Description
This Easy Tomato and Bacon Bruschetta is a savory appetizer featuring crisp toasted baguette slices topped with a vibrant mixture of diced cherry tomatoes, red onion, fresh basil, crumbled bacon, and garlic. Finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, this fresh and flavorful bruschetta is perfect for entertaining or a light snack.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bread
- 1 French baguette, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Topping
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for toasting the bread.
- Prepare the Bread: Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Lightly brush each slice with olive oil to help achieve a golden, crispy texture. Toast in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until the bread is crisp and golden brown.
- Make the Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine the diced cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, chopped fresh basil, crumbled cooked bacon, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Gently toss all ingredients together to blend the flavors without crushing the tomatoes.
- Assemble the Bruschetta: Remove the toasted bread from the oven once golden. Spoon the tomato and bacon mixture generously onto each toasted slice, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
- Serve: Optionally drizzle balsamic glaze over the assembled bruschetta for a touch of sweetness and tang. Serve immediately while the bread is still warm and crisp to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add extra fresh basil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Make sure to use ripe cherry tomatoes for the freshest flavor.
- The bruschetta is best served immediately after assembly to keep the bread crisp.
- You can prepare the tomato topping ahead of time and refrigerate, but assemble just before serving.
- Balsamic glaze is optional but highly recommended for an added sweet and tangy dimension.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4 slices)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
