A vibrant mix of strawberries, mint, and balsamic atop toasted baguette slices for a light, flavorful bite.
# What You Need:
→ 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. Toast for 4-5 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crisp.
02 - Remove toasted baguette slices from oven and immediately rub one side of each slice with the peeled garlic clove while warm.
03 - In a mixing bowl, combine diced strawberries, chopped mint, honey or maple syrup, lemon zest, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Gently toss to combine without crushing the berries.
04 - Pour balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan, add sugar if desired. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 3-5 minutes until thickened and syrupy. Allow to cool slightly.
05 - Spoon generous amounts of the strawberry mixture onto each garlic-rubbed toasted baguette slice.
06 - Drizzle the balsamic reduction over the strawberry topping. Serve immediately while bread remains crisp.
