Christmas Tree Bruschetta
This Christmas Tree Bruschetta is a showstopping holiday appetizer that’s as delicious as it is festive. Crisp toasted baguette slices are topped with a garlicky tomato-basil mixture, fresh mozzarella “ornaments,” and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, all arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree. It’s fresh, flavorful, and guaranteed to wow your holiday guests.
Servings: 10
Ingredients
- 1 baguette cut into ½-inch thick slices diagonally
- 1 ½ pounds Roma tomatoes about 6, cored and diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus more for brushing the baguette
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 8 ounces sliced fresh mozzarella
- 20 fresh basil leaves plus more for garnish
- Flaky sea salt optional for garnish
- Balsamic glaze optional for garnish
Instructions
- Toast the bread – Preheat your oven to 400°F. Arrange baguette slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush both sides with olive oil. Bake for 7–10 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Mix up the bruschetta topping – In a medium bowl, stir together the diced tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Set aside so all those flavors can mingle.
- Make the “ornaments” – Lay out your mozzarella slices and use a small round cookie cutter (or the end of a piping tip) to punch out about 15–20 little circles. Instant cheesy ornaments!
- Assemble the tree – Arrange your toasted baguette slices in the shape of a Christmas tree on a platter. Tuck fresh basil leaves around the edges for a leafy “garland,” saving a few to slice up for garnish.
- Decorate and serve – Spoon the tomato mixture over each toast, scatter the mozzarella ornaments on top, sprinkle with sliced basil, a little flaky sea salt, and finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Serve right away for the biggest wow factor.