Go Back
- 1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered - 6 cloves garlic, unpeeled - 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar - 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for an extra kick You can change up the ingredients based on what you have. For cherry tomatoes, try using any small tomatoes like grape or heirloom. If you want a different texture, any crusty bread works. Think ciabatta or sourdough. If you need a vegan option, use dairy-free cheese or skip it altogether. Bruschetta is all about being creative. Mix it up as you like! - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). - Spread unpeeled garlic cloves on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil. - Roast for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and soft. - Allow garlic to cool before handling. - In a bowl, combine quartered cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, and seasonings. - Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, finely chopped basil, salt, and black pepper. - For extra heat, add red pepper flakes. - Stir gently and let flavors meld for 10 minutes. - Arrange baguette slices on a separate baking sheet. - Lightly drizzle or brush them with olive oil. - Toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy. - Squeeze roasted garlic into a bowl and mash into a smooth paste. - Spread roasted garlic paste on each toasted baguette slice. - Spoon the marinated tomato mixture over the garlic spread. - Serve warm for the best flavor and texture. - Best practices for roasting garlic: To roast garlic, keep the skins on. This helps the garlic stay moist. Coat the cloves with olive oil before roasting. Roast them at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Look for a golden brown color. This means they are ready. - How to achieve crispy baguette slices: Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch pieces. Brush each slice with olive oil. This helps them crisp up nicely. Toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. - Ensuring balanced flavors in the tomato mixture: Mix quartered cherry tomatoes with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Fresh basil adds a nice touch. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes. This helps all the flavors come together. - Pairing with wines or other appetizers: This bruschetta pairs well with a light white wine. Try a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio. These wines enhance the fresh flavors. You can also serve it with olives or cheese for a great spread. - Garnishing ideas for visual appeal: For a beautiful look, add whole basil leaves on top. A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds shine. These small touches make your bruschetta stand out. - Over-roasting garlic: Keep an eye on the garlic while it roasts. If it gets too dark, it may taste bitter. Perfectly roasted garlic should be soft and sweet. - Skipping the marination step for tomatoes: Letting the tomatoes marinate is key. It allows the flavors to meld together. Rushing this step can lead to a bland topping. - Using stale bread: Always use fresh baguette slices. Stale bread will not get crispy and will ruin the texture. Fresh bread makes all the difference in this dish. {{image_4}} Bruschetta is a fun dish because you can change it up in many ways. Here are some ideas to make your roasted garlic tomato bruschetta even better. - Adding fresh mozzarella or burrata: This cheese adds a creamy texture and rich flavor. It makes each bite extra special. Just tear or slice the cheese and place it on top of your tomato mix. - Incorporating avocado for creaminess: Mashed avocado gives a smooth feel. It also adds healthy fats. Spread a layer on your toasted bread before adding the tomato topping. - Mediterranean-inspired toppings: Try adding olives or feta cheese. These ingredients give strong, bold flavors. You can mix them into the tomato topping or sprinkle them on top. - Spicy variations with jalapeños or hot sauce: If you like heat, add some sliced jalapeños. You can also drizzle hot sauce over the bruschetta. This will wake up your taste buds! - Using seasonal vegetables: Zucchini or bell peppers work great. Roast them with olive oil and add them on top for a fresh taste. - Adjusting flavors with seasonal herbs: Use herbs like thyme or oregano. These herbs bring a garden-fresh taste. You can mix them into the tomato topping for added flavor. These variations let you enjoy bruschetta in new and exciting ways! To keep your bruschetta fresh, store each part separately. Place the tomato mix in a sealed container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. For the baguette, wrap it in foil to keep it from drying out. Use within two days for the best taste. Store the roasted garlic in a small jar with a lid. It will last up to a week in the fridge. To reheat the baguette, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet. Toast them for about five minutes. This keeps them crunchy. Avoid the microwave, as it makes the bread soggy. If you have leftover tomato mix, don't heat it. Serve it cold on the warm bread for the best flavor. You can freeze the tomato mix, but not the bread. For freezing, pack it in an airtight container. It will stay good for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Use it cold or let it sit at room temperature for a bit before serving. Enjoy the fresh flavors! To make roasted garlic, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place unpeeled garlic cloves on a baking sheet. Drizzle with one tablespoon of olive oil to coat them. Roast for 15-20 minutes until they turn golden brown and soft. Once done, let them cool before using. You can prepare some parts in advance. The tomato mixture can sit for up to an hour. Keep it in the fridge. However, toast the baguette just before serving. This keeps it crispy and fresh. Bruschetta pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - A fresh green salad - A charcuterie board - Soup, like tomato or minestrone - A cheese platter for variety Traditional bruschetta is not gluten-free due to the use of baguette. However, you can use gluten-free bread to make it suitable for those with gluten allergies. To add heat to your bruschetta, include red pepper flakes in the tomato mixture. You can also add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste! You now have a complete guide to making Roasted Garlic Tomato Bruschetta. We covered ingredients, preparation, and tips to ensure your dish shines. Experiment with variations to suit your taste. Don’t forget to store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. This dish is perfect for gatherings or a simple snack. Enjoy making this savory treat and impressing your friends and family!

Roasted Garlic Tomato Bruschetta

Discover the ultimate appetizer with this Savory Roasted Garlic Tomato Bruschetta recipe! Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, it's a delightful mix of crispy baguette topped with roasted garlic and fresh marinated tomatoes. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, this dish will impress your guests and elevate your culinary skills.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces

1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered

6 cloves garlic, unpeeled

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for an extra kick

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    Spread the unpeeled garlic cloves out on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ensuring they are well coated. Place in the oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the cloves are golden brown and have softened. Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes.

      While the garlic is roasting, prepare the tomato topping. In a mixing bowl, combine the quartered cherry tomatoes with the balsamic vinegar, the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the finely chopped basil, and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If you enjoy heat, add the optional red pepper flakes. Gently stir the mixture to combine and set aside to marinate for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

        While the tomatoes are marinating, arrange the baguette slices on a separate baking sheet. Lightly drizzle or brush them with olive oil. Toast in the oven for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.

          Once the roasted garlic has cooled enough to handle, squeeze the soft cloves out of their skins into a small bowl. Use a fork to mash the garlic into a smooth paste.

            Take each toasted baguette slice and spread a thin layer of the roasted garlic paste evenly over the top.

              Spoon the marinated tomato mixture over each garlic-spread bruschetta slice, ensuring that each piece gets some of the flavorful juices from the marination.

                Serve your delicious bruschetta immediately while the bread is still warm and crispy for the best texture and flavor.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 12 pieces

                    - Presentation Tips: For an eye-catching display, arrange the bruschetta on a large serving platter. Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves and a gentle drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elegant finish, making this dish not only tasty but visually appealing too.