Easy Bruschetta Dip

MarthaStewartWanabe's Note:

I created this on a whim and served it at my annual 2007 Christmas hors d'oeuvres party for my friends. I was planning to make traditional bruschetta but was worried it would get cold or soggy before all my guests arrived. It's simple and a convenient way to serve bruschetta in a party setting.

• Total Time: 25 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 12

• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 garlic clove , minced
• 1 teaspoon basil , dried
• 1 teaspoon oregano , dried
• 2 tablespoons onions , minced
• 1 tablespoon Spanish olives , chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese , grated
• ½ cup parmesan cheese , grated
• 6 -8 cups French baguettes , thinly sliced

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Combine tomatoes, garlic, basil, oregano, onion, olives, oil and 1 tbs. parmesan cheese in a small casserole dish. With back of spoon, smooth down top of mixture until flat.
3. Sprinkle 1/2 cup parmesan cheese evenly over top.
4. Bake at 350 F for 10-12 minutes or until heated through.
5. While this is baking, slice bread and arrange as desired. If desired, lightly toast the bread before arranging.
6. Turn off oven heat and preheat broiler to medium heat. Place tomato mixture 2-3 inches under broiler for 1-2 minutes or until cheese is lightly browned.
7. Serve immediately, allow guests to spoon the mixture onto pre-sliced bread.