Caprese Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze (25 Minutes)
This Caprese Bruschetta brings two Italian classics together in one bite. Oven-toasted baguette slices get rubbed with raw garlic straight out of the oven, then topped with juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella pearls, and torn basil, finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze that ties everything together. It is ready in 25 minutes, serves 6, and is the appetizer I make every summer when tomatoes are at their peak. Assemble right before serving, and do not skip the garlic rub; it is what makes the toast taste like more than just bread.
Tomato season in coastal New England is something I look forward to all year. Farmers-market cherry tomatoes, fresh basil from the garden, good olive oil; this caprese bruschetta is what I make when I want to do as little to the ingredients as possible and let them speak for themselves. It is the natural combination of two things I love: a classic Italian bruschetta and a summer caprese salad. If you love summer appetizers, you will also want to try my Pesto Bruschetta with Marinated Tomatoes, Marinated Mozzarella Balls, and Prosciutto Crostini.
What are the ingredients in Caprese Bruschetta?
The tomatoes are everything in this recipe; use the ripest, most flavorful cherry tomatoes you can find. Farmers’ market tomatoes in peak summer are ideal; the difference between a watery supermarket tomato and a ripe in-season one is enormous, and it shows in every bite. Fresh mozzarella pearls are the right call; let them sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes before assembling so the cheese is soft and flavorful rather than cold and rubbery. Balsamic glaze rather than straight balsamic vinegar gives you a thicker, sweeter, more concentrated finish that clings to the topping beautifully. And use good olive oil; this is a simple recipe and every ingredient counts.
How to Make Caprese Bruschetta?
- First, we’ll toast the bread. Preheat oven to 400°Fahrenheit (200°Celsius). Brush both sides with 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil.
2. Then, arrange bread slices on a baking sheet.
3. Toast the bread for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.
4. Rub the tops with the cut side of a garlic clove as soon as they come out of the oven.
5. Next, we will make the topping/tomato mixture. In a small bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, chopped fresh basil leaves, 1 tablespoon olive oil, balsamic glaze, kosher salt, and black pepper.
6. Toss gently to combine and set aside. Make sure to keep it out at room temp – don’t stick it back in the fridge!
7. Time to assemble the caprese bruschetta! Spoon the tomato mixture over each piece of toasted bread. Finish with an extra drizzle of balsamic glaze if desired.
8. Arrange on a large platter and serve immediately as a delicious caprese bruschetta.
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Caprese Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze (25 Minutes)
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Pastry brush
- Small bowl
Ingredients
For the Toasts
- 1 fresh baguette sliced into ½-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove halved
For the Caprese Topping
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes quartered
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls or diced fresh mozzarella
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves chopped
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.1 fresh baguette, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- While the bread is toasting, work on the topping! In a small bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, balsamic glaze, remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to combine.1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, 1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls, ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Toast for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown. Rub each slice with the cut side of the garlic clove while still warm.1 garlic clove
- Spoon the tomato mixture over the toasted bread slices. Drizzle with additional balsamic glaze, if desired.
- Serve immediately on a large platter as a fresh, summery appetizer.