Easy Bruschetta

Bruschetta may be just an extravagant name for toast, but it is anything but ordinary. Serve this savory treat as an hors d'Oeuvre, appetizer or even as a light side dish with your next bowl of pasta. Get ready for crunch....

Bruschetta

                                                                                        © DJ Thorne 

Ingredients

• 8 thick slices crusty bread
• About 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 large clove garlic, halved
• 1/4 cup finely minced onion
•  2 or 3 Roma tomatoes, chopped
• 2 Tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated, plus more for sprinkling
• 1 Tbsp Italian dressing - or - 2 tsp each: olive oil & red wine vinegar
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

1. In small bowl, mix together the onion, tomatoes, Italian dressing and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and let set 20-30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
2. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Brush both sides of the bread slices with olive oil. Add to pan and grill until golden brown on both sides. Remove from heat and rub both sides of bread with the garlic slices.
3. Top each slice of bread with the tomato mixture. Sprinkle with the basil and, if desired, a little more grated Parmesan. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Note- If desired, after rubbing bread with the garlic,  you can top each with sliced or shredded mozzarella cheese and return to hot pan just until melted.

             8 Servings