Ingredients:

  • 1 whole-grain baguette, sliced into 12 1/2-inch rounds
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large clove garlic, peeled and halved
  • 8 leftover cooked beef meatballs, sliced into 1/4-inch coins
  • 1/4 cup low-sugar marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup shredded low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1 tbsp balsamic glaze

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange your 12 baguette rounds on a large rimmed baking sheet, ensuring they aren't overlapping. Note: Space allows the hot air to circulate around the edges for maximum crispness.
  2. Brush each slice lightly with the extra virgin olive oil. Don't drench them; you just want a glistening coat.
  3. Bake the bread for 4 minutes until the edges are pale gold and the surface feels firm.
  4. Remove the tray from the oven. Immediately rub the cut side of your halved garlic clove over the hot, toasted side of each slice. You should smell a sudden, sharp aroma of roasted garlic.
  5. Spread exactly 1 teaspoon of marinara sauce onto the center of each garlic rubbed toast. Avoid going all the way to the very edge.
  6. Layer each toast with 2-3 meatball coins. Press them down slightly into the sauce so they don't migrate.
  7. Top with a generous sprinkle of the shredded mozzarella and a pinch of dried oregano.
  8. Return the tray to the oven and bake for 3–5 minutes (or use the broiler on high for 1-2 minutes). Bake until the cheese is bubbling and showing mahogany colored spots.
  9. Remove from the oven and let them sit for about 60 seconds. Note: This brief rest lets the cheese set so it doesn't slide off when someone takes a bite.
  10. Garnish with the torn fresh basil and a deliberate drizzle of balsamic glaze. Serve while they are still warm and the bread is at its peak crunch. Greek Chicken Meatball Recipe: Baked Tender — Master this greek chicken meatball recipe with our secret to ultra-tender bit...Slow Cooker Mongolian Meatballs for 6 Servings — Master slow cooker mongolian meatballs with this easy recipe. We use frozen m...Paprika Chicken Meatballs for 4 Servings — Master these Paprika Chicken Meatballs with our budget-friendly recipe and th... $img_2$