Mediterranean Cherry Tomato and Bocconcini Bruschetta
Elevate your lunch or snack time with this vibrant Mediterranean Cherry Tomato and Bocconcini Bruschetta. This delightful recipe features fresh, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy bocconcini cheese, and fragrant basil, all drizzled with premium extra virgin olive oil and a hint of balsamic vinegar. Nestled atop grilled sourdough bread and complemented by peppery arugula, this bruschetta is not only easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser for gatherings and special occasions. Perfect for sharing, it brings the essence of the Mediterranean to your table in just a few simple steps.
4
Servings
200
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons (For drizzling and mixing)
Balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon (For flavoring the mixture)
Salt
to taste (For seasoning)
Black pepper
to taste (Freshly ground, for seasoning)
Bocconcini cheese
12, halved (Or 13 ounces of mozzarella cheese, cubed)
Cherry tomatoes
20, halved (Fresh and ripe)
Fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup, torn (Plus additional for garnish)
Thick country bread (preferably sourdough)
4 slices (Grilled until crisp)
Garlic cloves
2, halved (For rubbing on the bread)
Arugula leaves
1 cup (Fresh, to layer on bread)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar until well combined. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
2
Gently fold in the halved bocconcini, cherry tomatoes, and torn basil leaves until everything is evenly coated and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
3
Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium heat. Grill the slices of country bread for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
4
Once the bread is toasted, take the halved garlic cloves and rub the cut-side onto one side of each slice of grilled bread to impart a fresh garlic flavor.
5
Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the garlic-rubbed side of each slice.
6
Layer several arugula leaves on top of each slice of bread to create a peppery bed for your toppings.
7
Spoon generous amounts of the tomato and cheese mixture over the arugula layers on each slice of bruschetta.
8
Finish off by drizzling a little more olive oil on top and garnishing each serving with additional fresh basil leaves.
9
Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
13.5g
Fat
12g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Cherry Tomato and Bocconcini Bruschetta?
It is a vibrant appetizer featuring fresh cherry tomatoes, creamy bocconcini cheese, and fragrant basil on grilled sourdough bread.
What kind of bread is best for this bruschetta?
Thick country bread, preferably sourdough, is recommended for the best texture and flavor.
Can I use regular mozzarella instead of bocconcini?
Yes, you can substitute 12 halved bocconcini with 13 ounces of mozzarella cheese, cubed.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
How do I add garlic flavor to the bread?
After grilling the bread, take halved garlic cloves and rub the cut-side directly onto one side of each slice.
What role does arugula play in this recipe?
Arugula provides a peppery bed for the tomato and cheese toppings, adding extra depth of flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly dish focusing on fresh vegetables, cheese, and bread.
How much olive oil is needed for the dressing?
You will need 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil for the initial whisking mixture.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
It is best served immediately to ensure the bread remains crispy and the ingredients are fresh.
How long should I grill the bread?
Grill the slices for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.
What type of vinegar is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar to flavor the mixture.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Tags include bruschetta, appetizer, snack, mediterranean, tomato, and mozzarella.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving provides 7.5g of protein.
How much fat does a serving contain?
There are 13.5g of fat per serving.
How many cherry tomatoes are required?
The recipe requires 20 cherry tomatoes, halved.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is highly recommended for its fragrance and texture, though dried can be used in a pinch (use less if dried).
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 12g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there a specific way to prepare the basil?
The basil should be torn into pieces before being folded into the mixture.
How many ingredients are listed in this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients required for this Mediterranean bruschetta.
Should I season the tomato mixture?
Yes, season the oil and vinegar mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste before adding the tomatoes.
What is the final garnish for the dish?
Finish by drizzling a little more olive oil and adding additional fresh basil leaves.
Is this a good party food?
Absolutely, it is described as a crowd-pleaser perfect for gatherings and special occasions.
Do I need to peel the tomatoes?
No, simply halve the cherry tomatoes for a fresh, juicy texture.
Can I use a regular toaster for the bread?
While a grill or grill pan provides better flavor and marks, a toaster can be used if a grill is unavailable.
What is bocconcini?
Bocconcini are small, bite-sized mozzarella cheese balls.
How much arugula is needed?
One cup of fresh arugula leaves is used to layer on the bread.
Is extra virgin olive oil necessary?
Yes, premium extra virgin olive oil provides the characteristic Mediterranean flavor essential for this dish.
How do I fold the ingredients?
Gently fold the halved bocconcini, tomatoes, and basil into the oil and vinegar mixture to avoid mashing them.
Is there any sugar or fiber data available?
The provided data does not specify the sugar or fiber content for this recipe.