Pesto Tomato Bruschetta Recipe
Crisp golden brown baguette slices are topped with a flavorful basil pesto, then a simple tomato bruschetta topping and drizzled with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze.
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 122kcal
Ingredients
- 12 oz cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup minced fresh basil (about 10 large leaves)
- 3 Tbsp olive oil divided
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 baked french baguette sliced into thin slices on an angle
- 1/2 - 1 cup prepared basil pesto
- 2 - 4 Tbsp balsamic glaze optional but recommended
Instructions
Make tomato topping
- Halve or quarter the cherry tomatoes (depending on their size), and add to a small mixing bowl.
- Stack the basil leaves on top of each other, roll them up like a cigar, then cut across, cutting the basil into fine ribbons. Use as is, or chop those ribbons into smaller pieces. Add to mixing bowl.
- Add garlic, salt, black pepper, and 1 Tbsp of olive oil to the mixing bowl and stir well to combine. Set aside for 5-10 minutes.
Slice and toast bread
- Preheat broiler to high (my high is 550°F), but keep the oven rack in the center position (so the bread doesn't burn).
- Slice the baguette, slicing at approximately a 45° angle. This creates more surface area and gives the bread an oval shape. Set aside.
- Line a baking sheet with foil (for easier cleanup, if desired), and arrange the sliced bread pieces in a single layer.
- Brush the bread slices with the remaining 2 Tbsp of olive oil, then broil for 2-3 minutes, or until bread is as golden brown as you'd like.
- Set aside to cool a bit.
Assemble bruschetta
- Once the bread has cooled a bit, spread about 1 Tbsp (more or less, to taste) of the basil pesto on top.
- Top that with some of the tomato topping, and drizzle with balsamic glaze (if using).
Serve
- Serve immediately, with additional balsamic glaze if desired.
Notes
- The size of the baguette will determine how many slices you'll get out of it.
- I've estimated that this recipe will serve about 8 people, with 2 slices per person as a suggested serving size.
- Feel free to use my Homemade Basil Pesto recipe, or use your favorite brand from the store.
- We like to use prepared balsamic glaze (Bertolli brand is what we use), but you can make your own if you prefer. In a skillet, add about a cup of balsamic vinegar and cook it over a medium-low heat. The exact time will vary, but you want the vinegar to reduce down and turn into a syrupy consistency.
- For more garlic flavor, after you broil the baguette slices, and they're crispy and hot, slice off the tip of a clove of garlic. Then rub the garlic clove over the baguette slices. Proceed with the recipe as directed.
Nutrition
Calories: 122kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 223mg | Potassium: 99mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 560IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 0.5mg