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If you’re hunting for the perfect bite to kick off your holiday gatherings, look no further. I’ve whipped up these **Mini Bruschetta with Tomato & Basil** for every Christmas Party Food Appetizers situation you can imagine—be it a cozy family Christmas Eve Appetizers spread or a full-on Holiday Party Appetizers lineup. Picture this: crisp toasted baguette slathered with garlicky olive oil, piled high with juicy tomatoes and fresh basil. It’s like a little festive miracle on a plate! I first stumbled on this recipe at a tiny café last winter, and honestly, it stole the show faster than you can say “Xmas Appetizers.”
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Another finger food idea?” But trust me, these aren’t your average Christmas Finger Food Ideas For Parties throw-ins. They pack flavor, look gorgeous next to a Christmas Charcuterie Board, and they’re so easy that even my notoriously picky cousin can’t resist grabbing three or four (or six). Whether you’re serving Christmas Dinner Appetizers or sneaking a quick Holiday Appetizers Easy snack, these mini bruschetta hold their own. FYI, they also double as Christmas Snacks For Party prep if you need to prep ahead. Ready to dive into the simplest, most satisfying little bites you’ll make this holiday? Let’s do this!
Ingredients
- 1 small baguette (about 1 lb), sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 ripe Roma tomatoes, diced (about 2 cups)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chiffonade
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: a splash of balsamic glaze or reduction
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- I brush each baguette round with about 1 tsp of olive oil and place them on the sheet. No soggy bread here—just golden, crispy perfection.
- Toast slices for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until they turn light golden. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a bowl, combine diced tomatoes, minced garlic, 3 tbsp olive oil, and basil. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss gently.
- Top each toasted round with a spoonful of the tomato mixture. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle **balsamic glaze** over the top.
- Serve immediately or let them chill for 10 minutes—both ways rock!
Variations
Want to mix it up? Here are a few creative spins:
- Cheesy Delight: Add a sliver of fresh mozzarella or a sprinkle of shaved Parmesan before you spoon on the tomato mix.
- Pesto Twist: Swap half the olive oil in the tomato mix for basil pesto for an herby punch.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the tomato topping.
Serving & Tips
These mini bruschetta shine as **Christmas appetizers** at any festive table. I like to arrange them on a wooden board next to my Christmas Charcuterie Board with cured meats, olives, and cheese. It creates that “wow” factor without turning your kitchen into a stress zone.
Love planning ahead? You can dice the tomatoes and mix them with garlic and oil up to 4 hours in advance—just keep it chilled. Toast your baguette rounds right before guests arrive to keep them crisp. If you need more Holiday Party Appetizers options, try pairing these with stuffed mushrooms or a simple cheese ball. IMO, variety always scores points!
Storage tip: Store the tomato mix separately in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Toasted bread lasts in a sealed bag at room temp for 1–2 days. Assemble at the last minute for peak freshness.
Final Thoughts
Who knew that just three ingredients could deliver such a flavorful punch? These mini bruschetta transport me back to snow-dusted rooftops and warm café lights every time I bite into them. They balance the nostalgia of classic Holiday appetizers with a fresh, modern twist—no wonder they land on my Christmas Eve Appetizers shortlist every year. Ready to steal the show at your next party?
Trust me, your guests will be begging for the recipe, and you’ll look like a kitchen wizard. No hooded robes or mysterious potions required—just good bread, tomatoes, and basil (plus a dash of holiday cheer).
Caprese Santa Hat Skewers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse cherry tomatoes and pat dry. Drain mozzarella balls and gently remove excess moisture.
- Slice cherry tomatoes in half horizontally. Use the pointed half as the Santa hat top.
- Thread one tomato half (pointed side up) onto a toothpick, followed by a mozzarella ball, folded basil leaf, and another tomato half (flat side down) to complete the Santa hat look.
- Sprinkle skewers with salt and pepper to taste.
- Arrange skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh pesto, prosciutto strips, or chili flakes.
- Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes before serving to help maintain shape and freshness.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!FAQs
Can I make the tomato topping ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep the tomato and basil mix up to 4 hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Toss again before topping your toasts.
What’s the best bread for bruschetta?
I prefer a small baguette for that perfect crisp-to-topping ratio. Ciabatta works too if you like a chewier bite.
Can I freeze the toasted rounds?
You can freeze them in a sealed bag for up to a month. Re-toast in the oven for a few minutes to crisp them back up.
How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
Toast the slices until they’re golden before adding the topping. Serve right away or let them rest for just 5–10 minutes so the bread stays firm.
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