Heart-Shaped Bruschetta with Cherry Tomato and Bacon Topping Recipe
This heart-shaped bruschetta recipe features perfectly toasted French baguette slices topped with a flavorful mixture of cherry tomatoes, red onion, fresh basil, and crispy bacon. Finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, this appetizer is a charming and delicious crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for parties or a romantic snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 French baguette, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Topping
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for toasting the bread slices.
- Prepare the Bread: Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil. Toast them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown. For a charming touch, shape the bread slices into hearts before toasting.
- Make the Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine the diced cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, fresh basil, crumbled cooked bacon, minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Toss everything gently until well mixed.
- Assemble the Bruschetta: Once the bread is toasted and warm, remove it from the oven. Spoon generous amounts of the tomato and bacon mixture onto each slice.
- Serve: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the topped bruschetta slices if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the bread’s crispiness and the fresh flavors of the topping.
Notes
- You can shape the bread slices with a cookie cutter into hearts before toasting for a festive presentation.
- Use fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and add extra basil or a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
- Balsamic glaze adds a sweet tang but is optional if preferred to keep it light.
- Make sure to serve immediately to maintain the crunchiness of the toasted bread.
Keywords: bruschetta, heart-shaped bruschetta, appetizer, Italian appetizer, tomato bruschetta, bacon bruschetta, easy party food