Description
Festive Christmas bruschetta wreath brings holiday cheer to your table with elegant Italian-inspired appetizer. Crisp baguette slices adorned with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil create a delightful seasonal centerpiece you’ll love serving at gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 French baguette, sliced into rounds
- 1 cup grape or heirloom tomatoes, halved
- 12 cup (118 ml) crispy bacon bits
- Fresh mozzarella
- Fresh burrata cheese
- Fresh ricotta cheese
Protein Additions:
- Prosciutto slices
- Salami slices
Seasonings and Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) fig jam
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet, brushing each piece with olive oil for a rich, golden crispness.
- Toast bread for 5-7 minutes until edges turn a delicate golden-brown, creating a crunchy foundation for the festive appetizer.
- Generously spread a creamy layer of ricotta, burrata, or fresh mozzarella across each toasted slice, ensuring complete coverage.
- Carefully place halved tomatoes atop the cheese, distributing them evenly for balanced flavor and visual appeal.
- Sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the tomatoes, adding a savory crunch to the delicate base.
- Delicately drape a slice of prosciutto or salami over each bruschetta, creating elegant layers of texture and taste.
- Enhance the flavor profile by drizzling honey or adding a dollop of fig jam, introducing a subtle sweet counterpoint.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, strategically placing them to provide a vibrant green accent and aromatic finish.
- Artfully arrange the bruschetta in a circular wreath shape on a festive serving platter, transforming the appetizer into a visually stunning holiday presentation.
- Serve immediately to ensure optimal temperature and crispness, delighting guests with this seasonal culinary creation.
Notes
- Customize cheese options for dietary needs by using dairy-free alternatives like cashew ricotta or almond-based spreads.
- Crisp baguette slices perfectly by ensuring even oil coating and watching closely during toasting to prevent burning.
- Elevate vegetarian version by replacing meat with roasted pine nuts or crispy mushroom bacon for protein and texture.
- Make ahead friendly by preparing toasted bread and prepping toppings separately, then assembling just before serving to maintain crunchiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg