HEIRLOOM TOMATOES WITH BACON, BLUE CHEESE, AND BASIL

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Heirloom Tomatoes with Bacon, Blue Cheese, and Basil image

Categories     Bread     Cheese     Herb     Pork     Tomato     Appetizer     Fry     Cocktail Party     Picnic     Blue Cheese     Bacon     Spring     Summer     Gourmet     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

6 slices firm white sandwich bread
1/4 lb sliced bacon (about 5 slices)
6 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup finely chopped shallot
3 tablespoons Sherry vinegar
4 assorted medium heirloom tomatoes (2 lb total), cut into 1/4- to 1/3-inch-thick slices
30 small fresh basil leaves
1 1/2 oz blue cheese (preferably Maytag Blue), crumbled, at room temperature
Garnish: very small heirloom cherry or currant tomatoes
Special Equipment
a 3-inch round cookie cutter

Steps:

  • Cut 1 round from each bread slice with cookie cutter.
  • Cook bacon in a 10-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat until crisp, then transfer to paper towels to drain. Pour off bacon fat from skillet and reserve fat (do not clean skillet).
  • Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons oil in skillet over moderate heat until hot but not smoking, then toast 3 bread rounds, turning over once, until golden brown, about 3 minutes total. Transfer toasts to a rack to cool and season with salt and pepper. Toast remaining 3 bread rounds in 1 1/2 tablespoons more oil in same manner.
  • Cook shallot in 2 tablespoons reserved bacon fat and remaining 3 tablespoons oil in a small heavy saucepan over moderate heat, stirring, until softened, about 2 minutes. Add vinegar and simmer, whisking, until emulsified, about 1 minute. Season dressing with salt and pepper and keep warm, covered.
  • Crumble bacon. Arrange bread rounds on 6 plates and divide tomato slices among them, stacking slices and sprinkling some basil and bacon between slices. Sprinkle cheese and remaining basil and bacon over and around tomatoes. Spoon some of warm bacon dressing over and around tomatoes and season with salt and pepper.

NightShade Madness
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I highly recommend this salad. It's one of my favorites.


Shakala Bayliss
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This salad is so refreshing and flavorful. It's perfect for a summer lunch or dinner.


Talhah Wazir
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I love the combination of sweet tomatoes, salty bacon, creamy blue cheese, and fresh basil.


Before After
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This salad is so easy to make and it's always a crowd-pleaser. I've made it for potlucks, picnics, and even just for a quick weeknight dinner.


Shahadat Ridoy (Crushing boy)
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I'm not a huge fan of heirloom tomatoes, but I loved them in this salad. They were so flavorful and juicy.


dxb Saqib
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This is a great way to use up leftover bacon. I always have some bacon in the fridge, so this salad is a lifesaver.


Clement David
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I love that this salad is so customizable. I can add or subtract ingredients depending on what I have on hand.


Kishansingh Rajput
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This is a great salad to make ahead of time. It's even better the next day.


Darlene Patrick
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I've been making this salad for years and it never disappoints. It's always a hit at parties and potlucks.


A Brass
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This is one of my favorite salads. It's so flavorful and refreshing. I love the combination of textures and flavors.


ademola waliyullah
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I made this salad for a picnic and it was a hit! It's so easy to transport and it held up well in the heat.


Noor Mousa
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I'm not usually a fan of blue cheese, but it really works in this salad. It adds a nice salty tang that balances out the sweetness of the tomatoes.


Humbelani priscilla Nemanzemba
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This is a great salad for summer when heirloom tomatoes are at their peak. I always look forward to making it.


rwam chubb
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I love that this salad is so versatile. I can add or subtract ingredients depending on what I have on hand. I've even made it with grilled chicken or shrimp instead of bacon.


MD: Alinur
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This salad is so easy to make and it's always a crowd-pleaser. I've made it for potlucks, picnics, and even just for a quick weeknight dinner.


Mbali Jermina
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I've tried many heirloom tomato salads, but this one is by far the best. The bacon and blue cheese add a perfect amount of flavor and the basil really brings it all together.


Md nazmul Khan
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I made this salad for a party last weekend and it was a huge success! Everyone loved it. I will definitely be making it again.


Guri Gurwinder
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This is one of my favorite summer salads. It's so easy to make and it's always delicious. I love the combination of sweet tomatoes, salty bacon, creamy blue cheese, and fresh basil.


Bawar Bawar jamal
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I've been making this salad for years and it's always a hit! The heirloom tomatoes are so flavorful and the blue cheese and bacon add a nice salty touch. I always use fresh basil from my garden, which really makes the dish.