
I’m always experimenting with new recipes and flavor combinations but there are a few classic food pairings that shouldn’t be messed with. Peanut butter and jelly. Bacon and eggs. Milk and cookies. And in my opinion, tomatoes and basil.
Bruschetta is the ultimate summer appetizer- it’s simple, rustic and always a crowd pleaser. There are endless varieties of bruschetta, but I like to take advantage of seasonal produce as much as possible. What better dish to showcase beautiful, lush tomatoes and fresh basil?
In this case, I was inspired by the lovely heirloom cherry tomatoes at my farmers’ market. I simply toss them with fresh basil and a little extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar to enhance their natural flavor. When produce is at its best, no need to get fancy, just let it shine.
In traditional bruschetta, the toasted bread is often rubbed with raw garlic. In my version, I top the bread instead with a mixture of roasted garlic and farmer’s cheese. Check out my blog post about how to roast garlic.
The roasted garlic adds a delicious, mellow garlicky flavor without the pungent bite of raw garlic.
Farmer’s cheese (also called farmer cheese) is a mild flavored, low fat cheese that’s cultured from reduced fat milk. It’s traditionally used as a filling in blintzes and pierogies.
When making farmer’s cheese, the liquid whey is drained off and the curds are pressed, yielding a product that’s drier than cottage cheese and crumbly. If you can’t find it, you can substitute part skim ricotta or cottage cheese.
Toasted bread topped with roasted garlic, farmer’s cheese, fresh summer tomatoes and basil- it doesn’t get much simpler or more delicious than that. Why mess with a good thing?
More tasty appetizers
- Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
- Greek Zucchini Fritters with Tzatziki
- Chesapeake Bay Crab Cakes
- Mexican Street Corn Fritters
- Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Deviled Eggs
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Did you try this recipe? If so, please leave a review below. I love hearing from you! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Did you try this recipe? If so, please leave a review below. I love hearing from you! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rustic Summer Bruschetta
Ingredients
- 1 container (12 oz) heirloom cherry tomato mix, diced
- 2 teaspoons good quality balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup chopped basil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 French baguette, sliced on the diagonal into ⅓-inch slices
- 1 head roasted garlic (can substitute roasted garlic spread)
- 6 ounces farmer’s cheese (can substitute ricotta)
Instructions
- Stir the tomatoes, vinegar, oil and basil together in a bowl. Season the mixture with salt and pepper.
- Turn the broiler on. Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet in a single layer and place under the broiler for a 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Squeeze the roasted garlic into a bowl. Add the cheese and mash them together until combined. Season the mixture with salt and pepper.
- Spread a small amount of the roasted garlic farmer’s cheese onto each slice of bread and top with some of the tomato mixture. Arrange the bruschetta on a platter and serve.
The Slow Roasted Italian says
These are beautiful Sonali! Thank you for sharing.
sonaliruder says
I just shared this on Thursday's Treasures
http://www.chocolatechocolateandmore.com/2012/08/thursdays-treasures_23.html
Amee Livingston says
So gorgeous, Sonal! I love bruschetta and your version is amazing (as usual;) Thank you for sharing with me!
The Hungry Goddess says
These look absolutely fabulous - and I love the farmer's cheese addition! YAY!
Rachael {Simply Fresh Cooking} says
Sometimes simple is all you need! This is going to be in my tummy soon... I'm thinking this would be so pretty to serve at a picnic.
sonaliruder says
I just joined Katherine Martinelli's Tomato Blog Hop with this recipe.
http://www.katherinemartinelli.com/blog/2012/heirloom-tomato-bruschetta-and-a-tomato-blog-hop/
sonaliruder says
I just linked up this recipe with Amee's Savory Dish- Fit & Fabulous Fridays.
http://www.ameessavorydish.com/2012/08/fit-and-fabulous-fridays-45.html
Grubarazzi says
I love your site! I am always trying to eat as healthfully and yummily (I know I know, not a word) as possible. Can't wait to look around. New follower!
Lynda @ TasteFood says
Ahhh, rustic, summer, bruschetta.... perfection.
Jackie @Syrup and Biscuits says
Summertime on plate. Gorgeous colors!
Fooibi says
Great recipe!
SpiderWomanATL says
This recipe reminded me of something fruity when I saw the photos. I have even made bagels with ricotta, raisins, sprinkle of cinnamon sugar and heated or broiled in a toaster over. Why not put some fresh fruits on a bagel in the same style as the bruschetta? It could be a fantastic breakfast!
laurenkellynutrition.com says
beautiful and delicious!! I wish I had these NOW 😉
ann says
The perfect taste of summer! I adore the addition of roasted garlic!
Terra says
Today I made a trip to the farmers market to get cherries, I am addicted right now. Oh my the tomatoes there, and they were all too beautiful! I love this recipe, it not only sounds wonderful, it looks stunning! Hugs, Terra
Stacy says
A feast for the eyes! As well as the stomach, I am sure. We love bruschetta at our house and I can't wait to give these gorgeous things a try!
Ann from Sumptuous Spoonfuls says
Sonali these are just gorgeous! I love how you mixed the cheese with roasted garlic ... sounds sooo good I might just make these babies for dinner tonight.
sonaliruder says
Thanks, Ann! Roasted garlic makes everything taste better! 🙂