Bean Bruschetta

This appetizer is so hearty and flavorful that your guests may forget there is a main course coming.  Our step dad introduced this bean bruschetta recipe to us about twenty years ago.  Although it is one of our very favorites to make for special occasions, it certainly always tastes better when he does it!

Bean Bruschetta Ingredients

Many people would have the majority of these ingredients in the pantry. Cannellini beans, olive oil, garlic, white wine vinegar, salt, pepper and Dijon mustard.  I personally also always have prosciutto stocked or in the freezer at least.  Anyone with an herb garden could have fresh Italian parsley and sage as well.  I have used a variety of breads for this recipe, with a preference for a dense sour dough or country grain style of bread.

Bean Bruschetta Play by Play

This bean bruschetta appetizer recipe is good to make ahead of guests arriving, even the morning of. First you whisk together the vinaigrette and set aside. Next, julienne your sage leaves and coarsely chop the prosciutto.  Crisp the sage and prosciutto slowly over low heat until fragrant. Combine beans, garlic, salt, pepper, sage, prosciutto with about 3T of the vinaigrette.

Next, either save the bean mixture in the fridge until 20 minutes prior to serving or if serving right away, put in a sauce pan and heat on low. Meanwhile, brush oil on one side of sliced bread. Broil or grill the one side of the bread until desired “look” .  (Some folks like a little char on their bread, in which case, I’d recommend grilling to that point).

Expert tip:  lightly mash the bean mixture when warming.  The purpose of this is so that the beans do not just roll off of the bread when spooned on.  Do not overdo the mashing or you will sacrifice visual appeal.

Serving Suggestions

• As mentioned, this app can stand alone.  I have used it along with other heavy appetizers, such as flatbread-style pizza like this Fig Proscuitto Goat Cheese Pizza, Marinated Shrimp, Bacon and Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms, and/or charcuterie for events that are appetizers only.
• Or, this bean bruschetta is a great appetizer for events that start earlier and go a few hours before dinner. Since this is my husband’s favorite, I will make it for his birthday when having a few family members over.  We will do happy hour with bean bruschetta and then plan a lower-carb dinner.  For example, after serving this appetizer, we grill steaks and serve with this Kale Bacon and Avocado Salad.

Bean Bruschetta

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• Author: Gnarly Roots
• Total Time: 30 minutes

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Description

Hearty and Full of Flavor.

This is a great app for a night with a light dinner or an event that is apps only.

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Ingredients

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• Sliced country bread

Vinaigrette:

• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• 1 small garlic clove; minced
• ½ T Dijon mustard
• 2 T white wine vinegar
• 6 T olive oil
• 2 T Italian parsley; chopped

 

Heat in small sauté pan until crisp:

• 2 oz thinly sliced prosciutto; coarsely chopped
• 6 fresh sage leaves; julienned

 

Mix together in a bowl:

• 15 oz Cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 clove garlic; minced
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp ground pepper

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Instructions

1. Whisk together all ingredients for vinaigrette, except olive oil, then gradually add oil to emulsify
2. Crisp prosciutto and sage together in small sauté pan on low, stirring occasionally.
3. Combine beans, garlic, salt and pepper in medium mixing bowl.
4. Add crisped prosciutto and sage to the bean mixture then add 3 T vinaigrette and toss together.
5. Brush one side of country bread slice with olive oil and either grill or broil in oven.
6. Put bean mixture into small sauce pan on low to warm, use a fork to lightly mash a few beans (do not overdo it- this is just so the beans do not roll off of the bread when guests are serving themselves!)
7. Serve on grilled bread.

Notes

• This bean bruschetta appetizer recipe is good to make ahead of guests arriving.
• Broil or grill the one side of the bread until desired “look” .  (Some folks like a little char on their bread, in which case, I’d recommend grilling to that point).
• Expert tip:  lightly mash the bean mixture when warming.  The purpose of this is so that the beans do not just roll off of the bread when spooned on.  Do not overdo the mashing or you will sacrifice visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 15 min
• Category: appetizer

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6-8