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This easy holiday bruschetta wreath creates a stunning centerpiece for Christmas get-togethers with your loved ones and always wins compliments. The combo of zesty, clean flavors and the circular wreath display adds a special holiday vibe to any table. It's so quick that you can throw it together even when you're short on time before company shows up.
The first time I whipped this up for Christmas Eve snacks I was shocked how fast it disappeared. Now every December my niece checks if the "bruschetta wreath" will make an appearance again. It's become something we can't skip in our family.
Collect Your Ingredients
- Ripe Roma tomatoes: These stay firm and deliver wonderful sweetness so grab ones that feel solid with deep red coloring
- Fresh basil leaves: Adds punch and pretty green notes pick bright leaves without any brown edges
- Garlic cloves: Used in the mixture and for bread seasoning look for solid heads without soft spots
- Extra virgin olive oil: Creates rich smoothness try to find one marked as cold pressed for best taste
- Salt and pepper: Lifts all the fresh components try kosher salt or coarse black pepper if you have them
- Baguette: Cut into rounds that toast beautifully choose something fresh and slightly airy
- Soft white cheese: Try ricotta, cream cheese or tiny mozzarella balls for creamy balance against the tomatoes pick something mild and spreadable
- Optional toppings: Such as fresh rosemary sprigs or grated Parmesan for holiday flair grab quality fresh herbs and real Parmesan for top results
How to Make It
- Prep and Toast the Bread:
- Put your baguette slices on a big cookie sheet with space between each piece. Cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until they turn slightly golden around the edges. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Taking them out just when they're lightly toasted keeps them crunchy without being too hard.
- Rub with Garlic:
- Right after taking out the warm toast, slice the tip off a garlic clove and lightly brush each bread piece. The bread's heat will pull the garlic flavor right in, making every bite smell amazing.
- Make Tomato Mixture:
- Grab a medium bowl and mix your chopped tomatoes, sliced basil and crushed garlic, then pour in olive oil with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix until everything's coated. Let it sit for about ten minutes so flavors can mix together and tomatoes soften slightly.
- Fold in Cheese:
- With a rubber spatula, carefully mix your soft cheese into the tomato blend. Don't stir too much – you want to see bits of cheese throughout the mixture.
- Assemble Bruschetta:
- Heap a big spoonful of the tomato-cheese mix onto each toasted bread slice. Place the slices in a ring on your serving plate to create the wreath shape.
- Garnish:
- Place small rosemary branches between the slices for a pretty green effect and maybe sprinkle some freshly shaved Parmesan on top for a holiday touch.
- Serve:
- Take the platter right to the table. These bites taste best when eaten immediately while the bread stays crispy and toppings are fresh.
What I love most is adding homemade ricotta as the cheese. It gives such a smooth, velvety bite. My family always races to grab the pieces with the biggest pile of tomato topping. It's turned into a silly custom at our house.
Flavor Boosters
Mix tomatoes with salt and wait so they release their juices and flavors mingle. Always pick just-cut herbs for strongest taste. Try switching to heirloom or cherry tomatoes, beaten feta, or throw in some fresh oregano for extra zing and visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions
Add more rosemary or seasonal blooms for holiday color. Put it next to a mix of olives, pickled veggies, or a simple greens plate for a complete starter spread. Little ones enjoy making tiny versions with smaller bread rounds or fancy crackers.
Creative Twists
Consider oven-dried winter tomatoes with a dash of red pepper or try soft edible petals and basil sauce for a springtime wreath look. Make bread rounds in advance and store in your freezer up to four weeks. Switch up your cheese choices for different creamy results.
This bruschetta wreath never fails to impress at parties and brings holiday cheer to your Christmas table. Fast to create and simple to customize, you'll soon find it becoming a yearly must-have in your home.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → Can I make the tomato topping ahead of time?
You can definitely prepare the tomato mixture with basil, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper several hours before your party. Just add the cheese right when you're ready to serve for the freshest taste.
- → Which cheese works best for the bruschetta wreath?
Try soft ricotta, smooth cream cheese, or tiny mozzarella pearls—they're all wonderful choices. Pick your favorite or mix them together for more flavor depth.
- → How can I keep the baguette slices crispy?
Toast your bread right before you put everything together and don't add the toppings until you're nearly ready to serve. This helps keep everything nice and crunchy.
- → Can I add extra herbs to the topping?
For sure! While basil is classic, fresh rosemary or parsley can add extra holiday flair and wonderful aroma to your wreath.
- → Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
It sure is! Just make sure you've picked vegetarian cheese options, and you'll have a tasty starter that all your veggie-loving guests can enjoy.