Mediterranean Bruschetta with Pesto and Fresh Tomato Relish
Experience the flavors of summer with this delightful Mediterranean Bruschetta, perfect for a light lunch, snack, or starter. The combination of crispy baguette slices topped with creamy brie or camembert, tangy basil pesto, and a fresh tomato-onion relish creates a symphony of tastes that will elevate any brunch gathering. This recipe offers a unique twist with the option to alternate between different pestos, providing an exciting flavor journey in every bite. Ideal for sharing, these bruschetta slices are sure to impress family and friends, making them a beloved addition to your culinary repertoire.
N/A
Servings
130
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Baguette
1 (Fresh, long; sliced diagonally)
Fruity virgin olive oil
to taste (For coating the baguette slices)
Basil pesto
to taste (Preferably homemade; for spreading on the baguette)
Large ripe tomato
1 (Peeled and finely chopped)
Sweet onion
1/2 (Peeled and finely chopped)
Maldon salt
to taste (For seasoning)
Black pepper
to taste (Freshly cracked; for seasoning)
Brie cheese or Camembert cheese
to taste (Thinly sliced for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Slice the entire baguette diagonally into even slices, about 1/2 inch thick.
3
Lightly coat one side of each slice with fruity virgin olive oil by dipping it or brushing it on. Aim for a light 'anointing' rather than full coverage.
4
Arrange the oiled slices on a baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are crisp. Check frequently to prevent burning.
6
While the baguette is baking, prepare the topping: peel and finely chop the ripe tomato and half of the sweet onion. Combine in a bowl and season with Maldon salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
7
Once the baguette slices are golden and crunchy, remove them from the oven. Spread a thin layer of homemade basil pesto on each slice.
8
Top each pesto-covered slice with a generous teaspoon of the tomato-onion mixture.
9
Thinly slice the brie or camembert and place a small slice on top of each bruschetta.
10
Return the assembled bruschetta to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese begins to soften.
11
Serve immediately while warm. For a beautiful presentation, place the bruschetta on a heated plate.
12
Store any leftover baguette slices in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
7.25g
Fat
12g
Carbs
3g
Protein
0.4g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Bruschetta with Pesto and Fresh Tomato Relish?
It is a flavorful appetizer or light lunch featuring crispy baguette slices topped with creamy brie or camembert, basil pesto, and a fresh tomato-onion relish.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include a baguette, fruity virgin olive oil, basil pesto, a large ripe tomato, sweet onion, Maldon salt, black pepper, and Brie or Camembert cheese.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
How should I slice the baguette?
Slice the entire baguette diagonally into even slices about 1/2 inch thick.
How do I apply the olive oil to the bread?
Lightly coat one side of each slice with fruity virgin olive oil by dipping it or brushing it on for a light anointing.
How long do I bake the baguette slices initially?
Bake the oiled slices for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are golden and the centers are crisp.
How do I prepare the tomato and onion relish?
Peel and finely chop the ripe tomato and half of the sweet onion, then combine them in a bowl.
What seasonings are used for the relish?
The relish is seasoned with Maldon salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
When do I add the basil pesto?
Once the baguette slices are golden and crunchy after their first bake, spread a thin layer of homemade basil pesto on each slice.
How much tomato mixture should I put on each slice?
Top each pesto-covered slice with a generous teaspoon of the tomato-onion mixture.
Which cheeses work best for this bruschetta?
Brie cheese or Camembert cheese are the recommended choices for this recipe.
How is the cheese prepared for the topping?
Thinly slice the brie or camembert and place a small slice on top of each prepared bruschetta.
Is there a second baking step?
Yes, return the assembled bruschetta to the oven for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese begins to soften.
How should this dish be served?
Serve the bruschetta immediately while warm, preferably on a heated plate for a beautiful presentation.
How can I store leftover baguette slices?
Store any leftover un-topped baguette slices in an airtight container at room temperature.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 130 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 7.25 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 12 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe provide protein?
Yes, each serving provides 3 grams of protein.
What is the fiber content of this bruschetta?
Each serving contains 0.4 grams of fiber.
Is this recipe suitable for brunch?
Yes, it is described as a delightful addition to any brunch gathering.
Can I use different types of pesto?
Yes, the recipe suggests you can alternate between different pestos for an exciting flavor journey.
Is the pesto store-bought or homemade?
The recipe recommends using preferably homemade basil pesto for the best flavor.
Should I peel the tomato?
Yes, the instructions specify to peel and finely chop the ripe tomato.
What kind of onion is required?
The recipe calls for a sweet onion.
What kind of salt is used?
Maldon salt is specifically mentioned for seasoning the tomato relish.
How many main ingredients are needed?
There are 8 main ingredients listed for this Mediterranean bruschetta.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, with a short baking time and simple assembly, it is considered a simple recipe.
What kind of olive oil is recommended?
A fruity virgin olive oil is recommended for coating the baguette slices.
Can this be served as a snack?
Absolutely, it is perfect as a light lunch, snack, or starter.