Ingredients
Bread and Cheese
- 1 loaf Ciabatta (10.5oz/300g), divided into 16 slices
- Fresh Mozzarella, thinly sliced and patted dry - 4.5oz/125g
- Freshly grated Parmesan - 1/3 cup / 30g
Bruschetta Mix
- Fresh Tomatoes, diced - 10.5oz / 300g
- Red Onion, finely diced - 1/2 small
- Fresh Basil, finely diced - approximately 2 heaped tbsp (1/2 small bunch)
- Garlic Clove, peeled - 1
Other
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil - 1/4 cup / 60ml
- Salt and Pepper - to taste
- Balsamic Glaze (optional) - to serve
Instructions
- Prepare Bruschetta Mix: Dice the fresh tomatoes and press them gently on a chopping board using paper towels to remove excess moisture. Combine the drained tomatoes with finely diced red onion, fresh basil, 1/2 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, and season with a good pinch of salt and pepper in a medium mixing bowl. Mix well to create the bruschetta topping.
- Prepare Ciabatta Slices: Brush one side of all 16 ciabatta slices with extra virgin olive oil. Arrange half of the slices oil-side-down on your workspace or plate.
- Assemble Sandwiches: On the oil-side-down slices, layer thinly sliced mozzarella evenly. Spoon the bruschetta mix over the cheese, then sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan. Top each with another slice of ciabatta, oil-side-up, and gently press down to secure the filling and form sandwiches.
- Cook on Griddle or Frying Pan: Heat a griddle or frying pan over medium heat (or medium-high for a more charred exterior, though cheese might not melt fully). Place sandwiches in the pan and cook until the bottom side is golden and lightly charred, then carefully flip.
- Garlic Rub and Finish Cooking: After flipping, gently rub the top side of the sandwich with the peeled garlic clove. Continue cooking the other side until golden and cheese is melted. Place garlic-rubbed side down on a serving board, then rub the remaining garlic on the sandwich tops for added flavor.
- Serve: Depending on pan size, cook in batches as needed. Serve sandwiches warm with a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top for a delicious finish.
Notes
- Use a firm bread like ciabatta, French bread, or sourdough to hold the juicy bruschetta filling without becoming soggy.
- Patting the tomato and mozzarella dry is essential to prevent sogginess during cooking.
- Balsamic glaze is optional but highly recommended. To make your own, simmer 1 cup (240ml) balsamic vinegar with 1 tablespoon brown sugar for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
- Calories listed are per sandwich without balsamic glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American, Italian