Description
Crisp Italian bread slices showcase this classic Caprese crostini with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil. Simple ingredients combine for a delightful starter that will transport guests to Mediterranean coastlines.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
- 12 cherry tomatoes
- 12 fresh basil leaves
- ½ French baguette, sliced into rounds
- 2 tbsps (30 mL) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp (15 g) coarse salt
- 3 tbsps (45 mL) balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Position the oven rack near the broiler element and heat to high for optimal bread toasting.
- Bread Preparation: Slice the French baguette into thin, uniform rounds, ensuring consistent thickness for even toasting.
- Oil Application: Brush both surfaces of bread rounds with extra virgin olive oil, creating a foundation for golden crispness.
- Broiling Process: Arrange oiled bread slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and broil 1-2 minutes until rich golden-brown, then flip and toast the opposite side for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Garlic Infusion: Remove toasted crostini and gently rub with a peeled garlic clove to impart a subtle aromatic essence.
- Cheese and Tomato Assembly: Layer fresh mozzarella slices on warm crostini, topped with vibrant tomato slices, ensuring complete cheese coverage.
- Flavor Enhancement: Sprinkle coarse sea salt over tomatoes and drizzle balsamic glaze in an elegant zigzag pattern.
- Final Garnish: Scatter freshly torn basil leaves across the crostini with a light, playful touch.
- Serving Recommendation: Present immediately to preserve crisp texture and maximize flavor harmony.
Notes
- Watch Bread Closely: Broiling happens fast, and bread can quickly burn from golden to charred within seconds, so stay near the oven and monitor constantly.
- Garlic Technique: Gently rubbing a raw garlic clove across warm crostini releases aromatic oils, infusing subtle flavor without overwhelming the delicate ingredients.
- Oil Coverage Matters: Generously brush olive oil on both bread sides to ensure even, crispy toasting and prevent dry or uneven texture.
- Temperature Timing: Let crostini cool slightly after broiling to prevent burning fingers and allow cheese to softly melt without completely liquefying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 154
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 265 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 11 mg