Cherry Tomato Baguette Recipe – Easy Italian Appetizer

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Cherry Tomato Baguette Recipe – Easy Italian Appetizer

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, delicious appetizer that’s guaranteed to impress. This Cherry Tomato Baguette recipe is exactly that. I first stumbled upon a version of this at a little Italian cafe years ago, and I’ve been tweaking it ever since to make it just perfect. It’s become a staple at my get-togethers – seriously, it disappears in minutes! Let’s get baking, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another appetizer; it’s a burst of fresh, Mediterranean flavors on a crispy baguette slice. It’s unbelievably easy to make, requiring minimal effort and ingredients. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up those gorgeous cherry tomatoes you find at the market. Honestly, who doesn’t love a warm, garlicky, tomato-y bite?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful snack:

• 1 Baguette bread / French loaf
• 30 Cherry tomatoes
• 1 Onion
• 1 tablespoon Garlic
• 2 tablespoons Coriander leaves
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• As needed Salt
• As needed Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper powder

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because a few little things can really elevate this recipe!

• Baguette: The baguette is the star of the show, so choose wisely! A good quality, crusty baguette makes all the difference. Look for one that’s baked fresh that day if possible.
• Cherry Tomatoes: I love using a mix of colors – red, yellow, and orange – for a beautiful presentation. But honestly, any variety will work wonderfully.
• Olive Oil: Don’t skimp on the olive oil! Extra virgin olive oil is highly recommended for its rich flavor and aroma. It really makes a difference.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s easier than you think.

1. First, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Now, let’s prep the tomatoes. Halve those cherry tomatoes lengthwise and set them aside.
3. Next, finely chop your onion, coriander leaves, and garlic. Don’t worry about being too precise – a little rustic charm is perfectly fine!
4. In a bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped onion, coriander, garlic, black pepper, oregano, and about 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil. Give it a good mix.
5. Time for the baguette! Slice it diagonally into ½-inch thick pieces.
6. Arrange the baguette slices on a greased baking tray. Spoon about 3 tablespoons of that gorgeous tomato mixture onto each slice.
7. Drizzle generously with olive oil. Don’t be shy!
8. Bake for 5-8 minutes, or until the tomatoes soften and the aroma fills your kitchen. It’s heavenly.
9. Serve immediately as a warm appetizer and watch them disappear!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years:

• Don’t overcrowd the baking tray. Give the baguette slices some space so they get nice and crispy.
• Keep a close eye on them while they’re baking. Ovens vary, so you might need to adjust the baking time slightly.
• A sprinkle of flaky sea salt after baking adds a lovely finishing touch.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: My friend, who’s gluten-free, loves this with a gluten-free baguette! It works beautifully.
• Spice Level: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato mixture. My family loves a little kick!
• Festival Adaptations: This is perfect for Christmas or New Year’s Eve. It’s a crowd-pleaser and feels festive with the bright colors of the tomatoes.

Serving Suggestions

This Cherry Tomato Baguette is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with:

• A simple green salad
• A glass of chilled white wine
• A creamy dip like hummus or tzatziki

Storage Instructions

Honestly, this is best enjoyed fresh! But if you happen to have leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. Just be aware that the baguette will lose some of its crispness. A quick reheat in the oven can help, but it won’t be quite the same.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is this appetizer best served immediately? Absolutely! It’s at its best when the baguette is warm and crispy.
• Can I use different types of tomatoes? Yes, you can! Grape tomatoes or even diced Roma tomatoes would work in a pinch.
• What kind of baguette works best? A classic French baguette with a good crust is ideal.
• Can I prepare the tomato mixture ahead of time? Yes, you can! You can make the tomato mixture up to a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the olive oil right before assembling.
• How can I adjust the baking time? Keep an eye on the tomatoes. You want them to be softened and slightly blistered, but not burnt. Start checking at 5 minutes and adjust accordingly.

Enjoy! I really hope you give this recipe a try. Let me know what you think in the comments below!