Valentine’s Day Appetizer – Bruschetta Hearts
Festive heart-shaped bruschetta made with crisp baguette hearts, juicy marinated tomatoes, fresh basil, and optional mozzarella. This Valentine’s Day appetizer is light, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 French baguette, sliced diagonally (about 24 slices)
4 ripe tomatoes, diced small
3 garlic cloves (2 minced, 1 whole)
¼ cup fresh basil, finely chopped
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
½ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
8 oz fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced (optional)
Optional: capers, diced red onion, or red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Cut baguette slices into heart shapes using a cookie cutter.
2. Place bread hearts on a baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil.
3. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes until lightly golden.
4. Rub warm toast with whole garlic clove for subtle garlic flavor.
5. Mix tomatoes, minced garlic, basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
6. Let tomato mixture rest 10 minutes for flavors to meld.
7. Spoon tomato topping onto toasted bread hearts.
8. Top with mozzarella if using and broil 1–2 minutes to melt.
9. Garnish with basil and serve immediately.
Notes
Tomato topping can be made up to 4 hours ahead.
Use very ripe tomatoes for best flavor.
Serve immediately to keep bread crisp.