Simple short cut bruschetta has all the flavours of traditional Italian bruschetta, but can be make in a pinch with pantry items!
2020 has been the year to get creative with pantry items in my meal plans!
It has also been the year where I am sure more bread has been baked at home than ever before!
We can't have all that naked bread - you must top your fresh bread with this shortcut bruschetta!
While authentic Italian Bruschetta is made with fresh tomatoes, but this 2020 version is using up canned tomatoes you already have!
Canned vs fresh tomatoes
Besides being really convenient, more readily available, and pre cut, canned tomatoes also have a bit of salt added to them - which in this case is a good thing for flavour.
Canned tomatoes are prepared at peak freshness, too. The perfect tomato ripeness flavor is more predictable with the canned variety.
Canned tomatoes are also cooked tomatoes, where as fresh have the skins and are uncooked. This makes a bit of a different texture for this version of bruschetta than its traditional Italian counterpart.
You can absolutely use fresh tomatoes if you have them.
What's needed for Bruschetta?
As with the traditional Italian version, this pantry version uses tomatoes (canned), cheese, basil (dried), onion, oil, and garlic.
This version has a pinch of sugar - don't skip it.
Do I have to add sugar?
The sugar is used in this pantry friendly version to neutralize the canned tomatoes. Not adding the sugar will make your bruschetta very acidic tasting.
How can you use bruschetta on your meal plans?
- The traditional way - on top of toasted baguette!
- Serve it on top of pasta.
- Top baked or grilled chicken with it.
- Add as a salad topper.
- Load it up on top of this Chicken Parm
Dried vs Fresh Basil
The goal with this recipe is to utilize what is in your pantry and avoid going to the grocery store. This recipe would be awesome with fresh basil - and if you have it, for sure use it!
But, know that you don't need a special grocery store visit for fresh basil.
Are you ready to add this shortcut bruschetta to your meal plans this week?!
If you make it, tag me @mealplanaddict on Instagram so I can see your version!
Recipe
Simple Shortcut Bruschetta { with canned tomatoes}
Ingredients
- 796 ml can of diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup fresh grated parmesan
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- pinch salt
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients into a medium bowl.
- Gently combine and refrigerate for an hour.
- Use within 2-3 days.
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