Make simple, fresh Caprese Crostini using toasted bread topped with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, finished with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:10 min
Total Time:25 min
Yield:About 18 servings
Category:Appetizer
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
1 clove garlic, halved
2 large ripe tomatoes, diced
8 ounces fresh mozzarella (bocconcini or ball), diced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Brush both sides lightly with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bread is lightly golden and crisp.
While the bread toasts, rub the cut side of the garlic clove over the warm surface of each crostini slice for a subtle garlic flavor.
In a medium bowl, gently combine the diced tomatoes, diced mozzarella, chopped basil, salt, and pepper.
Spoon the tomato and mozzarella mixture evenly onto each prepared crostini slice.
Drizzle each assembled crostini lightly with balsamic glaze and a final touch of good quality olive oil.
Serve immediately as an appetizer or light snack.
Notes
Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor in this simple recipe.
For a presentation boost, you can thread the tomato, mozzarella, and basil onto small skewers before placing them on the toast.
If you do not have balsamic glaze, you can reduce balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan until it thickens slightly.