Happy Earth Day! Today I’m celebrating with one of my favorite recipes: Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil Bruschetta.
Summer is getting ready to be in full swing and there’s nothing I look forward to more than fresh, organic tomatoes and basil from my mom’s garden. She’s got a green thumb to die for.
Which is definitely something I didn’t inherit.
And since Earth Day is nationally recognized… it has to be celebrated, right? I try to recognize Earth Day every day by being as “green” as possible. But what better way is there to celebrate than with a glass (or two) of Estancia wine?
Estancia is committed to renewable energy through their winery’s Solar Project, which generates 75% of the winery’s energy. I drank their Pinot Noir with this bruschetta, but their chardonnay would have paired nicely as well.
Honestly, I’m a beer and cocktail girl, but I must say I did enjoy this wine. I am by no means a wine connoisseur. When I drink wine, I either know if I like it or if I don’t. The smooth berry flavor of their Pinot Noir had me pouring a second third glass… but I was home and drinking responsibly.
My goal this year to help protect my earth is to avoid using pesticides, plant my own organic garden (help, Mama!) and recycle as much as I can.
I hope you enjoy this simple recipe that I prepared with organic ingredients.
Disclosure: Estancia Wine provided me with product for review and I was not compensated for this post. All opinions shared are my own. Please drink responsibly!
Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella Bruschetta
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 25 slices
Ingredients
- 2 cups sliced cherry tomatoes (about a 10 ounce container)
- ½ cup loosely packed coarsely chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, plus an additional ¼ cup for brushing baguette slices
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 (10 ounce) baguette, sliced about ½ inch thick
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 4 ounces)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
- Place sliced cherry tomatoes, basil, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Stir gently to combine; set aside to marinate.
- Place baguette slices on a large baking sheet. Brush remaining ¼ cup of olive oil over baguette slices. Top evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 5 to10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and slightly browned.
- Remove from oven and top with tomato mixture. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: tomato basil mozzarella bruschetta
Adapted from Southernboy Dishes
Love this simple, elegant appetizer! I especially love the melted cheese to add warmth to the dish. I’ve not seen this done with cherry tomatoes but love it!
Thanks for the wine notes, too! Wine you like is all that matters. That is what I look for.
Hope the trip continues to be a blast!