Description
Caprese crostini bring Italian sunshine to your table with crisp baguette slices topped with juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil. Simple ingredients create magic when drizzled with rich balsamic glaze, promising a delightful starter that transports guests straight to Mediterranean charm.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- ½ French baguette, sliced into rounds
- 12 cherry tomatoes
- 12 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
- 12 fresh basil leaves
Oil and Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) coarse salt
Finishing Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Position the oven rack near the broiler element and heat to high, preparing for toasting the bread slices.
- Cut the French baguette into thin, uniform rounds approximately 1/2 inch thick, ensuring even sizing for consistent toasting.
- Liberally coat both surfaces of each bread round with extra virgin olive oil using a culinary brush, creating a golden, crisp foundation.
- Distribute the oiled bread slices in a single, non-overlapping layer across a sturdy baking sheet.
- Slide the baking sheet under the broiler, watching carefully as the bread transforms to a rich golden-brown color, which typically takes 1-2 minutes.
- Carefully extract the baking sheet, flip each crostini to expose the untoasted side, and return to the broiler for an additional 1-2 minutes until evenly bronzed.
- After achieving a perfect crunch, remove the baking sheet and gently rub each crostini with a peeled garlic clove, infusing a subtle aromatic essence.
- Layer a delicate slice of fresh mozzarella atop each toasted bread round, allowing the cheese to slightly soften from the residual warmth.
- Crown the mozzarella with a vibrant tomato slice or halved cherry tomato, ensuring complete coverage of the cheese.
- Enhance the flavors by sprinkling a modest pinch of coarse sea salt across the tomatoes.
- Artfully drizzle balsamic glaze in a zigzag pattern, creating an elegant visual and flavor profile.
- Garnish generously with freshly torn basil leaves, scattering them with a light, playful touch.
- Serve immediately to preserve the crostini’s crisp texture and maximize the harmony of flavors.
Notes
- Select a fresh, crusty French baguette for the best texture and flavor profile in your crostini.
- Toast bread slices carefully to achieve a perfect golden-brown color without burning, watching closely under the broiler.
- Use high-quality fresh mozzarella and ripe, juicy tomatoes to elevate the taste of this simple appetizer.
- Rub garlic clove on toasted bread for an extra layer of aromatic flavor that complements the fresh ingredients.
- Create these crostini just before serving to maintain the crispy bread texture and prevent sogginess.
- Opt for a thick balsamic glaze that provides a sweet and tangy finish, enhancing the overall taste of the appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg