An easy Mexican bruschetta with roasted poblano peppers, jalapeño and cilantro, plus queso fresco for topping! Great for a delicious appetizer!
Friendly tip of the day: Don’t ever ask when Cinco de Mayo is.
Cause, you know, it’s always May 5.
Even if what you’re really wondering is which day of the week it falls on, so you can figure out if a party complete with margaritas is a good idea, just don’t ask.
Trust me, it’s a hard question to live down.
Now that we’ve got that behind us, who’s looking forward to some margaritas and Mexican fare on May 5th? Which is a Thursday this year, for the record, and Thursday is the unofficial start to the weekend, in my opinion. So margaritas are totally in order!
In preparation - because I’m always happy to think ahead about Mexican food — I’m imagining a massive spread of appetizers and margaritas of all different varieties.
Doesn’t that sound like fun? A party where everyone brings something to munch on and a pitcher of whatever kind of festive drink they love best?
Sipping, sampling, mingling, munching… good times!
So if you guys are throwing or going to a party like that, please invite me, OK? I’ll be sure to show up with some goodies. 🙂
Like this Mexican bruschetta. It's a twist on a classic Caprese bruschetta and it's all kinds of fun.
We've got a mix of roasted poblano peppers, fresh tomatoes, jalapeño peppers and cilantro. It's all seasoned up and marinated together so the flavors can really blend into each other.
It’s got a great smoky depth from the roasted poblanos, a tiny bit of heat from the jalapeño and a hit of refreshment from the juicy tomatoes and bright fresh cilantro.
Pair it with some crusty toasted baguette slices and some creamy, soft and slightly salty queso fresco and you’re in for a hand-held bite of Mexican fiesta. 💃
It’s overall pretty mild, which is great when serving a crowd, but you can kick it up a spicy note or two if you prefer, either by leaving in the stems of the jalapeño pepper, subbing a serrano pepper or just adding a few dashes of hot sauce. Love me some spice!
And don’t let the bread hold you back. This tasty little mixture adds flavor all over the place.
Ways to use this Mexican bruschetta mixture:
- Grilled chicken or fish
- Tacos or nachos or quesadillas
- Or in wraps and burritos
But in the real world on Cinco de Mayo, I’ll most likely be home with the kiddos, maybe celebrating with some Dora the Explorer books and a taco dinner. 😬
On the other hand, once they’re in bed, I could whip up some of this easy bruschetta and a half batch of margaritas and the hubs and I can have a little toast! I might have to make that happen.
On Cinco de Mayo. Which is May 5. Which is on a Thursday. In case you were confused.
Ole!
XO,
Kathryn
Mexican bruschetta
An easy Mexican bruschetta with roasted poblano peppers, jalapeño and cilantro, plus queso fresco for topping! Great for a delicious appetizer!
Ingredients
- 2 medium poblano peppers
- 2 roma tomatoes, chopped
- 1 medium jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped, plus extra for serving
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Hot sauce, if desired
For serving:
- 1 long French baguette, cut into half-inch diagonal slices
- ½ cup queso fresco
Instructions
- Roast poblano peppers. I place mine on my gas range (over high heat) for about 2 minutes per side. Turn and ensure all of the skin is charred black. You should see hardly any green spots. If you don’t have a gas stove, you can broil yours in the oven, turning occasionally.
- Meanwhile, prep the remaining ingredients for the bruschetta and combine in a small bowl.
- After the poblanos have steamed, use a paper towel to wipe off the charred skin. Open each poblano, remove the stem and seeds, and chop.
- Combine chopped poblanos with remaining ingredients in bowl and mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add hot sauce if desired.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight. Stir occasionally.
- When ready to serve, turn oven broiler to high. Brush baguette slices with olive oil and rub with garlic. Broil for about 45 seconds to 1 minute - watch very carefully so they don’t burn.
- Top baguette slices with bruschetta mixture and sprinkle each piece with queso fresco and extra cilantro. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
The bruschetta mixture is best when made ahead to allow the flavors to meld, so please plan accordingly!
Queso fresco, or queso blanco, is a mild white Mexican cheese. It’s available in most grocery stores, but if you can’t find it, you can substitute a mild feta cheese (a French style one, not a Greek one) or a mild goat cheese.
You could also add in, or top your bruschetta with, diced avocado, diced red onions, chopped green onions or any other favorite toppings!
This bruschetta mixture is also delicious over grilled chicken or fish, tacos or nachos, or in a wrap. So you should probably double the recipe!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
10Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 57Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 220mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 2g
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary
Hahaha... so i'm assuming you asked what day Cinco de Mayo is on. Too funny. Guuurl we all have those moments! I'd let you live it down... after a few months or so. 😉 Loving this Mexican-ized bruschetta!! Bruschetta is so delicious, but adding Mexican flavors is GENIUS!! SO perfect for Cinco de Mayo! Good thing I'm not planning on having a party, because these carbalicious babies would NOT make it to the table. MINE all mine! Cheers, dear!
Kathryn
Little bit of a misunderstanding but came with lots of laughs... at my expense 😉 I may be happy that we'll be at home if it means I get a whole plate of these babies! XO
Dawn at Girl Heart Food
Well, I didn't know what day Cinco de Mayo is on, but now I do and I have a reason to have an extra special day on May 5th, while drinking a margarita and munching on these delicious bites 😉 Loving everything in here, especially the roasted poblano peppers and queso fresco. Pinned 🙂
Kathryn
Thanks Dawn! It's a seriously delicious combo and yes, that cheese is crucial 😉
Kate @ Framed Cooks
Cinco de Mayo is my absolute favorite, culinarily speaking - I am pinning these pretty bruschetta for The Day!
Kathryn
Cheers to that Kate! Let's celebrate it all week long 😉
Aggie
This is genius and making me so hungry!!
Kathryn
Thanks so much Aggie 🙂
Brie
Great pics Kathryn, I can practically taste the fresh tomatoes and smoky peppers! Sounds like the perfect mix for our next breakfast burritos 🙂
Kathryn
Thanks Brie! This would definitely be awesome with some breakfast burritos!
Jazmin
Love this twist on bruschetta! And the pictures make me want to jump through the screen and steal a few bites. 😀
Kathryn
Aww, thanks Jazmin! I'll gladly share 🙂
Farrah
I want/need this in my life!!
Kathryn
Yes you do!! 🙂
Willow | Will Cook For Friends
Haha, I am notorious for asking when holidays are that always fall on the same day every year! How am I supposed to remember these things?! Or what day of the week TODAY is, for that matter. Seriously, more important stuff going on up in the brainwad. (Err... not really.)
I never would have thought to make bruschetta with some Mexican flare, but it is just so smart -- that flavor combo is making my mouth water! And I love the idea of putting it on tacos. I don't typically do much for Cinco De Mayo (seriously, why has no one invited me to an awesome party yet?) but I might just have to make these for the Husband and I, just for fun. 🙂
Kathryn
That's what it is - our brains are too full of other more important things 😉 You've gotta try this bruschetta (or taco topping as it may be) Willow and have at least a mini celebration!
Erin Thomas
Looks great- pinned to try later. Found your blog on Foodie Fri and started following on Pinterest and FB.
Kathryn
Yay, thanks so much Erin! Have a great weekend 🙂
CakePants
I'm always happy to think ahead when it comes to Mexican food, too! I love this Mexican spin on bruschetta. Between the poblanos and the queso fresco, I'm sure there's tons of zesty flavor!
Kathryn
Right?! So many yummy dishes! And you're right - so many great flavors mixed together with this bruschetta 🙂
Malia @ Small Town Girl Blog
Ha! I just wrote a recipe for Italian salsa! Great minds think alike! Love this! Pinning and sharing. Cheers!
Kathryn
Oooh, love the sound of that too! 🙂
Frugal Hausfrau
Great flavor profile~I love the twist of serving this on bruschetta! Thanks for bringing this by Throwback Thursday!
Kathryn
Always fun to do something a little unexpected 🙂 Thanks for hosting!
Christine at Must Love Home
Love it! This is perfect for Cinco De Mayo!!!This is so pretty I had to pin it! Thank you so much for sharing with us at Friday Favorites! I would love for you to join me at mustlovehome.com for the Wonderful Wednesday Link Party...and enter our $40 PayPal Cash Giveaway for May!! Hugs - Christine at Must Love Home
Kathryn
Aww, thanks Christine! Will definitely stop by 🙂
Christine at Must Love Home
Hello Beautiful!! I love your recipe! You have been Pinned,Tweeted and shared on Facebook! Your post will be featured this week at the Friday Favorites Link Party at Mustlovehome.com. Come by the party, the doors open at 7PM, to see your feature and share another of your favorite posts! Hugs - Christine at Must Love Home
Kathryn
Thank you so much Christine! Love partying with you each week 😉