This classic Italian appetizer starts with toasted French bread slices topped with tomatoes, fresh basil, cheese and balsamic vinegar. It's finger food at its best.
1 loaf French bread, cut into 1/4" slices
1 T. extra virgin olive oil
8 roma/plum tomatoes, diced
1/3 c. chopped fresh basil
1 oz. Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 T. good quality balsamic vinegar
2 t. extra virgin olive oil
1/4 t. Kosher salt
1/8 t. freshly ground black pepper
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Brush bread slices on both sides lightly with 1 T. olive oil; place on large baking sheet. Toast bread in oven until golden, 5 - 10 minutes, flipping over halfway through. Remove from oven.
While bread is toasting, toss together tomatoes, basil, cheese, and garlic in a bowl.
Stir in vinegar, 2 t. olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Spoon tomato mixture on toasted bread slices.
Serve immediately.
8 servings.