Italian Red Pepper Bruschetta
Light & Tasty
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To make this easy appetizer, I halve a loaf of Italian bread, then top it with a blend of fresh basil, oregano, garlic and red peppers, tomatoes and cheeses. It's hard to eat just one slice!
—Josephine Devereaux Piro of Easton, Pennsylvania
SERVINGS: 12
CATEGORY: Lower Fat
METHOD: Baked
TIME: Prep/Total Time: 30 min.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf (1 pound) unsliced Italian bread
- 3 garlic cloves, minced, divided
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 large sweet red peppers, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1-1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons plus 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil, divided
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano
- 6 plum tomatoes, sliced
- 3/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 3 slices reduced-fat provolone cheese, julienned
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Directions:
Cut bread in half lengthwise; place on a baking sheet. In a nonstick skillet, saute 2 garlic cloves in 2 tablespoons oil until tender. Brush over cut side of bread.
In the same skillet, saute the red peppers, onion, Italian seasoning and remaining garlic in remaining oil until vegetables are tender; remove from the heat. Add 2 tablespoons basil, parsley and oregano; cool slightly. Place in a blender or food processor; cover and process until pureed. Spread over bread.
Top with tomato slices and cheese. Sprinkle with remaining basil. Bake at 400° for 10-13 minutes or until cheese is melted and edges are golden brown. Yield: 12 servings.