Description
Crispy Cheese Bruschetta Bites are a delicious, bite-sized twist on classic bruschetta, featuring toasted bread rounds topped with melted cheese and a fresh tomato-basil topping. Perfect for parties or snacks, they’re quick to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 baguette or crusty bread, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or Italian cheese blend
- 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice baguette into ½-inch thick rounds and brush both sides lightly with olive oil.
- Place bread slices on the baking sheet and toast for 5–7 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Remove from oven and rub each slice gently with a garlic clove for flavor.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on each toast and return to the oven for 5–6 minutes, until melted and bubbly.
- In a bowl, mix diced tomatoes, chopped basil, a drizzle of olive oil, balsamic vinegar (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Spoon the tomato mixture over the cheesy bread rounds.
- Optionally, top with red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For extra richness, brush the bread with garlic butter instead of plain olive oil.
- Prepare the tomato topping ahead of time, but assemble the bites just before serving to maintain crispiness.
- Use a mix of cheeses for added flavor depth.
- For added protein, top with crisped prosciutto or bacon bits.
- Gluten-free bread can be used as a substitute if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
