LAST UPDATED: May 18, 2018 • FIRST PUBLISHED: June 8, 2016 By Toni Dash 24 Comments

Bacon Lettuce and Tomato Bruschetta

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Bacon Lettuce and Tomato Bruschetta is a fresh, 2-bite appetizer with a classic topping and a little kick everyone will love! If you’re looking for an easy bruschetta recipe, this is the appetizer for you!

This post is sponsored as part of Boulder Locavore’s ongoing partnership with Udi’s Gluten-Free, exploring gluten-free recipes, health and wellness.

I have always loved Bruschetta. I used to order it all the time at Italian restaurants before I became gluten-free. Unfortunately, after I was gluten-free I hit the bruschetta brick wall and it was gone from my diet. Thankfully, due to the availability of ‘gf’ baguettes, it’s back on the menu and this time with a twist: Bacon Lettuce and Tomato Bruschetta.

For those who have not had bruschetta, it’s a thick slice of Italian bread or baguette, drizzled with olive oil and topped traditionally with garlic and chopped tomatoes. Like any recipe the toppings can be changed up to suit one’s mood, veering away from tradition.

Very similar to bruschetta is crostini. Crostini is small, thinner pieces of bread (often baguette) which are grilled or toasted and topped with a less bulky option than you’d expect on tomato bruschetta. Spreads, pate or cheese, would be more typical for crostini, which is served as an appetizer.

How to Make Bacon Lettuce and Tomato Bruschetta

Why the tutorial? Technically these Bacon Lettuce and Tomato Bruschetta are a cross between bruschetta and crostini. The small baguette slices are toasted or grilled leaving them crunchy on the outside and chewy in the middle. Using a smaller baguette makes them about a 2-bite appetizer with an iconic topping. They are like eating mini open faced BLT sandwiches.

The Bacon Lettuce and Tomato Bruschetta are perfect for seasonal heirloom tomatoes in any color and fresh butter lettuce. I love butter lettuce as it’s soft and easy to bite without wrestling with the appetizer like a dog on the end of a rope toy. Keeping the bacon cooked but not uber crisp also allows an easy bite without crumbling bacon flying everywhere.

I choose smaller tomatoes, wanting perfect slices to fit the top of the gluten free baguette when slicing the tomato vertically. Slices can of course be trimmed to fit as well.

I think you’ll find this a fun twist on a traditional appetizer that all, gluten-free or gluten-eating, will love!

Bacon Lettuce and Tomato Bruschetta appetizers

Ingredients

1 12-ounce thin Baguette (I used Udi’s Gluten-Free French Baguette), sliced into ¾-inch thick slices
3 tablespoons Olive Oil
5 strips of bacon , cooked until done but not crisp; drained and large fat sections trimmed
2-3 large leaves of Butter Lettuce , rinsed and patted dry with a paper towel
2 medium ripe (but firm) Tomatoes
¼ cup Chipotle Mayonnaise (purchased or homemade); regular mayonnaise may be substituted

Instructions

Slice the tomatoes vertically (not across the tomato) making slices the size of the top of the baguette slices (tomato slices may be trimmed to fit the size of the baguette slices as well).
Cut bacon slices into 2-inch pieces (the pieces may be cut in half vertically as shown in photos if desired).
Cut pieces of the lettuce to the size of the top of the baguette slices, avoiding the ribs in the middle of the lettuce leaves.
Lightly brush both sides of the baguette slices with the olive oil. Toasting options: Grilling: over a medium heat grill that has been cleaned and oiled, place the slices on the grill and turn frequently to lightly toast (30 seconds to 1 minute). Broiling place the slices on a baking sheet under a heated broiler. Watch closely and turn once as soon as the top is just lightly golden (do not overcook).
Spread some chipotle mayonnaise on one side of each baguette slice (don’t skimp). Layer with a piece of lettuce, tomato slice and bacon. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Udi’s Gluten Free. The opinions and text are all mine.

Bacon Lettuce and Tomato Bruschetta

How to Make Bacon Lettuce and Tomato Bruschetta