Halloween: Easy Fresh Tomato Basil Crostini Recipe

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Easy Fresh Tomato Basil Crostini Recipe

I think it's undeniable that one of the best parts of summer is availability of super-fresh produce. For me, it's one of the most enjoyable things in life.

No matter whether you grow your own or buy locally from your neighborhood farmer's market, what's important is that you take advantage of summer's bounty of amazing vegetables. This crostini recipe has many variations, and I will be sharing two of my favorites with you. Here is the first!

These lunch-sized crostini call for a few simple ingredients and are relatively quick and easy to make.

You will need:

Garden fresh tomatoes

Fresh basil (can use another herb if you prefer)

Baugette or long loaf crusty French bread

Flavored cream cheese spread (such as chive or vegetable flavor)

Mozzarella cheese

Baking sheet and oven

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Slice your baguette in half lengthwise, and then cut each half into 6" sections with a diagonal cut.

Wash and section your tomatoes and wash your herbs.

Spread each baguette section with a good coating of the flavored cream cheese spread and then place each on your baking sheet. My rule of thumb is not too thin and not too thick - but just right!

Now sprinkle each section with mozzarella cheese, as you would when making a pizza.

Top each with tomato slices...the photo above shows the basil too, but after baking these I found that if you put the basil on too soon it burns...so bake these with only the tomato, and then add the basil about half way through baking.

Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 10-15 minutes, until mozzarella cheese melts.