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Strawberry Basil Bruschetta

Strawberry Basil Bruschetta is a delightful twist on the classic Italian appetizer, replacing the traditional tomatoes with juicy, sweet strawberries and fragrant basil. This vibrant and flavorful bruschetta is perfect as a light snack, appetizer, or even a sweet and savory dessert option. It’s an explosion of summer flavors that will impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pint fresh strawberries hulled and diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves thinly sliced (chiffonade)
  • 1 baguette sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup balsamic glaze store-bought or homemade
  • Optional: Goat cheese or ricotta cheese for spreading
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries and Basil:
  2. Begin by washing and hulling the strawberries. Dice them into small, even pieces and place them in a medium-sized bowl. Thinly slice the fresh basil leaves using the chiffonade technique (stack the leaves, roll them tightly, and slice thinly). Add the sliced basil to the bowl with the strawberries.
  3. Step 2: Marinate the Strawberry-Basil Mixture:
  4. Gently toss the diced strawberries and basil together. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Allow the mixture to sit for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the strawberries to release some of their juices and the basil to infuse its aroma.
  5. Step 3: Prepare the Bread:
  6. Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Brush each slice of bread with olive oil on both sides. This will help the bread to toast evenly and develop a golden-brown color.
  7. Step 4: Toast the Bread:
  8. There are several ways to toast the bread. You can use a grill, a broiler, or a toaster oven.
  9. Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the bread slices on the grill and toast for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly charred.
  10. Broiler: Preheat your broiler. Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and broil for 1-2 minutes per side, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  11. Toaster Oven: Place the bread slices in a toaster oven and toast until golden brown.
  12. Step 5: Garlic Infusion:
  13. While the bread is still warm, rub each slice with a minced garlic clove. This will impart a subtle garlic flavor to the bruschetta.
  14. Step 6: Assemble the Bruschetta:
  15. If using goat cheese or ricotta cheese, spread a thin layer on each toasted bread slice. This adds a creamy and tangy element to the bruschetta.
  16. Step 7: Top with Strawberry-Basil Mixture:
  17. Spoon the strawberry-basil mixture generously onto each slice of toasted bread, ensuring that each bruschetta is piled high with the sweet and fragrant topping.
  18. Step 8: Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze:
  19. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the bruschetta. The balsamic glaze adds a tangy sweetness that complements the strawberries and basil perfectly.
  20. Step 9: Serve Immediately:
  21. Serve the Strawberry Basil Bruschetta immediately to enjoy the crispiness of the bread and the freshness of the ingredients. Garnish with a few extra basil leaves, if desired.