If you’re looking for a quick and delicious appetizer that embodies the essence of Italian cuisine, look no further than Simple Mozzarella Bruschetta! This vibrant dish combines the creamy texture of fresh mozzarella, the juiciness of ripe tomatoes, and the aromatic freshness of basil, all atop perfectly toasted baguette slices. With just 15 minutes of prep and cook time, you can impress your guests with a delightful burst of flavors that will transport them straight to the sun-kissed streets of Italy. Ready to elevate your next gathering or weeknight dinner? Dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and discover the magic of Caprese Bruschetta!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 baguette
- 2 cups fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 2 cups tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for toasting the bread.
- Slice the baguette diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces, creating even diagonal slices that will serve as the bruschetta base.
- Brush each baguette slice lightly with olive oil on both sides, ensuring even coverage for optimal toasting.
- Arrange the oiled bread slices on a baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Toast the bread in the preheated oven for 3-4 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and crisp, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- While bread is toasting, dice fresh tomatoes into small, uniform cubes and tear fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces.
- Remove toasted bread from oven and let cool for 1-2 minutes to prevent burning when adding toppings.
- Layer each bread slice with a slice of fresh mozzarella, covering most of the surface.
- Top mozzarella with diced tomatoes, distributing evenly across each slice.
- Sprinkle torn basil leaves over the tomatoes, adding a fresh aromatic element.
- Drizzle balsamic vinegar lightly over each bruschetta slice.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately while bread is still warm and mozzarella is slightly melted.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, use high-quality fresh mozzarella and ripe, juicy tomatoes. The freshness of these ingredients is key to a delicious bruschetta.
- Perfectly Toasted Bread: Keep a close eye on the baguette slices while they toast. You want them golden and crisp, but not burnt. A little olive oil goes a long way in achieving that perfect crunch!
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative! Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a kick, or drizzle with pesto for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Bruschetta is best enjoyed fresh. Serve it right after assembling to ensure the bread remains crispy and the mozzarella is slightly melted.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the toppings in advance. Just store the diced tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella separately in the fridge, and assemble them on the toasted bread right before serving for maximum freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg
