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Spicy Roasted Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta

spicy roasted heirloom tomato bruschetta - featured image

A flavorful and easy homemade appetizer featuring smoky, tangy roasted heirloom tomatoes with a spicy kick and fresh basil, served on toasted rustic bread.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds heirloom tomatoes (about 680 grams), mixed colors and sizes
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 loaf baguette or rustic bread, sliced into Β½-inch (1.25 cm) pieces
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
  • A handful (about 15 leaves) fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425Β°F (220Β°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it.
  2. Wash and dry the heirloom tomatoes. Cut them into roughly 1-inch (2.5 cm) chunks, keeping some variation in size for texture.
  3. Toss the tomatoes in a mixing bowl with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Make sure everything is evenly coated.
  4. Spread the tomatoes evenly on the baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in the oven for about 25 minutes, or until the edges are caramelized and the tomatoes look slightly shriveled but juicy.
  5. While tomatoes roast, slice your baguette or rustic bread into Β½-inch (1.25 cm) thick pieces. Place on a baking rack or sheet and toast in the oven or toaster until golden brown and crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Once roasted, remove tomatoes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. If desired, drizzle 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar over the tomatoes to add a subtle tangy sweetness.
  7. Chop or tear fresh basil leaves roughly and gently fold them into the warm roasted tomatoes. The residual heat will release their aroma without wilting them too much.
  8. Spoon generous amounts of the spicy roasted tomato mixture onto each toasted bread slice. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure even roasting and caramelization. Use fresh garlic for best aroma. Toast bread until golden but avoid charring. Optionally rub toasted bread with raw garlic clove before topping. Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat level. Roast tomatoes ahead and assemble just before serving to keep bread crisp. Store leftover tomato mixture in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy, roasted, heirloom tomato, bruschetta, appetizer, easy, homemade, basil, garlic, olive oil