Cherry Tomato and Pesto Bruschetta is a vibrant, flavorful appetizer that combines the fresh taste of cherry tomatoes with homemade basil pesto. It’s perfect for a summer gathering or as a delightful starter for any meal.
Baguette: This serves as the crunchy base for our bruschetta, providing the perfect platform for all those delicious toppings.
Cherry tomatoes: These little gems add a burst of juicy freshness and color to each bite. They’re sweet and slightly tangy.
Fresh basil leaves: The star of our pesto, basil brings a fragrant, herbal note that’s simply irresistible.
Pine nuts: These add a subtle nutty flavor and creamy texture to the pesto.
Grated Parmesan cheese: A salty, savory element that enriches the pesto and ties all the flavors together.
Garlic: Adds a punch of aromatic flavor that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes and richness of the cheese.
Extra virgin olive oil: Smooth and fruity, it helps create a luscious pesto and adds richness to the toasted bread.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
Balsamic glaze: A sweet and tangy finishing touch that elevates the entire dish with a complex layer of flavor.
This bruschetta pairs wonderfully with a chilled glass of white wine or a light, sparkling rosé. It’s also a great starter for an Italian-themed dinner, alongside a simple salad or antipasto platter.
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Slice your baguette into 1/2-inch thick slices. This thickness ensures they’re sturdy enough to hold the toppings but still easy to bite into.
Arrange the slices on a baking sheet and brush them lightly with olive oil. Pop them in the oven for about 5 to 7 minutes, just until they’re golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them so they don’t over-brown!
While the bread is toasting, grab your food processor. Toss in the basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Pulse until everything is coarsely chopped.
With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture turns smooth and creamy. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a quick taste and adjust if necessary.
Once your bread is ready, spread a generous amount of pesto over each slice. You want a nice layer so that every bite is full of flavor.
Top each slice with halved cherry tomatoes, gently pressing them into the pesto to help them stick. This also ensures that they absorb some of that delicious pesto flavor.
Finish with a light drizzle of balsamic glaze just before serving for a touch of sweetness and acidity that balances the dish beautifully.
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