Description
This Caprese Bruschetta recipe is a fresh and vibrant appetizer featuring toasted baguette slices topped with melted mozzarella, a zesty tomato and basil mixture, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Perfect for serving at parties or as a light snack, it combines the classic flavors of a Caprese salad in an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing bruschetta.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bruschetta Base
- 1 large baguette, sliced into 1.5-2 inch pieces
- 16 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
For the Tomato Topping
- 1 ½ cups diced tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 2 shallots, minced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the sliced baguette pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even toasting.
- Prepare Tomato Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped basil, minced shallots, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to blend all the fresh flavors into a savory topping.
- Assemble and Bake: Place two slices of fresh mozzarella on each baguette slice. Bake the prepared baguette pieces in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes, or until the mozzarella has melted and the bread becomes toasty and golden around the edges.
- Add Tomato Topping: Remove the toasted baguette slices from the oven. Spoon a generous amount of the tomato and basil mixture over each piece while the cheese is still warm to meld the flavors together.
- Garnish and Serve: Drizzle each bruschetta with the balsamic glaze, adding a sweet and tangy finish. Serve immediately to enjoy the combination of warm, melted cheese with fresh, vibrant toppings.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh, ripe tomatoes and fresh basil.
- You can prepare the tomato topping a few hours in advance and refrigerate to let the flavors meld.
- Balsamic glaze can often be found pre-made at grocery stores or you can reduce balsamic vinegar until thickened at home.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the baguette with gluten-free bread slices.
- Serve immediately after assembling to keep the bread crispy and the toppings fresh.
