Description
This (Maybe Halloween) Caprese Crostini recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic Caprese salad, featuring fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes on a crunchy French bread base. Perfect as a tasty appetizer, it can be dressed up for a spooky Halloween presentation or enjoyed as a simple, elegant snack any time of year.
Ingredients
Scale
Mozzarella and Topping
- 3-4 ounces fresh mozzarella (ideally cherry sized balls for skulls or slices for classic version)
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or honey or maple syrup)
Bread and Veggies
- 1/2 loaf French bread (small diameter is better for Halloween version)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2-3 Roma tomatoes (or other small diameter tomatoes, or cherry tomatoes for classic version)
- 12 large basil leaves (or 24 medium leaves)
Instructions
- Prepare the Balsamic Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar (or your choice of honey or maple syrup). Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture reduces and thickens into a glaze, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Slice the Bread: Cut the French bread into approximately 1/2-inch thick slices. For Halloween-themed crostini, choose narrower slices to better accommodate mozzarella skull shapes.
- Toast the Bread: Brush each bread slice lightly with olive oil. Place on a baking sheet and toast under a broiler or in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 1 minute or until the edges are golden and crisp. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Prepare the Tomatoes and Basil: Slice the Roma tomatoes into thin rounds if using larger tomatoes, or halve cherry tomatoes for the classic version. Wash and pat dry the basil leaves.
- Assemble the Crostini: Arrange toasted bread slices on a serving platter. Top each with a slice or ball of fresh mozzarella. Add tomato slices or halves on top or beside the cheese, then place a basil leaf over each bite.
- Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze: Generously drizzle the cooled balsamic glaze over the assembled crostini just before serving to add sweetness and tang.
Notes
- This appetizer pairs the classic Caprese salad flavors with a crunchy bread base, making it perfect for parties and gatherings.
- For a Halloween twist, use small cherry-sized mozzarella balls to resemble little skulls and choose narrow bread slices to enhance the spooky appearance.
- You can substitute brown sugar with honey or maple syrup in the balsamic glaze according to taste.
- Serve immediately after assembling to keep the bread crisp and fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crostini
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
