Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil Bruschetta

Name: Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil Bruschetta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 36
Ingredients: 1 32-ounce can whole tomatoes, drained; 1 cup fresh basil leaves (washed and spun dry); 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 6 cloves garlic (peeled); Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; 2 large French baquettes (sliced 1-inch thick (about 36 slices)); 1 1/2 pounds fresh mozzarella cheese (sliced 1/4-inch thick)

15 MINPrep Time

5 MINCook Time

36Servings

by Giada De Laurentiis

Beginner

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Newman

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Bruschetta comes from the Italian word "brusciare" meaning 'to burn' or 'to toast'. In Italy, it's traditionally prepared by toasting the bread, then rubbing it with garlic and drizzling with olive oil before serving. However, here in the US, when we think of bruschetta, what we usually think of is this delicious tomato, mozzarella and basil variation that we've all grown to know and love.

Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil Bruschetta

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

5 minutes

Image of Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil Bruschetta

Ingredients

1 32-ounce can whole tomatoes, drained
1 cup fresh basil leaves (washed and spun dry)
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
6 cloves garlic (peeled)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 large French baquettes (sliced 1-inch thick (about 36 slices))
1 1/2 pounds fresh mozzarella cheese (sliced 1/4-inch thick)

Instructions

Originally seen on Everyday Italian. Episode: Cocktail Party.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
In the bowl of a food processor, add drained tomatoes, 1 cup basil leaves, olive oil and 2 cloves garlic. Pulse until smooth, but somewhat chunky. Season with salt and pepper.
On a baking sheet, line up baguette slices. Toast in oven for about 3 minutes or until light golden brown. Working quickly, rub the remaining garlic on the toasted side of each slice and then lay a piece of mozzarella cheese on top. Place bread back in oven and melt cheese slightly, about 45 seconds. Remove from oven and spread one tablespoon of the tomato mixture on each piece.
Place bruschetta on decorative platter and garnish with basil leaves.