A quick and easy appetizer bursting with fresh summer flavors!
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian
Prep Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 8-10 minutes
Servings: 8
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes with minimal effort!
- Fresh and Flavorful: Juicy tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella create the perfect summer bite.
- Versatile: Great as an appetizer or a light lunch.
Ingredients
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup fresh basil, julienne cut + more for garnish
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 8 oz. fresh mozzarella pearls
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 14 oz. French bread, sliced
- Optional: Balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Bruschetta Topping:
In a large bowl, combine halved tomatoes, 2 tablespoons olive oil, balsamic vinegar, basil, garlic, mozzarella, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well and set aside. - Toast the Bread:
Brush sliced French bread with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Place on a baking sheet and broil for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden. Flip the slices, brush with remaining olive oil, and broil for another 1–2 minutes. - Assemble:
Top each toasted crostini with the bruschetta mixture. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired and garnish with additional basil. - Serve:
Enjoy immediately as a flavorful appetizer or snack.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Skip the Toasting: Broiling the bread ensures a crispy base that holds up to the juicy tomato topping.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- Avoid Watery Bruschetta: If using larger tomatoes, remove seeds and guts to reduce excess liquid.
- Assemble Just Before Serving: To prevent soggy bread, assemble the bruschetta no more than a couple of hours before serving.
FAQs
What’s the difference between bruschetta and Caprese?
Bruschetta refers to grilled bread topped with various ingredients like tomato, basil, and mozzarella. Caprese is a salad with no bread, typically featuring tomato, mozzarella, and basil.
Can bruschetta be served hot or cold?
Bruschetta is best served at room temperature with warm toasted crostini, but it’s delicious either way!
Why is my bruschetta watery?
Watery bruschetta often results from juicy tomatoes. Using grape tomatoes or removing seeds from larger tomatoes can help reduce excess liquid.
Tried this recipe?
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