the bread from getting soggy.
- Experiment with different herbs, such as oregano or thyme, for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg