Bruschetta Melts

This will make a nice party recipe. Simple ingredients, granted there are a lot of elements, and simple steps to make it. I don't think it made enough for 24 slices, but it was pretty close. You can always add a little more tomato or onion to make the toppings go further. I think I was probably a little chintzy on the tomato since I'm not a huge tomato fan.

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp seasoned salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 4 plum tomatoes, seeded and finely chopped
• 1/2 cup finely chopped sweet onion
• 2 Tbsp minced fresh basil
• 1 carton (8 oz) spreadable chive and onion cream cheese
• 24 slices French bread (1/4 inch thick)
• 2 cups (8 oz) shredded, part-skim mozzarella cheese
• additional minced fresh basil

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper and garlic powder until blended. Stir in tomatoes, onion and 2 Tbsp basil.

Spread cream cheese over French bread slices; place slices on greased baking sheets Top with tomato mixture; sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. 

Bake 7-9 minutes or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with addition minced fresh basil.

NOTES: Doug added a little balsamic vinegar to dip his pieces in and it added a nice little something. They can be a bit plain without it, but not in a bad way. 

Serves 2 dozen

Prep Time: 25 min

Total time: 35 min

Recipe from Taste of Home