Description
Rustic Italian sun-dried tomato bruschetta delivers Mediterranean flavors with crusty bread and rich tomato medley. Garlic, basil, and olive oil create a perfect harmony that transports diners to a charming Italian countryside.
Ingredients
Scale
Dairy:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 ¼ cups (156 grams) feta cheese, crumbled (or ricotta cheese)
Bread and Base:
- 1 French baguette, sliced
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
Herbs, Vegetables, and Seasonings:
- 2–3 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
- ½ cup (80 grams) sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- ⅓ cup (33 grams) chopped green onions, scallions, or chives
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Gently heat the oven to a low temperature of 300°F (150°C), preparing a parchment-lined baking sheet for toasting the bread slices.
- Position baguette pieces in a single, even layer across the sheet, delicately coating each slice with olive oil on one side using a soft pastry brush.
- Toast the bread in the oven for approximately 20 minutes, monitoring closely to achieve a golden, crisp texture without burning. The low temperature ensures a perfect crunch without excessive browning.
- Upon removal from the oven, immediately glide fresh garlic cloves across the warm bread surfaces, infusing a subtle aromatic essence into each slice.
- Allow the toasted bread to cool completely, preventing moisture from compromising the desired crisp texture.
- In a mixing bowl, whip the cream cheese and feta together, creating a rustic, slightly chunky spread. Incorporate dried herbs, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
- Generously layer the herbed cheese mixture across each cooled bread slice, ensuring complete coverage.
- Distribute chopped sun-dried tomatoes atop the cheese layer, adding vibrant color and tangy complexity.
- Garnish with finely sliced green onions or chives for a fresh, sharp accent.
- Finish by drizzling the remaining olive oil over the assembled bruschetta, providing a glistening, rich finish.
- Serve immediately to preserve the optimal crunch and flavor intensity.
Notes
- Perfectly crisp bruschetta requires low and slow baking at 300°F to achieve a delicate, crunchy texture without burning the bread.
- Rubbing warm bread with garlic cloves infuses a subtle, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire appetizer without overwhelming other ingredients.
- Creating a creamy cheese spread with feta and cream cheese adds rich, tangy depth while maintaining a rustic, slightly textured consistency.
- Sun-dried tomatoes provide an intense, concentrated burst of sweet-savory flavor that complements the creamy cheese base beautifully.
- Finishing with a drizzle of olive oil enhances the bruschetta’s richness and helps bind all the flavors together in each delightful bite.
- Serve immediately after assembly to preserve the crispness of the baguette and maintain the optimal temperature and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg