My Caprese Crostini recipe is a simple, elegant appetizer with crisp baguette slices, creamy mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves. A drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze ties it all together for the perfect bite-sized take on caprese salad!
A caprese salad is a classic Italian dish made with fresh mozzarella cheese, ripe tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves, typically drizzled with olive oil and sometimes balsamic glaze. It's known for its simple ingredients and bright, fresh flavors.
For my Caprese crostini, those same delicious ingredients are transformed into an elegant appetizer by layering them onto crisp baguette slices. The little toasts provide a crunchy contrast to the creamy mozzarella and juicy tomato slice, while the drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze enhances the flavors.
This easy summer appetizer recipe takes the essence of a caprese salad and turns it into a great appetizer that’s perfect for entertaining!
Looking for more? Try my Grilled Bruschetta, Roasted Pepper Caprese, Basil Whipped Feta Dip, and Caprese Skewers.
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🌟 Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Crispy meets creamy: Who doesn't love the crunch of little toasts paired with the melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella? It’s the perfect contrast of textures in every bite.
- Summer on a plate: With fresh basil, ripe tomatoes, and balsamic glaze, this recipe is basically a bite-sized vacation. It’s like enjoying a caprese salad without having to worry about any forks.
- Impress without stress: This simple yet elegant appetizer looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, but it's quick and easy. It’s the ideal way to serve something special without breaking a sweat.
🥘 Ingredients
- Baguette – The crispy base for this Caprese Crostini, providing the perfect crunch to complement the creamy mozzarella and juicy tomatoes. Opt for a fresh, crusty baguette for the best texture.
- Roma Tomatoes – Sweet, ripe tomatoes that add a burst of freshness. Their firm texture makes them perfect for slicing without becoming mushy.
- Fresh Mozzarella – Creamy, soft, and slightly tangy, fresh mozzarella is the heart of this dish, balancing the other ingredients and bringing a rich, milky flavor to every bite.
- Fresh Basil – Aromatic and vibrant, fresh basil leaves bring a peppery kick and a hint of sweetness, cutting through the richness of the mozzarella and olive oil.
- Olive Oil – A good extra virgin olive oil ties all the flavors together, adding a silky richness to the crostini. Look for high-quality, cold-pressed olive oil to enhance the freshness of the ingredients.
- Balsamic Glaze – Sweet and tangy, the balsamic glaze adds depth and a subtle zing, elevating the flavors with a touch of sophistication.
See recipe card for quantities.
🔪 Step by Step Instructions
Toast the Baguette Slices: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil and toast for 8–10 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
Assemble the Crostini: Top each toasted baguette slice with a slice of fresh mozzarella followed by a slice of Roma tomato.
Season the Crostini: Drizzle a little olive oil over the top of each crostini and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.
Garnish with Fresh Basil: Place a fresh basil leaf on top of each crostini for a fragrant, aromatic finish.
Add Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a small amount of balsamic glaze over the crostini to enhance the flavors with a sweet and tangy touch.
Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the Caprese crostini on a platter and serve immediately as an elegant, easy appetizer!
👩🏼🍳 Chef's Tips
- Use fresh mozzarella: It makes a big difference in flavor and texture.
- Toast the bread just right: Aim for crispy but not too hard slices.
- Let it sit briefly: Allow the flavors to meld for a few minutes before serving.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Try burrata instead of fresh mozzarella for a rich, creamy alternative that takes these little toasts to the next level.
- Sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top for an extra kick of heat that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes and balsamic drizzle.
- Swap the balsamic glaze with a balsamic reduction for a thicker, more intense flavor that adds a gourmet touch.
- Add slices of heirloom tomatoes for a colorful variety that enhances the flavor and adds an elegant twist.
- Drizzle with pesto for a vibrant, herby alternative like my Salsa Verde, that complements the fresh mozzarella and basil beautifully.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which pairs beautifully with the fresh mozzarella and ripe tomatoes.
- Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed in olive oil and lemon for a light, fresh side that complements the crostini's flavors.
- Add to a charcuterie board with slices of fresh mozzarella, some heirloom tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elevated spread.
- Top with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, and serve alongside some little toasts or finger foods for a fun, bite-sized experience.
- Serve as part of an easy summer appetizer recipe along with other small bites like tomato halves and fresh basil leaves for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing platter.
💭 Recipe FAQs
To keep them fresh and crispy, it’s best to assemble the crostini right before serving. However, you can prep the components ahead of time—toast the bread and store it in an airtight container, and keep the mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil separate in the fridge. Just assemble and drizzle with balsamic glaze when you're ready to serve!
🥣 Storage & Reheating
- Store the toasted baguette slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.
- Store the fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil in the refrigerator, separately in airtight containers.
- Assemble just before serving, and drizzle with balsamic glaze at the last minute to keep everything crisp and fresh!
🌿 Related Recipes
🥗 Pairing Recommendations
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a 5-star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating & comment below to let me know how it came out. Thanks for visiting!
📋 Recipe
Caprese Crostini
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Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush
- Cutting board and knife
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons and cups
Ingredients
- 1 loaf baguette cut into ½-inch thick slices, about 30 to 36 slices
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil for brushing and drizzling
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 5 Roma tomatoes sliced
- 1 ¼ pounds fresh mozzarella sliced
- 1 bunch fresh basil leaves stemmed
- ¼ Cup balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil.
- Toast the crostini: Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Assemble: Top each toasted baguette slice with a slice of fresh mozzarella, followed by a slice of Roma tomato.
- Season: Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Garnish: Finish with a fresh basil leaf on top of each crostini and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Serve: Arrange on a platter and enjoy immediately!
🌡️ Food safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
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