Bruschetta Authentico

square crop of tomato bruschetta appetizers on a tray with a small bowl of chopped tomatoes next to the tray.

5 from 1 vote

Bruschetta Authentico is a delicious and easy to make appetizer of Italian or French bread baked with Parmesan cheese, garlic and herb cheese spread, covered with fresh tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and drizzled with balsamic vinegar. It’s a great starter for any summer cookout or BBQ.

Course Appetizer, sandwich, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Italian

Keyword bruschetta, tomatoes

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 10

Total Time 30

Servings servings

Calories 223kcal

Author Debi

Ingredients

1 baguette cut into ½ -inch-thick slices
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 ½ cups shredded Parmesan cheese
2 pounds ripe tomatoes diced
½ cup fresh basil leaves chiffonade
2 garlic cloves minced or pressed
½ teaspoon sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2/3 cup Garlic and herb cheese spread (may need a little more or less depending on how many slices you get in the baguette)
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar or more to taste
Flaky sea salt for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400° F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on the baking sheets and brush the top side of each slice with olive oil. Sprinkle each slice with a large pinch of Parmesan, about ½ to 1 tablespoon per slice. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden and toasted.
1 baguette, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 ½ cups shredded Parmesan cheese
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together the tomatoes, basil, garlic, salt, and several grinds of pepper. Season to taste.
2 pounds ripe tomatoes, ½ cup fresh basil leaves, 2 garlic cloves, ½ teaspoon sea salt, Freshly ground black pepper
Remove the bread from the oven, and spread about ½ tablespoon creamy cheese spread on each bread round.
2/3 cup Garlic and herb cheese spread
Use a slotted spoon to scoop the tomato mixture onto the cheesy bread pieces, leaving behind any excess juices in the bowl. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar if desired and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Serve immediately.
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar, Flaky sea salt

Notes

Though this is best when served warm immediately after making, it actually holds up surprisingly well when stored in an airtight container in the fridge, up to a couple of days. Reheat in a preheated 400 ° F oven for about 5 minutes.

To make the tomato free Bruschetta Authentico version, simply replace the tomatoes with jarred roasted red peppers from a jar 12 to 16 ounces in size that you’ve chopped into small pieces.

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