Description
A festive and easy-to-make Christmas bruschetta wreath featuring toasted baguette slices topped with a fresh tomato, basil, garlic, and soft cheese mixture, garnished with rosemary sprigs and optional Parmesan for a perfect holiday appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Tomato Mixture
- 4 ripe Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup soft white cheese (ricotta, cream cheese, or mozzarella pearls)
- Optional: Grated Parmesan
Bread and Garnish
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 garlic clove, for rubbing
- Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Toast Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes or until they turn golden and crisp.
- Garlic Rub: While the bread is still warm, rub each toasted slice with the cut side of a garlic clove to impart a subtle garlic flavor.
- Prepare Tomato Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped basil, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Allow this mixture to rest for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Combine Cheese: Gently fold the soft white cheese into the tomato mixture to add creaminess and richness to the topping.
- Arrange Bread: On a round serving platter, arrange the toasted baguette slices in a circular pattern to create a wreath shape.
- Top Bruschetta: Spoon the tomato and cheese mixture generously onto each baguette slice.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the bruschetta wreath with fresh rosemary sprigs and sprinkle with grated Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use ripe Roma tomatoes for the best flavor and less watery topping.
- Soft white cheeses like ricotta, cream cheese, or mozzarella pearls all work well depending on preference.
- For a stronger garlic flavor, rub the baguette slices while still warm immediately after toasting.
- Serve immediately to keep the baguette crispy and toppings fresh.
- Optional Parmesan adds a savory, salty finish but can be omitted for a milder taste.
- Fresh rosemary sprigs add festive color and a subtle pine aroma, enhancing the holiday presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Christmas appetizer, festive bruschetta, holiday appetizer, tomato basil bruschetta, easy holiday recipe, vegetarian appetizer
