Herbed Tomato Bruschetta with Mozzarella Delight
Indulge in a quintessential Italian appetizer that brings the taste of summer to your table. This Herbed Tomato Bruschetta is bursting with the freshness of vine-ripened tomatoes, the aromatic essence of garden herbs, and the creamy richness of mozzarella cheese. Perfect for gatherings, this recipe reflects the heartfelt simplicity of Italian cuisine and showcases the vibrant flavors of fresh ingredients. With a combination of garlic, olive oil, and a medley of herbs, each bite is a celebration of taste, making it an ideal starter for any occasion.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
vine-ripened tomatoes
3 lbs (seeded, peeled & diced)
fresh basil
3/4 cup (sliced thin)
freshly ground sea salt
to taste
large garlic cloves
4-6 (minced)
good quality olive oil
1/2 cup
fresh oregano
1 tablespoon (minced)
fresh thyme
1 tablespoon (minced)
French bread
as needed (sliced 1/2 inch thick)
fresh mozzarella cheese
as needed (sliced thin (NOT THE SHREDDED!))
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the tomatoes: combine the diced tomatoes and 1/2 cup of the fresh basil in a colander, sprinkle generously with sea salt, and toss to coat. Allow the mixture to drain for 1 hour to enhance the flavor and reduce excess moisture.
2
While the tomatoes are draining, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tomato and basil mixture with the minced garlic, 1/4 cup of olive oil, the remaining 1/4 cup of fresh basil, along with the minced oregano and thyme. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients.
4
Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
5
Meanwhile, prepare the French bread slices. Brush both sides lightly with the remaining olive oil, ensuring an even coating.
6
Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet and lightly toast them in the preheated oven for just a few minutes until they are crisp but not overly browned.
7
Once toasted, remove the bread from the oven and top each slice with a generous spoonful of the tomato mixture. Finish by adding a slice of fresh mozzarella cheese atop each one.
8
Return the bruschetta to the oven and toast until the mozzarella is melted and lightly golden, about 5 to 7 minutes.
9
Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful flavors of this classic appetizer warm, garnished with additional herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herbed Tomato Bruschetta with Mozzarella Delight?
It is a quintessential Italian appetizer featuring vine-ripened tomatoes, fresh herbs, and creamy mozzarella cheese on toasted French bread.
What are the main ingredients for this bruschetta?
The main ingredients include vine-ripened tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, fresh oregano, fresh thyme, French bread, and fresh mozzarella cheese.
How many pounds of tomatoes are needed?
You will need 3 lbs of vine-ripened tomatoes for this recipe.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The tomatoes should be seeded, peeled, and diced before being mixed with other ingredients.
Why do the tomatoes need to drain for an hour?
Draining the tomatoes with sea salt and basil helps enhance their flavor and reduces excess moisture, preventing the bread from becoming soggy.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for toasting the bread and melting the cheese.
Can I use shredded mozzarella cheese?
No, the recipe specifically notes to use fresh mozzarella sliced thin and explicitly states 'NOT THE SHREDDED!' variety.
How much fresh basil is used in total?
A total of 3/4 cup of fresh basil is used: 1/2 cup during the draining process and the remaining 1/4 cup in the final mixture.
How many garlic cloves are recommended?
The recipe calls for 4 to 6 large minced garlic cloves.
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
French bread sliced 1/2 inch thick is recommended for this bruschetta.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of good quality olive oil total, divided between the tomato mixture and brushing the bread.
Which fresh herbs are included besides basil?
In addition to basil, the recipe uses 1 tablespoon each of fresh minced oregano and fresh minced thyme.
How long should the tomato mixture sit before assembly?
Allow the tomato and herb mixture to sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Should the bread be toasted before adding the topping?
Yes, brush the bread with olive oil and lightly toast it in the oven for a few minutes until crisp before adding the tomatoes.
How long does it take to melt the mozzarella?
After adding the tomato mixture and cheese, return the bruschetta to the oven for 5 to 7 minutes until the mozzarella is melted and golden.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly recipe.
How should the bruschetta be served?
It should be served immediately while warm, optionally garnished with additional herbs.
What is the prep for the garlic?
The large garlic cloves should be minced.
Can I use dried herbs?
The recipe specifically calls for fresh basil, oregano, and thyme to achieve the intended aromatic essence.
How thick should the French bread slices be?
The slices should be approximately 1/2 inch thick.
What kind of salt should I use?
Freshly ground sea salt is recommended to taste.
Is this considered a summer dish?
Yes, it is described as a summer dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of fresh, vine-ripened ingredients.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 9 ingredients in this recipe.
What category of food does this fall into?
This is an Italian appetizer, also categorized as finger food and easy snacks.
How do I ensure the bread doesn't get too brown?
Toast the bread initially for just a few minutes until crisp but not overly browned before adding the toppings.
What is the role of the oregano and thyme?
They provide an aromatic essence and medley of herbs that celebrate the taste of the fresh ingredients.
Should I peel the tomatoes?
Yes, the instructions specify that the tomatoes should be seeded and peeled.
Can I make this for a large gathering?
Yes, the description notes it is perfect for gatherings and serves as an ideal starter.
What should the basil look like?
The basil should be sliced thin (chiffonade) for both the draining and the mixing steps.
Does the recipe provide nutritional information?
No, nutritional details like calories, fat, and protein are not specified for this particular recipe.