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person holding a piece of caprese bruschetta
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5 from 2 votes

Caprese Bruschetta

Our Caprese bruschetta recipe is an easy appetizer to make ahead for your next party.  Made with traditional toppings, this elegant Italian finger food is vegetarian, simple, and healthy.  Drizzle on the balsamic reduction sauce to make it extra special.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings: 32 slices
Calories: 99kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 1 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 3 cups fresh Roma tomatoes seeded and diced
  • 1 tablespoon garlic minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar
  • ½ cup fresh basil julienned
  • 2 French baguettes cut in ½-inch slices
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 large garlic cloves peeled
  • 12 slices of fresh mozzarella

Instructions

Making the Balsamic Reduction Sauce

  • Pour 1 cup of balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan, then turn the heat to medium.  Cover the sauce pan and bring the vinegar to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat to medium low and remove the lid.  Allow the vinegar to simmer uncovered until the it has has reduced in half, roughly 10-15 minutes.  Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon.
  • When the glaze is done, it should coat the back of the wooden spoon.  Remove from heat and pour into a bowl to cool.  As it cools, the glaze will thicken.  Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight jar.

Making the Tomato Salad

  • Rinse the roma tomatoes, then split them in half lengthwise.  Scoop out the pulp and seeds with a spoon, then finely dice the remaining tomato flesh.
  • Mix the diced tomatoes with the minced garlic, salt, and pepper, then stir in one teaspoon of white balsamic vinegar.
  • Wash 8 or 9 large basil leaves, pat dry, stack, and cut into ribbons.  Gently mix the basil ribbons into the tomato salad.
  • Let the salad stand at room temperature while you toast the baguettes.

Assembling the Bruschetta

  • Make sure the oven rack is 6 inches from the broiler, then turn the oven broiler on high.
  • Diagonally slice a baguette with a serrated knife, then lay the slices on a large cookie sheet.  Brush both sides of the bread with olive oil.
  • Broil the baguettes on both sides until lightly browned.  Watch closely, because some slices will be done quicker.  Remove the baguette slices.  Turn off the broiler and preheat the oven to 400F.
  • While the bread is still warm, lightly rub both sides of each baguette with a peeled garlic clove.
  • Place one slice of fresh mozzarella on each baguette slice.  Bake the toast at 400 F for 4-6 minutes, until the mozzarella is soft and melted.  Remove from the oven and sprinkle with salt.
  • Place a few spoonfuls of the bruschetta on top of each slice of toasted baguette.
  • Drizzle each piece with homemade balsamic reduction sauce, then enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use room temperature tomatoes.
  • Cut the tomatoes in half, then use a spoon to scoop out all the liquid and seeds.
  • To add more flavor and a hint of acidity, drizzle the top the bruschetta with a balsamic reduction.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 99kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 203mg | Potassium: 92mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 276IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 76mg | Iron: 1mg
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