Description
Sweet cherry bruschetta beckons with Mediterranean charm, blending rustic Italian flavors into a delightful appetizer. Crisp bread slices topped with fresh cherries create a simple yet elegant summer treat you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (473 ml) fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
- 1 baguette, sliced into 0.5 inches (½ inch) rounds
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh basil, finely chopped
- ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) black pepper
- Additional basil leaves (optional)
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Bread Preparation: Slice baguette into thin, uniform pieces that will serve as a crisp foundation for the cherry topping.
- Toasting Process: Arrange bread slices on a baking sheet, lightly brush with olive oil, and roast in a preheated oven at 375°F until edges turn golden and crisp, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Cherry Mixture Creation: In a mixing bowl, combine chopped cherries, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, finely chopped basil, salt, and pepper, allowing the ingredients to marinate and develop intense flavors for 10-15 minutes.
- Assembly and Garnishing: Layer the marinated cherry mixture evenly across the toasted baguette slices, optionally garnishing with fresh basil leaves or a delicate balsamic glaze drizzle.
- Serving Suggestion: Present the bruschetta immediately to maintain the optimal texture contrast between the crunchy bread and vibrant cherry topping, ensuring a delightful sensory experience.
Notes
- Select Peak-Season Cherries: Choose ripe, firm cherries at their peak sweetness for the most vibrant and intense flavor profile in your bruschetta.
- Bread Crispness is Key: Toast baguette slices until golden and crunchy, but watch carefully to prevent burning, as texture makes or breaks this appetizer.
- Balance Balsamic Ratio: Use balsamic vinegar sparingly; too much can overpower the delicate cherry flavor and make the topping too acidic.
- Serve Immediately: Assemble bruschetta just before serving to maintain the bread’s crispness and prevent soggy texture from cherry mixture’s moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg