A vibrant and flavorful appetizer featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella on crispy toasted baguette.
Prep Time15 minutesmins
Cook Time10 minutesmins
Total Time25 minutesmins
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Easy
Servings: 4servings
Ingredients
Tomato Mixture
2cupsRoma tomatoes, diced
½tablespoonfreshly minced garlic
2tablespoonsolive oil
1tablespoonbalsamic glazeor more to taste
⅓cupfreshly chopped basil
Salt and pepperto taste
Baguette Preparation
112-inchbaguettesliced in half lengthwise
2tablespoonsolive oilfor brushing the baguette
½tablespoonfreshly minced garlicfor the baguette
¼cupParmesan cheese, grated
2tablespoonsshredded mozzarella cheeseor more to your liking
Balsamic vinegarfor drizzling
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tomato Mixture. Begin by dicing the Roma tomatoes into small, bite-sized pieces. Place the diced tomatoes into a mixing bowl. Add the freshly minced garlic, olive oil, balsamic glaze, chopped basil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. Gently mix everything together, ensuring that the tomatoes are evenly coated in the flavorful dressing. Let this mixture sit for at least 10-15 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 2: Toast the Baguette. While the tomato mixture is resting, prepare the baguette. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the baguette in half lengthwise and place the halves on a baking sheet. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil with the minced garlic and brush this mixture generously over the cut sides of the baguette.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Bake. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese over the garlic-oil brushed baguette. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Assemble the Bruschetta. Once toasted, remove the baguette halves from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Spoon the delicious tomato mixture generously over the cheesy baguette. Make sure to distribute the mixture evenly along both halves for a perfectly topped bruschetta.
Step 5: Drizzle and Serve. To finish, drizzle the bruschetta with a little extra balsamic vinegar for a touch of tang and added flavor. Slice the bruschetta into smaller pieces for serving, and enjoy your homemade Caprese bruschetta warm while it’s fresh and delightful!
Equipment
Mixing Bowl
Baking Sheet
Oven
Notes
Use ripe, seasonal tomatoes for the best flavor. Adjust the amount of garlic and basil according to your taste preference. For a gluten-free option, serve the tomato mixture on gluten-free bread or crackers.