Kansas City Strip Steak Bruschetta

Run for the end zone with ultimate portable steak sandwiches! Big on flavor, this appetizer will have you and your guests grabbing for more.

INGREDIENTS

Strip Steak:
1 Kansas City strip steak
1 tsp kosther salt
1/2 tsp Happy Pepper

Bruschetta Topping:
1 lb Roma Tomatoes (about 6 medium)
2 Calabrian Chilies, minced
2 tbs Don Carlos Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tsp Grape Balsamic Vinegar
3 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
1 tsp kosher salt

To Serve:
1 baguette, French bread or similar Italian bread
1/4 cup Garlic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 cloves garlic
2 tbs Fig Chili Balsam

DIRECTIONS:

For the Steak:
1. Heat the grill to medium-high or prepare a charcoal grill for two-zone grilling. Lightly oil the grill grates.
2. Pat the strip steak dry with paper towels and coat on all sides with Smoky BBQ Extra Virgin Olive Oil, salt and pepper. Set aside on a plate or small rimmed baking sheet.
3. Cook the steak, covered, over direct heat for 4 minutes. Turn the steaks, cook covered again for 3 minutes, then turn again and grill for an additional 2 to 4 minutes, until they reach desired doneness (135 F for medium rare). Remove the steak to a clean cutting board to rest.

For the Bruschetta Topping:
Halve the tomatoes and use a spoon to remove the seedy pulp inside. Roughly chop the tomatoes and move them to a large mixing bowl. Add the chilies, olive oil, vinegar, basil and salt, and stir to combine.

To Serve:
1. Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch-thick pieces on a slight bias. Brush the bread on both sides with olive oil and arrange on a rimmed baking sheet.
2. Toast the bread over direct heat for 1 to 2 minutes on each side. Remove the bread from the grill and cool slightly. Then rub each piece with one of the garlic cloves.
3. Thinly slice the steaks. Top each piece of baguette with steak, followed by a tablespoon of the tomato mixture. Drizzle the entire batch with the Fig Chili Balsam just before serving.