The easiest appetizer for Summer is here! Using the freshest ingredients, Bruschetta Caprese is made with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and aromatic basil layered on top of crusty bread. With a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, each bite is heaven for your taste buds!
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Excuse me while I only eat this for the rest of the summer! A delicious appetizer made up of flavor-packed tomatoes, silky smooth mozzarella, and fresh basil all on top of good bread. Yeah, I'll be right here. Not to mention, it's extremely easy to bring together and has the most decadent flavor.
This bruschetta caprese will be my go-to appetizer for parties and snacks alongside some other favorites like my Summer Grilled Peach Salad and my Basil Pesto Orzo Salad.
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What is Caprese?
A caprese, or insalata caprese is a simple Italian salad that's made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. It's usually made up of 3 key ingredients to really celebrate each individual flavor and the marriage of all flavors together.
Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Simple ingredients. Made with easy-to-find ingredients and pantry staples.
- Easy recipe. Just a few simple steps and 12 minutes are needed to make this easy appetizer.
- Perfect appetizer. This is THE best appetizer to throw together last-minute!
Ingredients
- French baguette or Italian bread. Grab a crusty loaf from your local bakery or grocery store.
- Fresh garlic. Garlic is a must for this caprese bruschetta recipe, it adds a pop of extra flavor.
- Large tomatoes. You want ripe and fresh tomatoes because they are sweeter and have tons of flavor. I like either heirloom tomatoes or vine tomatoes.
- Small mozzarella balls. This recipe calls for small mozzarella balls (less prep work) but you can use a block of fresh mozzarella cheese cut up or ripped as well.
- Fresh basil. Fresh basil leaves add extra fresh flavor and a pop of color.
- Olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Be sure to use your best extra-virgin olive oil and Italian balsamic vinegar for the best flavor.
See the recipe card below for the remaining ingredients and quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides with olive oil. Broil until slightly golden brown. Take the bread out of the oven and immediately rub both sides of the bread with a garlic clove.
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine the diced tomato, mozzarella balls, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, basil, salt and black pepper.
- Step 3: Stir to combine all the ingredients and disperse the seasonings evenly.
- Step 4: Spoon the bruschetta mixture evenly onto each piece of toasted bread. Top with more fresh basil and flakey salt. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe FAQs
You can prepare the components in advance, such as toasting the bread and chopping the tomatoes. However, it's best to assemble the bruschetta just before serving to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
Absolutely! Some popular variations include adding finely chopped red onion or shallots, capers, basil pesto instead of fresh basil or some red chili flakes for a bit of heat.
It's best to serve this bruschetta within an hour of assembling to ensure the bread stays crisp and the toppings remain fresh.
Sarah's Top Tips
- Assemble right before eating. To prevent soggy bread, assemble the caprese salad on the bread slices right before serving!
- Serve immediately. Serve right after assembling to avoid soggy bread.
- Use good quality ingredients. The caprese topping should be made with fresh high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Don't forget the garlic! Rub garlic on the warm bread straight from the oven. The warmth helps release the garlic’s natural oils, imparting a subtle, aromatic flavor.
- Keep it simple. The 3 main ingredients (tomatoes, mozzarella and basil) should be the star of the show.
Serving
Serve bruschetta caprese for a snack, appetizer or a light nibble at home, for holidays, or outdoor BBQs. I like to stay on theme and serve it as an appetizer before digging into a 30-minute shrimp scampi or scallop risotto. The caprese flavor serves well with a glass of crisp pinot grigio or a smooth chianti.
Storage & Reheating
I do suggest eating this brushcetta with mozzarella right away, but if you need to make it ahead of time or have leftovers follow these steps:
- The caprese mixture can be made ahead of time and kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I suggest consuming it within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
- The bread takes 2 minutes to broil and should be made right before assembly. Leftover bread should be stored at room temperature in an airtight container or zip-top bag. It will stay crisp for 1-2 days. Re-crisp the bread in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
More Appetizer Ideas
- Quick White Bean Dip5 Minutes
- Smoked Salmon Canapés15 Minutes
- Mango Habanero Salsa35 Minutes
- Garlic Butter Mussels in White Wine Sauce30 Minutes
Did you make this recipe? Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and a comment below—I’d love to hear how it turned out! THANK YOU!
Recipe
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Bruschetta Caprese
See the full post for extra tips and photos
Ingredients
- French baguette or Italian bread loaf, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, peeled
- 4 large tomatoes, diced
- 8 ounces small mozzarella balls
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place the slices of bread onto a sheet pan and brush both sides with some olive oil.
- Heat under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until slightly golden.
- As soon as the bread comes out of the oven, rub each slice with the garlic clove.
- Combine the diced tomato, mozzarella balls, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, basil and salt and pepper in a bowl.
- Spoon the bruschetta evenly onto each toasted bread slice. Top with more fresh basil leaves and flakey salt, if desired. Serve immediately.
Save this Recipe!
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Sarah's Tips
- Assemble right before eating. To prevent soggy bread, assemble the caprese salad on the bread slices right before serving!
- Serve immediately. Serve right after assembling to avoid soggy bread.
- Use good quality ingredients. The caprese topping should be made with fresh high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Don't forget the garlic! Rub garlic on the warm bread straight from the oven. The warmth helps release the garlic’s natural oils, imparting a subtle, aromatic flavor.
- Keep it simple. The 3 main ingredients (tomatoes, mozzarella and basil) should be the star of the show.
- The caprese mixture can be made ahead of time and kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I suggest consuming it within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
- The bread takes 2 minutes to broil and should be made right before assembly. Leftover bread should be stored at room temperature in an airtight container or zip-top bag. It will stay crisp for 1-2 days. Re-crisp the bread in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
KITCHEN TOOLS NEEDED
- 1 Mixing Bowl
c says
the best!!