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- 1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped - 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped - 1 clove garlic, minced - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling - Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste - 1/2 teaspoon balsamic glaze (for drizzling) - Fresh parsley leaves for garnish (optional) You can add many fun flavors to make this wreath special. Here are some ideas: - Add diced bell peppers for crunch. - Use goat cheese instead of mozzarella for a tangy twist. - Mix in olives for a salty bite. - Consider roasted red peppers for extra color. - Try different herbs like oregano or thyme for a new taste. When picking your ingredients, choose fresh options for the best taste: - Look for ripe cherry tomatoes that are firm and bright. - Select mozzarella balls that are soft and creamy. - Fresh basil should smell fragrant and look vibrant. - For the baguette, pick one with a crisp crust. - Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for rich flavor. These choices will help make your Christmas bruschetta wreath festive and delicious! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for crisp bread. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help the bread not stick. Slice your French baguette into 1/2-inch rounds. Arrange each slice on the baking sheet in a single layer. With a brush, coat one side of each slice with olive oil. This adds flavor and helps them crisp up. Bake the baguette slices for 5-7 minutes. Look for a golden brown color. Remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Grab a medium mixing bowl and add halved cherry tomatoes. Next, add halved mozzarella balls and chopped basil. Toss in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. This will bring all the flavors together. Add salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Gently toss everything to coat well. Make sure each piece is covered with the tasty mix. Take each toasted baguette slice. Spoon the tomato and mozzarella mixture generously onto the oiled side. Make sure to cover them well. Now, it’s time to make the wreath shape. Carefully arrange the bruschetta slices on a large round serving platter. Overlap the slices slightly for a festive look. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the top for a sweet touch. If you like, add more olive oil for richness. For a bright finish, garnish with fresh parsley leaves around the edge. Serve immediately while warm and crispy. Enjoy this festive treat! Toasting the baguette is key for perfect crunch. Start by cutting the baguette into 1/2 inch rounds. This thickness gives a nice bite. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps to prevent sticking. Brush one side of each slice with extra virgin olive oil. This adds flavor and keeps the bread crisp. Bake for 5-7 minutes, watching closely. You want them to turn golden brown. Let them cool for a few minutes before topping. The topping is where the magic happens. Start with fresh ingredients for the best taste. Use sweet cherry tomatoes and creamy mozzarella balls. Mix these with sun-dried tomatoes for a punch. Add chopped basil for freshness and minced garlic for depth. Drizzle in olive oil to bind the flavors. Season with salt and cracked pepper. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. This helps each bite burst with flavor. Presentation makes your bruschetta wreath a showstopper. Arrange the toasted slices in a circle on a large platter. Overlap them slightly to create a wreath shape. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the top for a sweet touch. For added richness, drizzle more olive oil. Garnish the outer edge with fresh parsley leaves. This adds a pop of color and makes it festive. Serve immediately while the bread is warm and crispy. Guests will love the look and taste! Pro Tips Use Day-Old Bread: Using slightly stale baguette slices enhances the crispiness when baked, making them perfect for holding toppings. Add a Kick: For a spicy twist, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato and mozzarella mixture. Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to mix in other ingredients like olives or artichokes for a unique flavor profile. Make Ahead: Prepare the topping mixture in advance and assemble just before serving to keep the bread crisp. {{image_4}} For a great vegetarian option, try using roasted bell peppers or grilled zucchini. Both add nice color and flavor. You can also add sliced olives for a briny kick. For those who love spice, consider sprinkling on some red pepper flakes. These toppings will keep your bruschetta fresh and vibrant. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread instead of a baguette. Look for gluten-free baguettes or use rice cakes. Even crisped polenta rounds can work well. Just make sure to toast them until they are crispy. This will give you a sturdy base for the toppings. Herbs and spices can really change the taste of your bruschetta. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano complement the tomatoes nicely. You can also try a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a warm flavor. For a herbal twist, add a touch of pesto to the topping mix. Each of these options brings a new layer of flavor to your dish. To keep your leftover bruschetta fresh, place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to two days. If you leave it out, the bread will become soft. To prevent sogginess, store the toppings separately. This way, you can enjoy crispy bread later. When you reheat bruschetta, you want to keep it crispy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bruschetta on a baking sheet. Heat it for about 5-7 minutes. If you have toppings in the fridge, add them after reheating. This keeps the flavors fresh and vibrant. You can freeze the components of your bruschetta wreath. For the bread, slice it and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Place it in a freezer bag. It can last up to three months. For the toppings, mix them and put them in a freezer-safe container. Defrost them in the fridge when you are ready to use them. Yes, you can prepare the topping mixture a day ahead. Store it in the fridge. Just toast the baguette slices right before serving. This keeps them crisp and fresh. If you need a change, use feta or goat cheese. Both add a nice tang. Fresh ricotta is also a great choice for creaminess. To add holiday flair, use red and green toppings. Consider adding diced bell peppers or pomegranate seeds. You could also use festive herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor. Yes! Use vegan cheese or skip cheese entirely. Add more veggies like avocado or olives. You can still have a tasty and colorful dish without dairy. This blog post covered making a bruschetta wreath. We explored a full list of ingredients, tips for choosing them, and ways to customize your recipe. I shared easy step-by-step instructions for prepping, assembling, and toasting. We also looked at fun variations, storage tips, and common questions about the dish. In the end, you can create a unique and festive appetizer that everyone will love. Enjoy making this dish for your next gathering!

Christmas Bruschetta Wreath

A festive and delicious bruschetta wreath made with fresh ingredients, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 French baguette sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 2 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved
  • 1 4 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • to taste Salt and freshly cracked pepper
  • 1 2 teaspoon balsamic glaze (for drizzling)
  • optional Fresh parsley leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Place the baguette slices on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Using a brush, lightly coat one side of each slice with olive oil for added flavor and crispness.
  • Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake the baguette slices for about 5-7 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and become crispy. Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, halved mozzarella balls, chopped basil, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and minced garlic. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss to coat the ingredients evenly.
  • Take each toasted baguette slice and generously spoon the flavorful tomato and mozzarella mixture onto the oiled side, making sure to cover them well.
  • Carefully arrange the bruschetta slices on a large round serving platter in the shape of a wreath. Overlap the slices slightly to create a visually appealing and festive design.
  • Drizzle balsamic glaze over the top of the bruschetta wreath for a touch of sweetness and sophistication. If you like, add an extra drizzle of olive oil for richness.
  • For a touch of elegance, garnish the outer edge of the wreath with fresh parsley leaves, which will add a vibrant pop of color. Serve immediately while the bread is still warm and crispy.

Notes

Serve immediately while the bread is still warm and crispy.
Keyword appetizer, bruschetta, holiday, wreath