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Caprese Bruschetta

A vibrant and flavorful appetizer featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella on crispy toasted baguette.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Easy
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

Tomato Mixture

  • 2 cups Roma tomatoes, diced
  • ½ tablespoon freshly minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or more to taste
  • cup freshly chopped basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Baguette Preparation

  • 1 12-inch baguette sliced in half lengthwise
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for brushing the baguette
  • ½ tablespoon freshly minced garlic for the baguette
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tablespoons shredded mozzarella cheese or more to your liking
  • Balsamic vinegar for 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.