Description
Bright, simple, and show-stopping, this bruschetta wreath pairs ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil with creamy white cheese atop crunchy baguette rounds. It’s fast to pull together and makes a pretty centerpiece for holiday snacking.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 ripe Roma tomatoes, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (plus 1 extra clove for rubbing the toast)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 baguette, cut into 1/2-inch slices
- 1/2 cup soft white cheese (ricotta, softened cream cheese, or small mozzarella pearls)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs, for decoration
- Optional: freshly grated Parmesan and/or pomegranate arils for color
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay the baguette rounds in a single layer on a baking tray and bake 5–7 minutes, or until they’re nicely golden and crisp.
- Remove the toasts from the oven and, while still warm, rub each slice gently with the cut face of the extra garlic clove to infuse a subtle garlic aroma.
- In a medium bowl, mix the diced Roma tomatoes, chopped basil, the minced garlic, and the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and let the mixture sit about 10 minutes so the flavors meld and some juices develop.
- Fold the soft white cheese into the tomato mixture with a gentle hand, keeping some small cheese pieces intact for creamy texture.
- On a round serving platter, overlap the toasted baguette slices in a circle to form a wreath shape.
- Spoon a portion of the tomato-and-cheese topping onto each toast, keeping the edges visible for a rustic look.
- Tuck rosemary sprigs between the slices for a festive touch. Finish with a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan or scatter pomegranate seeds for a bright pop, if using.
- Serve right away so the bread stays crisp and the topping tastes fresh.
Notes
- Prevent soggy toast: Assemble just before serving; keep the tomato topping and toasts stored separately if preparing ahead.
- Substitutions: Swap goat cheese or burrata for the white cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Extra color: Pomegranate arils or dried cranberries add holiday flair and a tart contrast.