Looking for a fun appetizer recipe with a twist? Bacon Lettuce and Tomato Bruschetta is a fresh, 2-bite appetizer with a classic topping and a little kick everyone will love!
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 bruschetta. Spreads, pate or cheese would be more typical for crostini, which is served as an appetizer.
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 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
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.
Learn more about living gluten free! Visit http://udisglutenfree.com/community
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Udi’s Gluten Free. The opinions and text are all mine.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
This sounds super tasty. I love anything with bacon 🙂 NOM.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
This is the best take on a BLT I’ve ever seen! I can’t wait to make this. Bruschetta is always an excellent base for anything.
Catherine S says
Wow, this looks so yummy. This will make a perfect lunch when we are at the beach this weekend. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama says
My mom makes her homemade bruscetta on crostinis like this. IT’s easy when they are pre-made by our local grocery.
Kristi says
Those look super yummy. We are having friends over next week for dinner and these would be perfect to add to the menu.
Pam says
This looks so good. We have some tomatoes growing in our little garden so soon I could make this with fresh tomatoes.
Chrystal | Nevermore Lane says
Oh yum! You had me at bacon! I am trying to cut down my carbs again so I would swap out the bread with a thick cucumber slice. Tis the season for garden fresh vegetables. Love it.
Val says
What an easy recipe idea! I am going to have to try to make this.
Brandy says
I had tried a bruschetta somewhere and never knew what it was called! So glad to see recipes like this popping up giving the name to the appetizer – bruschetta! I will have to make this because it looks delicious!
Liz Mays says
Aww, these are fun and they look so good. I would love making bunch of these for a special occasion.
monica says
Perfect for a summer party! Love your beautiful presentation too. 🙂
Crystal says
Mini foods make me happy. Probably because I can then eat like five times the normal amount & not feel bad. These BLT Bruschettas look awesome.
Nicole Escat says
I like this, I think this is perfect for our upcoming cocktail party at home, thanks for sharing.
Ryan Escat says
I don’t like tomatoes that much but I like this bruschetta because of the combination.
Brenda Haines says
What a great idea for all the tomatoes I’m growing this season! I need lots of ideas!
Marcie W. says
This is such a fun take on classic bruschetta! It has been far too long since I enjoyed a tasty BLT.
Amy Desrosiers says
These came out so beautiful and almost too pretty to eat! I love the grilled bread too!
Kelly Hutchinson says
Who doesn’t love a good BLT? And in just one tasty bite? Perfection!
Lisa Joy Thompson says
We love BLTs at our house! I’ll definitely have to try making BLT Bruschetta! I bet it would be a HUGE hit!
Rosey says
What a fun way to make the bruschetta! That’s one of my son’s favorite things to prepare when guests are over. I’m sending him this link in an email so he can try it with your twist.
Candy O says
I love this recipe. Very easy and delicious! I love the use of the cibatta bread too!
Toni Dash says
These were actually made with slim gluten-free French Baguettes which allow a more petite size but you certainly could make a larger version with ciabatta bread too!
Candy O says
Oh that’s right! Why did I think cibatta! LOL
Toni Dash says
They look similar! I should have put a quarter next to one for a size comparison LOL!