This fantastic fennel bruschetta recipe is a delightful twist on the classic Italian appetizer. With the robust flavors of fennel, sweet cherry tomatoes, and tangy balsamic vinegar, every bite is bursting with freshness. The toasted bread adds a satisfying crunch, making it a perfect starter or snack. Whip up this easy recipe in just 20 minutes to impress your guests or enjoy it as a light meal any time of the day.
Ingredients
- 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 French baguette, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced fennel, cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss the ingredients gently until well coated and set aside to marinate for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Toast in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the toasted baguette slices from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Top each slice with a generous amount of the marinated fennel and tomato mixture.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Fennel is a versatile and aromatic herb often used in Mediterranean cuisine.
Fennel bulbs have a mild licorice flavor, which pairs exceptionally well with the sweet acidity of cherry tomatoes.
Bruschetta is derived from the Italian word 'bruscare,' which means 'to toast or char over coals.'