Take Your Grilled Cheese to the Next Level: Molten Cheese with Balsamic Drizzle

Bruschetta with Grilled Tomino Cheese, Onion Jam & Pear-Arugula Salad: A Simple Yet Elegant Recipe for Entertaining

If you're looking for a vegetarian-friendly appetizer or light meal that's easy to make and full of bold flavor, this bruschetta with grilled Tomino cheese, sweet onion jam, and a crisp pear-arugula salad is the ideal choice.

Combining sweet, savory, creamy, and fresh elements, this dish delivers a satisfying balance of textures and tastes. It's a standout option for dinner parties, festive gatherings, or even as a special treat any day of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This bruschetta is not only delicious but also versatile and elegant. It brings together the luxurious molten cheese with the subtle sweetness of onion jam and pears, brightened by a peppery arugula salad, all finished with a splash of aged balsamic vinegar for a burst of complexity. Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly, so everyone at your table can enjoy it.

Ingredient Notes & Cheese Alternatives

The star of the recipe is Tomino cheese, a soft, mild Italian cheese that melts beautifully and develops a delicate char when grilled. If you don’t have access to Tomino, don’t worry- there are excellent alternatives that work just as well:

• Camembert or Brie - soft-ripened cheeses that melt into a luscious, creamy center with a delicate rind that chars nicely on the grill
• Coulommiers - a French soft cheese similar to Camembert but slightly milder and also perfect for grilling
• Halloumi - firmer and saltier, it grills well but doesn’t melt as much, adding a different texture contrast if you prefer

Basically any cheese that works well when grilled is perfect!

Ingredients:

• 2 Tomino cheese (or one of the alternatives above)
• 2 slices Good quality bread (country-style or sourdough works best)
• 4 tbsp Onion jam by Cutrera
• A few handfuls Fresh arugula
• 1 ripe pear, thinly sliced
• A handful of walnuts, roughly chopped
• Aged balsamic vinegar by Giusti
• Extra virgin olive oil by Cutrera
• Sea salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Grill the bread: Toast the bread slices until they’re golden brown and crisp to provide a sturdy base.
2. Prepare the cheese: Grill the Tomino cheese on both sides over medium heat until the rind is lightly charred and the inside starts to melt, creating that perfect molten texture.
3. Prepare the salad: While the cheese is grilling, thinly slice the pear and toss it with fresh arugula and walnuts in a bowl. Dress lightly with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, and a pinch of sea salt. Toss gently to combine.
4. Assemble the bruschetta: Spread a generous layer of sweet onion jam onto each grilled bread slice. Top with the warm, melted Tomino cheese.
5. Serve: Plate the bruschetta alongside the fresh pear-arugula salad. Finish with an extra drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar over everything for added depth and brightness.

Presentation Tips:

This dish shines when served beautifully.

Arrange your bruschetta on a rustic wooden board or elegant ceramic platter, allowing the vibrant greens, golden cheese, and glossy balsamic to stand out.

The final drizzle of balsamic vinegar not only enhances flavor but also adds a visually appealing gloss that ties all elements together.

Perfect for entertaining and guaranteed to impress, this Molten Cheese & Balsamic Bruschetta is a must-try recipe that brings fresh, seasonal flavors to your table - with a vegetarian twist!