Hot crusty bread is topped with garden fresh basil pesto, slow roasted tomatoes and a syrupy balsamic reduction.
Prep Time30 minutesmins
Cook Time6 hourshrs
Total Time6 hourshrs30 minutesmins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: Basil pesto bruschetta
Servings: 10Pieces
Calories: 200kcal
Ingredients
Homemade Basil Pesto or store-bought pesto
Slow Roasted Tomatoes:
1pintgrape tomatoes
1teaspoonextra virgin olive oil
¼teaspooncoarse kosher salt
¼teaspoonfreshly-cracked black pepper
Balsamic Syrup:
½cupbalsamic vinegar
1teaspoonhoney
Fresh crusty breadI recommend ciabatta, French, sourdough, or a whole grain baguette, sliced into ½'' thick slices.
Instructions
For the slow-roasted tomatoes:
Preheat the oven to 250 degrees. Place washed tomatoes on a baking sheet lined with foil. Sprinkle oil, salt and pepper on tomatoes and toss to coat. Roast for 6 hours, tossing the tomatoes on pan every 2 hours.
For the balsamic syrup:
Place balsamic vinegar and honey in a small sauce pan and whisk to combine. Heat the mixture on medium heat till it starts to simmer. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the mixture is reduced by half. It will look thick and syrupy. Remove from heat and transfer to storage container when done.
For the bread:
Add 1 teaspoon butter and 1 teaspoon olive oil to a skillet on medium heat. Toast the bread in the skillet for about 3 minutes on each side or until golden and crispy. Alternatively, you can toast the bread on a sheet pan in the oven, but I prefer the skillet method for flavor and texture!
Assembly:
Spread toasted bread slices with pesto, top with roasted tomatoes and a drizzle of the balsamic syrup. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
1. Slow roasted tomatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Toss them in hot pasta, grain salads, use as toppings for pizza, wraps and sandwiches. Or just enjoy them alone - they taste like candy!
2. Balsamic syrup will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 weeks. Drizzle on ice cream, fruit, salads, or use as a dip for bread.
3. Basil pesto will keep in a an airtight container in the fridge for 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Place plastic wrap on the surface of pesto to avoid discoloration. Use leftover pesto on chicken, grilled meats, sandwiches, pizza, salads, and eggs!