Juicy strawberries, fresh mint, and tangy balsamic combine on toasted baguette slices for a vibrant appetizer.
# Components:
→ Bruschetta Base
01 - 1 French baguette, sliced into 8 pieces
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 clove garlic, peeled
→ Strawberry Topping
04 - 1.5 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
05 - 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
06 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
07 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
08 - Pinch of sea salt
09 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste
→ Balsamic Reduction
10 - 0.25 cup balsamic vinegar
11 - 1 teaspoon sugar, optional
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides lightly with olive oil.
02 - Toast in the oven for 4 to 5 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crisp. Remove from oven and rub one side of each slice with the garlic clove while warm.
03 - In a bowl, combine strawberries, mint, honey or maple syrup, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to combine.
04 - Add balsamic vinegar and sugar, if using, to a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until thickened and syrupy. Let cool slightly.
05 - Spoon generous amounts of the strawberry mixture onto each toasted baguette slice.
06 - Drizzle with balsamic reduction and serve immediately.
