Upgrade This Italian Appetizer With One Extra Prep Step

A flavor-packed appetizer doesn't need to be fussy — a delectable simplicity showcased by bruschetta. The centuries-old dish savvily repurposes crusty bread with a garnish of chopped ripe tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and a dash of basil. It's a basic formula that, when assembled with top-grade ingredients, yields a bite greater than the sum of its parts. With tomatoes seemingly becoming less flavorful, it pays off to add one extra prep step and roast the cornerstone ingredient.

The cooking technique enhances tomato's sweet-savory flavors, significantly upping the levels of umami. Plus, you can roast with any variety of tomato, whether small cherry, off-season Roma, or even canned (an unexpectedly flavorful choice).

Keep tomatoes whole or cut them (and drain them when using canned tomatoes), then lay them out on a pan covered with aluminum foil. Drizzle everything with olive oil and roast it all in a moderately hot oven (about 400 degrees Fahrenheit) until the texture turns jammy yet not disintegrated. Depending on the variety, roasting times vary, so keep an eye on the fruit during preparation. Top your roasted spread onto toasted country-style bread – the best for bruschetta – and enjoy a top-tier appetizer even in the heart of tomato off-season.

In Italy, bruschetta is traditionally kept to a sparse few ingredients, not strictly limited to tomatoes and basil. For instance, Sardinians craft a version using exclusively wood-fire roasted local bread, olive oil and salt — while in Tuscany, some add a delicate layer of lard to the classic tomato formula. So whether you're dealing with bland fruit or simply want to incorporate a flavorful twist, consider slight, savvy enhancements alongside the roasted tomatoes.

Looking to amp up the tomato's natural sugar? Add an extra flavor profile to your bruschetta by using honey. Select among the many varieties of the sweetener and drizzle before or after roasting for varied palates. Alternatively, accentuate the bruschetta's umami with beloved Italian ingredients like parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. You can also incorporate aromatics like garlic, rosemary, thyme, or oregano for a classic Mediterranean flair. Meanwhile, for complex tanginess, mix in a small spoonful of red wine vinegar or balsamic.

Further mouth-watering accompaniments await while serving the bruschetta. Add a layer of ricotta for a soft, dairy dimension, or dollop on crème fraîche for an airier rendition. Top with the quintessential basil, salt, and a spoonful of olive oil, and this appetizer won't disappoint.