Bruschetta is so easy to make and always a crowd pleaser. The popularity of this Italian favorite is no surprise, as it’s not only a simple appetizer, but also an ‘upscale’ finger food. While there are the traditional tomato-and-basil recipes, there are many more bruschetta varieties.

There is something about tomatoes and basil that just pairs so well. When you add cheese to the mix, even better. And if the cheese is a creamy spread… DIVINE!

The thing about bruschetta is that it can be a snack, an appetizer or even a whole meal. With this recipe, it can be either. If I’m on a “health kick” I’ll eat it as a meal. But, when I make it as an appetizer, I will eat 8 of these bad boys and get full before I start my meal.

I can’t help it, they are just so addicting!

I used balsamic glaze instead of balsamic vinegar because I like my bruschetta a little sweeter. However, balsamic vinegar works perfectly fine and is recommended.

I like to sauté my bread in garlic and olive oil to give it that extra flavor, but when you are making these for a crowd, just slice up the bread and serve as is with the spread and bruschetta.

I love serving this bruschetta recipe because it is so easy and quick, yet so “posh”. (Love it!)

Just mix, serve and voila! Your guests will be impressed!

Buon Appetito

Bruschetta and Creamy Goat Cheese Spread

Recipe

Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients

1 loaf French bread baguette, sliced into rounds

Bruschetta
4 Roma tomatoes, diced and lightly drained
2 tablespoons capers
½ white onion, diced
¼ cup basil, sliced
1 tablespoons parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Goat Cheese Spread
½ cup goat cheese
½ cup cream cheese
1 tablespoon cream or milk
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons green onions, chopped. About 2-3 onions
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

In a bowl mix together the tomatoes, capers, onions, cheese, garlic and basil. Then add the wet ingredients. Add salt and pepper to taste.

In a separate bowl, mix together the ingredients for the spread. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Take the slices of baguette, spread with goat cheese and top with bruschetta.

**Optional: you can toast the sliced pieces of baguette on a sauté pan with olive oil for 1 minute on each side to make a crispier and delicious crust.