Caprese Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze

Ingredients

• 4 large ripe tomatoes, diced (800g) 4 large ripe tomatoes, diced (800g)
• 1 loaf of crusty Italian bread, sliced (400g) 1 loaf of crusty Italian bread, sliced (400g)
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced (225g) 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced (225g)
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (30g) 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (30g)
• 1/4 cup balsamic glaze (60ml) 1/4 cup balsamic glaze (60ml)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (30ml) 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (30ml)
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 7g)
• Carbohydrates: 32g (Sugar: 8g)
• Protein: 14g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and brush them with olive oil. Toast in the oven for about 10 minutes or until golden and crispy.
3. 3.
   In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
4. 4.
   Arrange the toasted bread slices on a serving platter.
5. 5.
   Top each slice with a slice of fresh mozzarella.
6. 6.
   Spoon the tomato and basil mixture over the mozzarella.
7. 7.
   Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the bruschetta.
8. 8.
   Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.
9. 9.
   Serve immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Choose ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. If they are not in season, you can use cherry tomatoes instead.
• Mozzarella — Opt for fresh mozzarella, preferably the type packed in water. It has a softer texture and milder flavor compared to aged mozzarella.
• Basil — Use fresh basil leaves for their aromatic and vibrant taste. Avoid using dried basil as it won't provide the same freshness.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, rub the toasted bread slices with a garlic clove before adding the toppings.
• Experiment with different types of bread, such as ciabatta or baguette, to add variety to your bruschetta.
• If you prefer a sweeter glaze, you can reduce the balsamic glaze in a saucepan over low heat until it thickens and becomes syrupy.
• Add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for an additional layer of richness.
• Serve the bruschetta immediately after assembling to ensure the bread stays crispy.

Serving advice

Caprese Bruschetta is best served as an appetizer or a light lunch. Arrange the bruschetta on a platter and garnish with a few extra basil leaves for an elegant touch. Serve alongside a fresh green salad to complete the meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, arrange the bruschetta slices in a circular pattern on the platter, alternating between the red of the tomatoes and the white of the mozzarella. Drizzle the balsamic glaze in a zigzag pattern over the top for an artistic touch. Sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper and a few basil leaves on top for a pop of color.