Recipe

Caprese Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze

Mediterranean Delight: Caprese Bruschetta with a Tangy Twist

4.8 out of 5

Indulge in the flavors of Italy with this delightful Caprese Bruschetta recipe. This classic Italian dish combines the freshness of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all served on crispy toasted bread. Topped with a drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze, this appetizer is a perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication.

Appetizer› Bruschetta alla caprese

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Italian cuisine

Preparation time

15 minutes

Cooking time

10 minutes

Total time

25 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Mediterranean, Gluten-free (if using gluten-free bread), Low-carb (if using low-carb bread), Nut-free

Allergens

Wheat (if using regular bread), Dairy

Not suitable for

Vegan, Dairy-free, Paleo, Keto, High-protein

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.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
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.
In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
4.
Arrange the toasted bread slices on a serving platter.
5.
Top each slice with a slice of fresh mozzarella.
6.
Spoon the tomato and basil mixture over the mozzarella.
7.
Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the bruschetta.
8.
Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.
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.