Italian Bread Appetizer
Transform your next gathering into an Italian-inspired feast with this irresistible Italian Bread Appetizer. Featuring slices of crusty baguette or ciabatta brushed with rich extra virgin olive oil and topped with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and a hint of garlic, this dish embodies the fresh, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. Baked to golden perfection, each slice is enhanced with a drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze, a sprinkle of fragrant basil, and a touch of grated Parmesan for a gourmet finish. Ready in just 25 minutes, this easy-to-make recipe is ideal for serving warm or at room temperature, making it a perfect choice for casual entertaining or as a prelude to an Italian-inspired dinner.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 loaf Italian bread (baguette or ciabatta)
- 3 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 large Garlic cloves
- 6 leaves Fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese (fresh, diced)
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 tablespoons Balsamic glaze
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the Italian bread diagonally into 1/2-inch thick slices, creating about 8 pieces. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet.
Brush each bread slice with a generous amount of olive oil. Set aside.
Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves. Distribute the minced garlic evenly over the bread slices.
Halve the cherry tomatoes and dice the fresh mozzarella. Place a few tomato halves and mozzarella pieces on top of each bread slice.
Sprinkle each slice with a pinch of dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to taste.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
While the bread is baking, finely chop the fresh basil leaves.
Once the bread is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Garnish each slice with the chopped basil leaves and Parmesan cheese.
Drizzle a small amount of balsamic glaze over the top of each piece for added flavor.
Serve warm or at room temperature as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2686 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 123.9 g | 159% | |
| Saturated Fat | 48.9 g | 244% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 236 mg | 79% | |
| Sodium | 6148 mg | 267% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 276.9 g | 101% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.9 g | 42% | |
| Total Sugars | 36.2 g | ||
| Protein | 117.3 g | 235% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 2042 mg | 157% | |
| Iron | 12.9 mg | 72% | |
| Potassium | 1237 mg | 26% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
