Strawberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta

As summer approaches, it brings with it the sweet surprise of delicious and juicy fruit you can enjoy in many ways. Strawberry goat cheese Bruschetta is one of the dishes that combines sweet flavor of summer with goat cheese to make morsels of fresh flavors.

Made with ripe, sweet and juicy strawberries over goat cheese and crispy bruschetta, this appetizer is a people favorite. As soon as strawberries start rolling into the super markets, many people start looking forward to enjoying this treat on a warm sunny day with a tall glass of lemonade, or white wine.

You can try this blend of unique and complimenting flavors this summer with this easy and quick recipe.

Health Benefits

Strawberries are known sources of antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins, minerals and numerous other nutrients. They are especially rich in Vitamin C, folate, potassium, manganese, magnesium and dietary fiber. The nutrients in the goat cheese and other ingredients also add to the nutritional value of the dish making it a great source of carbohydrates, vitamins and dietary fiber.

Ingredients

balsamic vinegar: 1 cup

french baguette (cut into 10 slices): 1

olive oil: 2 tsp

pinch salt or to taste: 1

pinch or to taste: 1

strawberries (stems removed and thinly sliced): 1/2 cup

goat cheese (softened and crumbled): 1/2 cup

fresh basil (chopped): 1 tbsp

balsamic glaze: 2 tbsp

How To Make Strawberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta

Balsamic Glaze

1. Heat a small saucepan over a medium flame and add 1 cup of balsamic vinegar. Heat until it starts to boil.
2. Reduce the heat to a low and let it simmer for 20 more minutes or until the sauce has reduced by half.
3. To check, dip a spoon in the glaze, if it leaves a thin film then it is ready. Remove from flame and refrigerate until needed.
4. If the glaze thickens too much while resting, add ¼ tsp. water at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

Strawberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta

1. Preheat your over to 400 degree F.
2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the baguette slices on the baking tray about 1 inch apart, brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Bake in the over for 5 minutes or until they turn lightly golden brown and crispy. Remember to not toast the bread for too long.
5. While the bread is warm, spread or sprinkle the top with goat cheese and layer strawberry slices on top.
6. Sprinkle chopped basil and drizzle balsamic vinegar as desired.
7. Serve warm while chewy.

Trivia

• Bruschetta gets its name from the Italian verb bruscar form the Roman dialect, which means “to roast over coals”. This maybe so because in Italy, bread for bruschetta is baked over coal.
• In France, strawberries are considered to be aphrodisiacs and are served to newlywed couples at traditional wedding breakfast in the form of a sweet soup.