Bruschetta with Tomato-Basil Topping

Directions

For topping:

• Step 1

  In a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, basil, olive oil, the 2 teaspoons minced garlic, the 1/4 teaspoon salt, and the 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Set aside.

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For garlic butter:

• Step 1

  In a small bowl, combine softened butter, the 1 teaspoon garlic, the 1/8 teaspoon salt, and the 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.

• Step 1

  Evenly spread garlic butter on one side of bread slices. For charcoal grill, grill bread slices, buttered side down, on the rack of an uncovered grill directly over medium-low to low coals for 2 minutes or until lightly browned. Turn over and spoon the topping onto each bread slice. Sprinkle with cheese. Grill, covered, 3 to 4 minutes more or just until heated through and bottoms are toasted. Watch bread closely so it does not char. (For a gas grill, preheat grill on high for 10 to 15 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low to low. Place bread slices on grill rack over heat. Cover and grill as above.)

• Step 1

  Remove from grill. Serve immediately. Makes 8 appetizer servings.